Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Joyride Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf December 6, 2024

1977’s “Joyride” is an unusual crime film, getting audiences away from the heat of trouble for lengthy periods of time to deal with certain realities that come during the struggles of life. Action does break out periodically to keep viewers excited to stay with the tale, but screenwriters Peter Rainer and Joseph Ruben (who also directs) seem more interested in the pains of poverty and broken dreams, creating a fascinating study of survival at times. It’s a ragged feature that’s somewhat episodic and offers an unseasoned cast handed major arcs of emotional damage to convey, but the writing prioritizes trouble for all, making for a compelling journey into despair, working around unusual settings and interesting behavioral issues.

Scott (Desi Arnaz, Jr.) sells used cars. John (Robert Carradine) is a welder. Susie (Melanie Griffith) works in a bowling alley. They live miserable lives, putting their faith in a dream to relocate to Alaska and spend the rest of their days as salmon fishermen. Assembling the last of their cash, the trio head north, only to be greeted by a tough community that doesn’t take kindly to outsiders. Help is offered by Frank (Tom Ligon), an oil pipeline boss trying to use his influence to sleep with Susie, putting the gang’s future in doubt as employment is lost and homelessness is found. Realizing they have no options, crime is considered, targeting all the money involved in pipeline work, and personalities are challenged as John and Susie find the stress too much for their relationship. Scott tries to understand the mysterious ways of Cindy (Anne Lockhart), a pipeline payroll employee who plays psychological games with the newcomer.

“Joyride” establishes a road trip adventure for Scott, Susie, and John, using early scenes to detail daily drudgery for the trio, who want something more for themselves. Hope is found in “the last frontier” of Alaska, and this pioneer spirit sends them north, encountering some trouble with other drivers along the way. Surprisingly, relocation is over in the opening ten minutes of the movie, as the writing favors more of a survival story, finding Alaska proving to be a major challenge for the newcomers, who don’t welcome outsiders. Sticker shock is felt with prices on everything, and jobs are limited, putting the salmon fishing dream out of reach as the characters fight to make a buck.

Frank offers help, but he’s more interested in Susie than generosity, becoming one of many points of pressure on the characters as they struggle to live a normal life. Responsibility is attempted, but crime ultimately does pay, putting “Joyride” on a dramatic arc of desperation as John, Susie, and Scott try their luck with shoplifting, soon graduating to guns. Cindy joins the story, emerging as a pipeline employee turning to prostitution to make money, targeting Scott, which triggers some type of relationship that doesn’t feel authentic. But there’s a lot in “Joyride” that’s strange and awkwardly handled, including lover woes between Susie and John that demand more emotional nuance than Griffin and Carradine are capable of delivering. The same goes for Arnaz, Jr., who doesn’t offer a detailed performance.

“Joyride” locates a few compelling areas of despair to examine, extending to hunger pains that push the trio to turn to dog food for sustenance. Ruben captures a feeling of despair and frustration as the characters learn that honest work will get them nowhere, and the script eventually turns into an on-the-lam story, adding car chases and violent conflicts to spice up the tale, following Scott, Susie, and John as they grow more desperate, putting themselves in danger while trusting in their youthful resiliency.

Joyride Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as a "new 2K restoration from the 35mm interpositive." "Joyride" has an inherently scruffy look which survives here, finding a decent amount of texture on skin particulars and costuming. Locations are dimensional, doing well with exteriors in the open world, and interiors secure a tour of decorative additions and signage. Colors favor a muted palette for the crime film, dealing with a lot of browns. Livelier hues are found on period style, and greenery is distinct. Skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is heavy and well resolved. Some very brief print damage is detected.

Joyride Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix offers a basic understanding of screen events, periodically encountering inherent technical limitations. Dialogue exchanges to fight background elements at times, but remain intelligible, with acceptable emotionality. Scoring supports with a steady sound, offering reasonably clear instrumentation. Soundtrack selections provide sharp vocals. Sound effects are appreciable.

Joyride Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (On the Retailer Edition) (40 pages) collects essays from film critics Brandon Streussnig, Adam Nayman, and Chris Shields.

• Commentary features film historians Alain Silver and Christopher Coppola.

• "Youthful Intensity" (22:07, HD) is an interview with director Joseph Ruben, who details his early career ambitions in the 1970s, trying his luck on a script about The Donner Party before considering a move into the adult business during its "Deep Throat" glory days. Sticking with a "drive-in, R-rated movie" instead, Ruben completed 1974's "The Sister-in-Law," finally finding some success to ensure future work, leading him to 1976's "The Pom Pom Girls." Joining screenwriting partner Peter Rainer and figuring out the ways of Hollywood producers, Ruben commenced work on "Joyride." The interviewee examines the casting process, drawn to the idea of second-generation actors, and he explores characterization and plotting, feeling his way through the material. Technical challenges and achievements are analyzed, and Ruben shares his thoughts on the shooting locations, responding to the greenness of the area.

• "Can't Miss the Boat" (10:47, HD) is an interview with cinematographer Stephen M. Katz, who tries to recall his early connection to director Joseph Ruben, tracking the development of 1976's "The Pom Pom Girls," which represented a major career opportunity at the time. Following his curiosity, Katz describes his experience on low-budget movies, accepting multiple jobs on the same production, inspiring him to find solo work as a cinematographer. The interviewee eventually connected with producer Roger Corman, becoming his guy for "tits and terror" endeavors for about a decade. Some talk of "Joyride" is offered, finding Katz happily recalling his favorite moments from the work.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:12, HD) is included.

Joyride Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Joyride" is carried along by a certain grimness, which keeps it interesting. And there's music from ELO on the soundtrack to add some atmosphere, joined by funky scoring from Jimmie Haskell that's a little too triumphant at times, considering all the misery in play here (save for a wild scene where John engages in a literal pissing contest to win quick cash). "Joyride" runs into a few dramatic roadblocks, especially during a final act that piles on problems, and Ruben can't manage everything to satisfaction. However, there's a vivid depiction of self-destruction as troubles mount for the main characters, and this tone works best in the endeavor, getting to the heart of hopelessness as future of promise and opportunity is quickly replaced by a cruel reality for those simply trying to make their way in the world.