Cast
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Charlie Sheen
as Jake Kesey / The Wraith
Nick Cassavetes
as Packard Walsh
Sherilyn Fenn
as Keri Johnson
Randy Quaid
as Sheriff Loomis
Matthew Barry
as Billy Hankins
Clint Howard
as Rughead
David Sherrill
as Skank
Jamie Bozian
as Gutterboy
Griffin O'Neal
as Oggie
Chris Nash
as Minty
Vickie Benson
as Waitress
Peder Melhuse
as Murphy
Jeffrey Sudzin
as Redd
Michael Hungerford
as Stokes
Steven Eckholdt
as George in Daytona
Crew
Director
- Mike Marvin
Writer
- Mike Marvin
Producer
- John Kemeny
Reviews
misubisu
I first saw this movie back in 1986... didn't really remember too much about it... decided to watch it again after seeing the car in an episode of Leno's Garage.
You know what.. it is actually very entertaining movie... it doesn't suck at all. The bad boy characters are somewhat stupid but fit in quite well... the story is a little simplistic... but sometimes watching a movie that is entertaining and you don't need to think too much about is just what you need.
Plus it was a trip down memory lane from 35 years ago.
Charlie Sheen was 21, but looked a lot younger!!
For the time, the movie had a good look and feel to it.
And the Wraith car stands the test of time really well.
Aug 6, 2024
Wuchak
**_Hammy 80’s motorhead thriller with Charlie Sheen and Sherilyn Fenn_**
A ruthless (but comical) gang terrorizes a town in southern Arizona, forcing guys to drag race in order to ‘win’ their vehicles; that is, until a young man comes to town (Sheen), along with a mysterious black sportscar and driver. Randy Quaid is on hand as the Sheriff.
"The Wraith" (1986) is like a meshing of the contemporaneous “Top Gun” with the campiness of “Lost Boys” (which came out the next year), just trade the pilot ace flying with drag racing and the vampires with a thug gang. The hammy approach mainly applies to Skank (David Sherrill), Gutterboy (Jamie Bozian) and tech-geek Rughead (Clint Howard) whereas Nick Cassavetes is more subdued about it as the lead bully, but still cartoonishly exaggerated. Nick, by the way, is the son of John Cassavetes & Gina Rowlands, which is odd since John was only 5’7” while Nick is 6’6”, but I guess it happens.
I’m not a fan of the hammy tone and think it would’ve worked better if done more seriously, like “Top Gun.” However, if you can roll with the goofiness, it’s entertaining on several fronts. For instance, the Arizona locations are spectacular, Sherilyn Fenn’s beauty is well captured and there’s a lot of thrilling vehicle mayhem.
It runs 1 hour, 33 minutes, and was shot in the Greater Tucson area, including the Sonoran Desert National Monument in Gila Bend, which is 92 miles northwest of Tucson (and just southwest of Phoenix).
GRADE: B-
Dec 1, 2024
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Science Fiction film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The Wraith distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Mike Marvin brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1986, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Wraith took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $2.7 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 93 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 148 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 203 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The film contains approximately 2340 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1986, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Wraith shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Fifth Element, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Wraith subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Off-Piste and Night in Paradise explore similar territory, The Wraith stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 1, 1986
- Runtime: 1h 33m
- Budget: $2,700,000
- Revenue: $3,500,000
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