Watch The Joyriders

The Joyriders is a drama film directed by Bradley Battersby and released in 1999. The movie stars Martin Landau, Kris Kristofferson, and Shawn Hatosy. The story follows three characters: a grandfather, played by Martin Landau; a wayward teen named Scud, played by Shawn Hatosy; and a truck driver named Lonnie Earl, played by Kris Kristofferson. The paths of these three collide in a story that explores themes of redemption, family, and love.

At the beginning of the film, we meet Scud, a troubled teenager from a broken home. He's just been released from juvenile detention and is struggling to find his place in the world. When he meets up with his girlfriend, Joy (played by Heather McComb), she suggests they steal her grandfather's car and go for a joyride. Scud agrees, and they take off into the night.

Meanwhile, Lonnie Earl is on the road, driving his truck across the country. He's a widower who's still grieving the loss of his wife, and he's searching for a new sense of purpose. His life takes an unexpected turn when, while parked at a truck stop, he sees Joy and Scud stealing his truck.

What follows is a road trip that takes Lonnie Earl, Joy, and Scud on an unexpected journey. They travel through the desert, stopping at a roadside motel where they meet a menagerie of characters, including a prostitute and her pimp. Along the way, they learn about each other, their pasts, and what they're looking for in life.

Martin Landau's character, Grandpa, is a central figure in the film. He's an old man who's become estranged from his family, including Joy. When he realizes that his car has been stolen, he sets off on his own journey to find his granddaughter. Along the way, he confronts his own demons and reconnects with his family.

The Joyriders is a slow-burning film that takes its time to explore the characters and their motivations. The performances are excellent, with Landau, Kristofferson, and Hatosy all delivering nuanced and compelling portrayals. The film is shot in a visually striking style, with desert landscapes and neon-lit motels creating a sense of atmosphere and tension.

At its heart, The Joyriders is a film about family and the search for meaning. Lonnie Earl, Joy, Scud, and Grandpa are all searching for something, whether it's a sense of purpose, redemption, or love. The film explores these themes with subtlety and depth, never resorting to cheap sentimentality or melodrama.

Overall, The Joyriders is a thoughtful and engaging film that deserves more attention than it's received. With strong performances, beautiful cinematography, and a compelling story, it's a movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

The Joyriders is a 2009 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.