Thriller Giftset (Wrong Turn / Joy Ride / Swimfan / The Vanishing)

Wrong Turn- 2.5/5. This flick should really be right up my alley. It's a gory backwoods slasher that pays homage to 80s horror, and it even includes a solid cast of genuinely talented young actors. Unfortunately, the movie never really generates much suspense, partially because it's too obvious who dies in what order and also because the movie is ultimately too generic and repetitive, what with the constant chasing through the woods getting pretty tiresome rather quickly. Still not bad viewing for slasher fans, though why a film of this nature that includes someone as unbelievably hot as redhead Lindy Booth doesn't feature any nudity is beyond me.Joy Ride- 3.5/5. Easily the best film of the bunch, Joy Ride falls into the road trip horror subgenre. Steve Zahn and Paul Walker star as brothers who run afoul of a truck driver after they play a practical joke on him. If Joy Ride doesn't quite match the heights of Breakdown, Dead End, or Black Cadillac, it's still a well-crafted thriller that boasts a fast pace, appealing cinematography, likeable performances from Zahn and Walker, and a few very tense and impressive setpieces (the climactic roadside motel showdown is a nail-biter).My biggest complaint is the presence of Leelee Sobieski. In general, I find her a competent and likeable actress, but her sudden inclusion into the picture halfway through puts a serious dent in the film's momentum (though it does ultimately recover in the last half-hour) and interferes with the great chemistry between Zahn and Walker.Swimfan- 2.5/5. Essentially a high school version of Fatal Attraction, I actually found myself somewhat enjoying this film because of its solid performances and competent direction. Jesse Bradford is really quite likeable despite his initially idiotic behavior, and Erika Christensen pulls off the sleek and sex seductress pretty well. Shiri Appleby is also my ideal example of the perfect girlfriend, incredibly hot AND a sweet, caring and forgiving girl as well. The film doesn't stand out in any particular fashion, but it's perfectly watchable for undemanding fans of trashy thrillers.

JoyRide, when it came out, was new, different, and interesting. Good choice. Swimfan, well the guy's an idiot ,but it's a new mix on the old fatal attraction formula. Wrong Turn. This one stumps me. Not at all original - and with eliza dushku, what would you expect? the video store is filled with low budget, stupid movies like this with similar titles... The vanishing is the one I don't know anything about, there should be a description. If you want something scary but original enough to buy, get Final Destination, Joyride, and pick something else