Watch Joyride

Joyride is a 1977 American thriller road movie about three college friends who set off on a cross-country spree of pranks and vandalism with a stolen police car. The movie follows the trio of J.T. (Desi Arnaz Jr.), Rane (Robert Carradine), and Mickey (Melanie Griffith) as they embark on a reckless and dangerous journey that takes them from California to New York City.

At the beginning of the movie, J.T., Rane, and Mickey are all college students in southern California who are bored with their mundane lives. They decide to steal a police car and hit the road, planning to commit a series of pranks and stunts along the way. The trio takes turns behind the wheel and share a sense of freedom and empowerment that comes with being in control of the powerful vehicle.

As they move eastward, the trio's antics escalate from harmless pranks to more serious crimes, such as breaking into a high-security laboratory and stealing experimental drugs. At the same time, they begin to draw attention from the authorities and the public, who see them as dangerous criminals. Their situation becomes even more complicated when they pick up a hitchhiking girl named Charlene (Anne Lockhart), who joins them on their wild ride.

The movie's tension comes from the growing sense of danger that the trio faces on their journey. They encounter police officers, angry motorists, and dangerous situations that put their lives at risk. At the same time, their friendship and loyalties are tested, as they face difficult choices and consequences for their actions. The stakes are high, and the movie builds to a climax that is both thrilling and satisfying.

While Joyride is a fun and entertaining movie, it also has some serious themes and messages. The movie explores the idea of rebellion and youthful recklessness, as the trio rejects the norms of society and strikes out on their own. However, it also shows the consequences of their actions and the toll that their choices take on themselves and others.

The movie also has a strong social commentary on the state of law enforcement in America. The trio's ability to steal a police car and evade the authorities raises questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement and the ease with which crimes can be committed. The movie also highlights police brutality and corruption, as the trio faces aggressive and abusive officers who abuse their power.

The cast of Joyride is excellent, with standout performances from Desi Arnaz Jr., Robert Carradine, and Melanie Griffith. They have great chemistry together, and their interactions are both funny and poignant. Anne Lockhart also shines as Charlene, bringing a depth and complexity to her character that adds to the movie's themes.

Overall, Joyride is a classic '70s road movie that is well worth watching. It is an entertaining and thrilling ride that also has a deeper meaning, exploring themes of rebellion, responsibility, and law enforcement. The movie's strong performances, engaging plot, and social commentary make it a must-see for fans of the genre.

Joyride is a 1977 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.