The terror starts the moment he stops.

Starring: Rutger Hauer, C. Thomas Howell, Jeffrey DeMunn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, John M. Jackson, Billy Greenbush, Jack Thibeau

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"I want you to stop me." - John Ryder

Why watch this? It's as dreadfully suspenseful as a movie can get.

Plot Summary: Driving a car across country, young Jim Halsey picks up a hitchhiker who reveals himself to be a dangerous serial killer. After Jim narrowly escapes, the relentless hitchhiker proceeds to stalk him, leaving a trail of bodies in his wake and framing Jim for his crimes. Now pursued by the police and the killer, Jim's only hope for survival and clearing his name lies in the aid of a truck stop waitress named Nash.

Dad's Preview: This is the ultimate cautionary tale regarding why you should never pick up a hitchhiker. It is brutal and a little unrealistic, but that's what movies are for. No matter what the young protagonist does, he cannot escape the homicidal maniac who enjoys toying with his prey. I must point out that there is a "I can't believe that just happened" moment... and it is very disturbing. It also makes the film exceptional.

HBO Pictures, Silver Screen Productions; TriStar Pictures