The Wraith
The Wraith

The Wraith

1986Movie93 minEnglish

Packard Walsh and his motorized gang control and terrorize an Arizona desert town where they force drivers to drag-race so they can 'win' their vehicles. After Walsh beats the decent teenager Jamie Hankins to death after finding him with his girlfriend, a mysterious power creates Jake Kesey, an extremely cool motor-biker who has a car which is invincible. Jake befriends Jamie's girlfriend Keri Johnson, takes Jamie's sweet brother Bill under his wing and manages what Sheriff Loomis couldn't; eliminate Packard's criminal gang the hard way...

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Insights

IMDb5.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes33%
Google Users61%
Director: Mike MarvinGenres: Action, Crime, Horror, Thriller

Plot Summary

A mysterious, black, high-tech car, driven by a ghostly avenger, hunts down and destroys a gang of ruthless car-jackers who have been terrorizing a desert city. The spectral driver is revealed to be the murdered boyfriend of a young woman, seeking revenge on those who wronged him. As the body count rises, a determined detective tries to unravel the supernatural mystery before more lives are lost.

Critical Reception

The Wraith is a cult classic that is often remembered for its over-the-top action, unique premise, and 80s aesthetic. While it received mixed to negative reviews upon its release, it has since garnered a following for its campy B-movie charm and its blend of car-chase thrills with supernatural elements.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unique premise of a supernatural avenger in a souped-up car.
  • Often cited for its quintessential 1980s B-movie aesthetic and memorable car designs.
  • Criticized for a convoluted plot and uneven pacing, but appreciated by fans for its camp factor.

Google audience: Audiences generally found 'The Wraith' to be an entertaining, albeit cheesy, 80s action flick. Many enjoyed the high-octane car chases and the supernatural revenge plot, though some noted the acting and script were not its strongest points. It's often seen as a fun, nostalgic watch for fans of the era.

Fun Fact

The distinctive black Dodge Ram truck used by the Wraith was a custom build for the film, featuring various modifications to give it a futuristic and menacing appearance.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
Wuchak

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...
misubisu

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 a...