Watch The Hitcher II: I've Been Waiting

The Hitcher II: I've Been Waiting is a 2003 thriller film that serves as a sequel to the original 1986 movie, The Hitcher. The movie continues the story of Jim Halsey, reprised by C. Thomas Howell, who survived the traumatic events imparted by the murderous hitchhiker in the first film. This time, the narrative revolves around Jim's return to the scene that has haunted him for years, only to find himself again embroiled in a nightmarish scenario involving a new, dangerous hitchhiker.

Jim Halsey, after the incidents of the first film, has become a police officer but struggles with the psychological scars left behind by his encounter with the sadistic hitchhiker, John Ryder. Unable to free himself from the past, he is eventually let go from the police force due to his unstable state. In an attempt to reconcile with his traumatic experiences and move on from what happened, Jim decides to take a break and sets out on a road trip with his girlfriend, Maggie, played by Kari Wuhrer, hoping for some semblance of healing and catharsis.

Their journey takes them across the expansive and barren highways of West Texas, where the desolation and isolation of the landscape echoes Jim's inner turmoil. It's during this trip that the couple makes the fateful decision to pick up a hitchhiker, marking the beginning of their descent into a familiar yet fresh hell. The hitchhiker, played with malicious intensity by Jake Busey, exhibits increasingly disturbing behavior which points towards a sinister agenda.

Busey's character in The Hitcher II: I've Been Waiting is a conniving individual with a cryptic past, whose presence reignites Jim's darkest fears. His menacing performance contrasts sharply with his initially innocuous appearance, and as the events unfold, it becomes clear that there is more than coincidence at play. Whereas the original hitchhiker, John Ryder, was an enigmatic force of malevolence, Busey's hitchhiker evokes a different kind of evil, touching upon themes of revenge, obsession, and psychological manipulation.

Howell's portrayal of Jim showcases the profound impact that previous trauma can have on a person, as he grapples with paranoia, PTSD, and the terror of history repeating itself. This is compounded by Wuhrer's character Maggie, who must confront her own fear while trying to understand and support Jim through his ordeal. The dynamics of their relationship are tested as they must rely on each other to survive the unfolding horror.

As Jim and Maggie spiral further into the web woven by their unwelcome passenger, it becomes apparent that escaping the past isn't as simple as outrunning it. The film's director, Louis Morneau, adeptly builds tension as the narrative twists and turns down the desolate highways that serve as both setting and metaphor for Jim's psychological state.

The Hitcher II: I've Been Waiting also features Shaun Johnston in a supporting role, contributing to the movie's overall atmosphere of encroaching dread. With a keen eye for suspense, Morneau exploits the inherent fear of the unknown and the unpredictable nature of strangers. The desolate landscapes captured on film further envelop the characters in a sense of isolation, which Morneau uses to craft an environment where normal rules don't apply, and civilization seems a distant memory.

The soundtrack complements the film's suspenseful tone, with musical scores that underscore the tension of critical scenes, driving home the unease that permeates throughout the movie. Cinematography plays a key role in establishing the stark and foreboding mood of the film, with wide shots of the open road and tight, claustrophobic angles that bring the viewer uncomfortably close to the action.

The Hitcher II: I've Been Waiting delves into the psychological horror of what it means to confront your deepest fears. It is a story of pursuit and survival, where the past is never quite as dead as it seems, and redemption is something to be fought for, mile after ominous mile. For fans of the original The Hitcher, this sequel pays homage while also creating a new storyline that stands on its own merits, combining elements of a road movie, a thriller, and a chilling tale of suspense.

Although the film was released straight to video and did not receive the critical acclaim of its predecessor, it has since attracted a following of its own, particularly among those who appreciate the relentless tension of a good road thriller. The Hitcher II: I've Been Waiting offers an unsettling journey into the psyche of its protagonists and will likely keep its audience's attention gripped until its climactic moments.

The Hitcher II: I've Been Waiting is a 2003 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.3.