The Wraith, directed by Mike Marvin, is a curious piece of 1980s cinema that smashed together genres like an overzealous chef stumbling into a walk-in closet instead of a pantry. This movie review explores what makes this film—a mix of action, horror, romance, sci-fi, and thriller—so bewilderingly entertaining. If you've got a soft spot for Charlie Sheen’s earlier work or just adore that neon nostalgia, buckle up for this wild ride!
The plot here is straightforward—at least at first glance. We land in a small Arizona town dominated by a vicious road-racing gang, led by a bully who’s more than ready to wreak havoc to reign supreme. Enter Charlie Sheen, or rather, a part-mystical, part-human being who was either descended upon or crash-landed into this sleepy town in a supercharged sports car. Sounds nuts? That's because it is! The movie tosses classic revenge themes in with supernatural elements, making a bizarre stew that’s both exhilarating and perplexing. Between high-speed chases and ghostly revenges, Marvin injects a barely-legal dose of romance into the mix, courtesy of Sheen and Sherilyn Fenn
As for the acting, there’s no doubt that Nick Cassavetes shines as the gang's ruthless leader, bringing a tangible air of menace to the character that almost makes up for the paper-thin plot. Charlie Sheen is, well, Charlie Sheen—charismatic with a hint of quirky unpredictability. He’s not winning any awards here, but you can’t help but keep your eyes glued to the screen when he’s around. The film’s cinematography is all about those glossy car chases and desert expanses, though they occasionally steer into cheese territory—a quintessential characteristic of eighties films that's either charming or frustrating, depending on your perspective. Marvin's direction shows ambition, but sometimes the ambition outweighs coherence, leaving the screenplay feeling a tad patchy.
If you compare 'The Wraith' to other films in its mixed bag of genres, it's almost like a distant, half-dizzy cousin of films like 'Mad Max' and 'Christine'. While those films perfected the art of atmosphere and tension, 'The Wraith' occasionally feels like it stopped for a roadside nap and missed a turn. However, there’s undeniable charm in its absurdity—something that, oddly enough, reminds one of retro gems like 'Tron' and 'The Lost Boys', albeit less polished.
As a throwback to a passé era of God knows what values, 'The Wraith' is definitely a relic. Yet, it's precisely this hodgepodge of everything that makes it a must-watch for fans of quirky eighties cinema. So, if you love action, a smidgen of horror, and don’t mind an extraterrestrial sprinkle in your romantic thrills, this might just be the flick for you. Feel like a cinematic thrill ride? Go ahead and add 'The Wraith' to your movie must-watch list and let yourself be taken over by this wild retro ride!