Maximum Overdrive

Starring: Emilio Estevez, Pat Hingle, Laura Harrington, Yeardley Smith
Directed by: Stephen King
Rating: R
Genre: Action, Horror, Science Fiction
1986

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: When a comet passes the Earth, all electrical appliances suddenly come to life with murderous minds of their own.

Review:

Tim: I vaguely remember watching this movie when I was really young, so I was looking forward to watching it as an adult. I didn't remember if it was good or bad, just that I had seen it. I can say now, without hesitation, that this movie is all around terrible. I feel bad because I'm a big Stephen King fan and he actually directed this movie. Unfortunately, he needs to stick to writing, because this film is an unmitigated disaster. I heard rumors that he admitted he was high on cocaine while directing this film. Not sure if it is true, but it would explain a lot.

I guess the premise is kind of interesting? In its simplest form, the story is about electrical machines coming to life and trying to kill people. This by itself is pretty interesting. We created these tools to better our own lives- to keep us safe, help us do our work. What would it be like for our own creations to turn against us with murderous impudence? That is an interesting concept worth exploring on the big screen. The whole aspect of the meteor causing the issue and the hinting at an alien race being behind it seemed a little out there for me. Still, the basic idea is sound.

One of the best aspects of the film is seeing electrical appliances and automobiles operating on their own. The special effects required are pretty basic, but it was still a bit chilling seeing semis driving by themselves, lawnmowers with a mind of their own, and a wide variety of other insane gadgets. That part was cool.

The cast was pretty bad. Emilio Estevez highlights the cast and outside of him, there's not much to get excited about. I like Estevez, but it felt like he was giving about 50% effort in this film. He seemed half asleep at most points in the movie. Still, even giving a lackluster effort, he was the best part of the entire film. Pat Hingle was fine, but just too over-the-top. The cast was mostly incredibly annoying.

There's so many problems with this film. There was almost no restraint shown in any facet here. The characters are all over-the-top, caricatures of actual human beings. Their actions are often beyond ludicrous. It really made the whole film feel pointless. You had idiotic characters uttering some of the stupidest crap I've ever heard. It makes you not care about a single character. There's no emotional connection to anyone. I also don't fully understand how the coming-alive electronics actually work. I get that a truck could operate itself- but how could a hairdrier strangle someone to death? Could it move? That seems to defy any kind of logic. Issues like this litter the film and really bring it down.

I really like Stephen King and I hoped to like Maximum Overdrive. Unfortunately, this is just a stupid, poorly made movie. It has far too flaws and really isn't very enjoyable at all. This is the kind of movie you just want to forget about.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 4.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Cujo, The Shining, Carrie