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Joy Ride

Play trailer Poster for Joy Ride R Released Oct 5, 2001 1h 36m Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
74% Tomatometer 116 Reviews 66% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
It's summer break and college freshman Lewis Thomas (Paul Walker) has decided to embark on a cross-country road trip to pick up the girl of his dreams, Venna (Leelee Sobieski). But Lewis' romantic hopes hit a detour when he stops on the way to rescue his older brother, Fuller (Steve Zahn), who goads him into playing a practical joke on a lonely trucker, over a CB radio. Now, that trucker, an unseen and terrifying force known only by his CB handle, Rusty Nail, wants the last laugh and revenge.
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Joy Ride

Joy Ride

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Critics Consensus

A well-constructed B-movie thriller, Joy Ride keeps up the necessary level of tension and chills. Critics also liked Zahn's performance as the goofball older brother.

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Critics Reviews

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Anthony Breznican Associated Press Although its premise may not be original, Joy Ride is still tense, chilling escapism. Oct 25, 2018 Full Review Jamie Russell BBC.com Rated: 4/5 Aug 20, 2002 Full Review Peter Travers Rolling Stone If you're looking to have your nerves fried and your pulse pounded, this is your ticket to ride. Rated: 4.5/5 Oct 29, 2001 Full Review Paul Lê Bloody Disgusting The film yields every now and then so viewers can catch their breath, but once this taut and frantic thriller picks up speed again, Joy Ride earns its place as one of the best movies of its kind. Rated: 4/5 Jul 23, 2023 Full Review Trace Thurman Horror Queers Podcast While it's not perfect, Joy Ride manages to steer us in the direction of a memorable villain and an incredibly suspenseful climax. Rated: 3.5/5 Oct 12, 2021 Full Review Joe Lipsett Horror Queers Podcast Its use of female characters hasn't aged particularly well, but this high octane highway horror has great action, particularly the climax. The ties to gay panic, hate crimes and Matthew Shepard's death only makes Joy Ride more interesting Rated: 3.5/5 Oct 8, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Ralph R Joy Ride (2001) delivers an engaging start with a suspenseful and thrilling first act, but it loses its edge as the story progresses. Paul Walker shines as Lewis, grounding the film with a solid performance, while Steve Zahn’s portrayal of Fuller occasionally feels over the top. The suspense and tension are well-executed for much of the film, keeping viewers on edge, but the final act doesn’t live up to the buildup. The ending feels rushed and lacks the punch needed to leave a lasting impression. While entertaining, the movie falls short of its full potential with a script that could have used a stronger conclusion. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 12/01/24 Full Review Doug C Just OK, If you're high ............... Way predictable, ridiculous acting and save yourself the 90 minutes ................... Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 11/17/24 Full Review Chris F Joy Ride is a fun, no fluff, early 2000's thriller. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 11/15/24 Full Review Joshua m This was a real popcorn thriller. Steve Zahn is great as the wussy Fuller, and I just couldn't wait for him to get his comeuppance. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/07/24 Full Review Horror fan 4 What a great suspenseful horror movie with 3 terrific performances. Absolutely a must see!! Tim Treakle Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/30/24 Full Review Aaron C Great horror, a mix of Duel and The Hitcher.. lots of fun Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/18/24 Full Review Read all reviews
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Joy Ride

Number 17 proves to be unlucky for Fuller (Steve Zahn, left) and Lewis (Paul Walker), after their practical joke on a lonely trucker goes horribly awry. (left to right) Lewis (Paul Walker), Venna (Leelee Sobieski) and Fuller (Steve Zahn) flee from a vicious trucker out for revenge. Director John Dahl prepares for a shot on the set of his contemporary thriller, JOY RIDE. Leelee Sobieski, left, Steve Zahn and Paul Walker make a horrific discovery. Leelee Sobieski eyes a foreboding truck that has been following her. Steve Zahn stars as Lewis' trouble-making older brother, Fuller. Leelee Sobieski stars as Venna, the girl of Lewis' dreams. Lewis (Paul Walker, left) and Fuller (Steve Zahn) are put in a revealing situation after playing a prank on a lonely trucker. Paul Walker stars as Lewis, a college freshman who embarks on a cross-country road trip for the summer. View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis It's summer break and college freshman Lewis Thomas (Paul Walker) has decided to embark on a cross-country road trip to pick up the girl of his dreams, Venna (Leelee Sobieski). But Lewis' romantic hopes hit a detour when he stops on the way to rescue his older brother, Fuller (Steve Zahn), who goads him into playing a practical joke on a lonely trucker, over a CB radio. Now, that trucker, an unseen and terrifying force known only by his CB handle, Rusty Nail, wants the last laugh and revenge.
Director
John Dahl
Producer
J.J. Abrams, Chris Moore
Screenwriter
Clay Tarver, J.J. Abrams
Distributor
Medusa Distribuzione, 20th Century Fox
Production Co
New Regency Pictures, Bad Robot, Regency Enterprises, LivePlanet
Rating
R (Violence|Terror)
Genre
Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 5, 2001, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 12, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA)
$22.0M
Runtime
1h 36m
Sound Mix
Surround, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Dolby SR
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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