Freeway


Freeway is one of those rare films in which things could have gone hideously wrong and instead, due to the right script, the right actors and one seriously fucked up director, goes delightfully, deliciously right. Released in 1996, Freeway marked the directing debut of writer/director Matthew Bright. Dude, this is one majorly scary individual - if you have a DVD player, I recommend watching the film and then watching it with Matthew's commentary. What a freak. Clearly a pervert of gigantic proportions, Matt created a wholly fucked up but intensely enjoyable modern day update of "Little Red Riding Hood". Little Red is now a teenage Vanessa Lutz, played by Reese Witherspoon, and living in abusive squalor with her crackwhore mom and junkie stepdad whom she also diddles. Things go awry and Vanessa sets off to find Grandma, red basket in hand and all. Poor Vanessa has the misfortune to accept a ride from creepy Kiefer Sutherland. I don't want to ruin the plot for you because it's just so much fun to discover it on your own. The dialogue is filled with perfect gems you'll be laughing about long after the film is over. Much of the reason this film works as well as it does, is the symbiosis between the writing and the amazing Reese Witherspoon. Her delivery and performance is damn near perfect. I'd have nominated her for an Oscar, she's that good. Forget that boring piece of shit Pleasantville, for proof that Reese is someone to watch in the future, see this flick. You might also want to be on the lookout for Matthew Bright's next writing/directing entry - Confessions of a Trickbaby - due out sometime this year and starring the always entertaining Vincent Gallo and Natasha Lyonne. This time, Matt's updating the old "Hanzel & Gretal" tale. I, for one, can't wait.