Film Review: The Wraith (1986)

1980s are often described as the decade when style reigned supreme over substance. This trend affected even low budget B-films and one of such examples is The Wraith, 1986 fantasy action film written and directed by Mike Marvin.

The plot begins somewhere in Arizona where one night mysterious supernatural or alien force creates strange black car that would roam the highway. Then the story shift to town of Brooks, Arizona where Packard Walsh (played by Nick Cassavetes) leads the gang of young thugs that terrorises local population and everyone that comes in their way, including drivers of fancy cars who are coerced into drag races and later have to give it to Packard after losing. Packard is very possessive of Keri Johnson (played by Sherilyn Fenn), pretty waitress whose former boyfriend he got killed. So, when a Jake Kesey (played by Charlie Sheen), mysterious motorcycle-riding newcomer, begins showing interest in Keri, conflict seems unavoidable. However, Packard soon gets distracted by another newcomer – black-clad helmeted driver of a strange black car nicknamed “the Wraith”. He challenges members of Packard’s gang to drag races and those who accept challenge die in crashes that leave Wraith and his car inexplicably intact. The increasing body count among Packard’s gang brings attention of Sheriff Loomis (played by Randy Quaid).

This revenge film with supernatural bent was, according to its author, inspired by Clint Eastwood’s western High Plains Drifter, as well as Mad Max. The script, however, doesn’t look worthy of such interesting idea; it is rather generic, full of plot holes and details that don’t make much of sense, and in order to properly enjoy this film you shouldn’t think much. Marvin was more interested how the film would look and his efforts bear fruit in iconic image of Wraith and rather impressive car (actual real life Dodge MS4 Turbo Inteceptor, which is used in film with six custom-built replicas). The action scenes are well-made and look realistic (camera operator Bruce Ingram actually got killed while filming one of them). There are also some details for targetted audience of male teenagers - young women that are scantilly clad, in bathing suit or topless. One of them is character of Keri, played by Sherilyn Fenn in her first major role. Charlie Sheen, however, looks quite bland in his role, same as Nick Cassavetes as one-dimensional villain. Randy Quaid is good as policeman who tries to make sense of strange events around him, but the show is stolen by supporting cast. Clint Howard is great as Rughead, the only member of Packard’s gang who actually shows some intelligence and common sense. Jamie Bozian and Devil Sherill are delightfully over the top as pathetic-looking, terminally stupid and substance-abusing Packard’s henchmen who quite deservedly earn their Darwin Award before the end. Some of the special effects, made mostly through old-fashioned animation look dated, and the soundtrack, made of 1980s pop, might turn off viewers who aren’t too nostalgic towards the era. But, in general, The Wraith delivers goods as mostly entertaining example of everything which was good and bad of its time period.

RATING: 6/10 (++)

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