Our mothers told us never to do this, but if we had to describe 1986’s The Hitcher in one word, we would use the word “mean”. Somehow this one manages to be very violent and simultaneously incredibly restrained. Rutger Hauer gives one of the most menacing performances in this very straightforward thriller that rivals Steven Spielberg’s Duel in its relentlessness. So light up a cigarette and make sure to buckle up too as we break down this cult classic, plus discuss what the Hitcher and penguins have in common, the one unfortunate film in C. Thomas Howell’s filmography, and of course Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel’s infamous scathing review.

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The Hitcher (1986) stars Jennifer Jason Leigh, Rutger Hauer, and C. Thomas Howell. Directed by Robert Harmon.

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