Christine (1983)

Self-important, over-dramatic, uninspired.

One of the worst movies I've ever seen

Amazing worth wacthing. So good. Biased but well made with many good points.

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

I truly enjoyed this movie when I first went to see it at the theater. Of course I was a kid then. However, I have always look forward for part 2 to come out but that never happened. I was disappointed by that because the movie had misled me to thinking there would be a 2nd part of it. I would love to see a reboot of this movie so then they can continue on to make part 2 of it. I can understand it would have to be a different car since the car is very old now. But that's no problem. A reboot would be awesome!

Despite John Carpenter is one of my favourite directors of horror he's had a pretty hit and miss career from the late 1980's onwards, however, this challenging Stephen King adaptation is one of his best. Christine, named after the car which is the star of the show is a red and white 1950's Plymouth fury. The car possesses, however, owns it and becomes as jealous as the most dangerous of girlfriends. It sets its sights on young high school geek Arnie Cunningham (Keith Gordon in one of his best performances) Arnie is best friends with High School Jock Dennis (John Stockwell)A victim of serious bullying, Dennis intervenes when Buddy Reperton (an excellent William Ostrander) has a knife to Arnie's throat. When Arnie purchases the Christine from the owner, the car becomes his focus in life. As he transforms the car back from the dead, so the car transforms his confidence and Arnie succeeds in dating High School heartthrob Leigh (Alexandra Paul) despite his best friend being interested in her affections. Arnie stores and repairs his car at the garage of no bullshit owner Will Darnell (played by old hand Robert Prosky. When Buddy Reperton is expelled, he and his gang exact their revenge on the car but the car has a strong sense of self- preservation and soon it and Arnie exact their revenge. Can Dennis save his friend from the car's evil before its too late?Christine still holds up well as an eighties horror film. What makes the movie so strong here is Carpenters direction and the performances he gets from his leads especially Stockwell and frankly just an incredible performance from a very Keith Gordon. Back in the days when horror films depended more on a sense of fear that outright gore this film comes highly recommended and was pleased to see it still holds up well after all these years and remains as one of Carpenters best. It may well not be a patch on the book, which is far more detailed but those looking for a good old school horror film will not be disappointed.

Introducing its sinister intentions within the opening scene, keeping its ominous vibe alive for the entirety of its runtime, and unleashing absolute terror when the occasion calls for it, Christine is a masterly directed horror from John Carpenter that makes excellent use of genre elements to build suspense, and is far more engaging & nail-biting than it looks.Based on Stephen King's novel of the same name, the story of Christine centres on a vintage 1957 Plymouth Fury with a mind of its own that's found in a used, battered & dilapidated condition by an awkward, introverted & nerdy teenager who eventually buys it. As he spends more time at the local garage, repairing his car all by himself, his whole personality begins to change.Directed by John Carpenter, the evil nature of the automobile is established in the opening scene only after which the story jumps 20 years ahead where the main plot surfaces. Despite sounding ridiculous on paper, the story manages to be surprisingly effective as Carpenter relies on mystery surrounding the vehicle as well as the overall eerie ambiance to deliver the chills, and succeeds.Every time the camera focuses on its violent vintage vehicle, a sense of apprehension builds up in that particular moment and the mayhem caused by it only amplifies the film's uncanny tone n feel. Camera-work is smooth & efficacious, the build-up isn't forced, pacing is steady, and the tension is palpable. Carpenter also contributes with a thrilling score which, along with incorporated songs, infuses flavours of its own.Coming to the performances, the cast consists of Keith Gordon, John Stockwell, Alexandra Paul, Robert Prosky & Harry Dean Stanton, and they all chip in with wonderful inputs. Gordon delivers the most interesting performance of all, and finely articulates the change his character undergoes as plot progresses. Stockwell is in as his best friend & provides good support, Prosky almost steals all his moments, while Paul ably plays her part.On an overall scale, Christine is a welcome entry in the killer car subgenre of horror, and is another impressive yet under-appreciated gem from John Carpenter that, just like most of his films, enjoys a cult classic status today. It's tense, it's thrilling, it reeks of terror, and it delivers the goods in a gripping & entertaining fashion. In short, showing zero signs of wreckage, Christine appears just as polished today as it did at its time of release. Definitely recommended.

I admit, I'm a John Carpenter fan. Always have, and always will enjoy his work and choices of projects(I taken an inspiration from him). This is no different. It's an 80's tent pole of that era. Throwback to the 50's, spice it up to 80's music, and you have a classic film.The actors themselves do a fine job and are very likable. Especially, the flawed and gullible Arnie Cunningham. And of course, you can't forget the amazing classic that is the 1958 Plymouth. What a beauty of a car(a dream car of mine even though I was born in 88'). Destroyed 18 times making me appreciate this movie even more for the fact that practical effects(another reason I love Carpenter's work) can never be forgotten. Sad, that among Stephen Kings adaptations that this is criminally overlooked, but only by the majority. And I'm happy to hear that this has cult following, that I'll happily join anyday. 8/10