Maximum Overdrive

Maximum Overdrive

Starring Emilio Estevez, Pat Hingle, Laura Harrington, Yeardley Smith

Directed by Stephen King

Synopsis:
The Earth is the victim of a comet close call whose tail emits a green alien power that makes all electronics come to life and kill their owners.  A group of people take shelter in a local truck stop, and they have to learn to work together to get past the group of trucks awaiting them outside.

Review:
This was Stephen King's first - and only - time directing one of his stories.  It's legend that during the time of filming he was doped up on cocaine, and even he admits he had no idea what he was doing.  Does this show?  Absolutely. 

There's no real acting, which is why I find it surprising that Emilio Estevez is the star, coming from such a pedigree of acting talent.  The effects - at least nowadays - is entirely laughable.  Still, there's something about the film that has endured all this time.  Maybe it's because it's so bad it's good, or maybe it's because it looked like a lot of fun to film, but you find yourself attracted to the movie and rooting for (or loathing) the characters therein.  Plus it features Yeardley Smith, the voice of Lisa Simpson, in her first non-animated roles (and wow her voice is irritating). 

Whereas other Stephen King movies have a feel of terror and dread, "Maximum Overdrive" is too campy for that.  I mean, there's some epic kills in this film (including death by soda machine), and if any film out there needs a remake, it's this one, especially with technology overtaking our lives.  Think about it: death by iPhone!  Google Earth sending missiles to your house!  Your GPS leading you off a bridge!  The possibilities are endless.

Summary:
Definitely not one of King's best, but it's still entertaining decades after it was made.

My Rating: B-