Film Review: Maximum Overdrive (1986)

Reputation of Stephen King as one of the most popular and successful writers of our time is in many ways built and maintained on the screen adaptations of his work, which at times seem too big in number to count. With so many of his texts being brought to the screen, it was somewhat inevitable that King would one day dabble in such job himself. His directorial debut, 1986 science fiction horror film Maximum Overdrive, showed that his undisputed literary talent didn’t match his film making skills.

The film is based on his short story Trucks (adapted in 1997 as eponymous television film). The plot begins in Wilmington, North Carolina on (then future) June 13th 1987 when Earth goes through the tail of rogue Rhea M comet. One of the side effects is strange and gradually hostile behaviour of various electric or mechanical machines and appliances that start to kill humans. The protagonist, played by Emilio Estevez, is Bill Robinson, young paroled convict who works in Dixie Boy truck stop, run by tyrannical and eccentric boss Bubba Hendershot (played by Pat Hingle). Soon that location becomes the shelter for the people who somehow managed to survive the initial onslaught of murderous machines. However, their survival becomes challenging after surrounded by group of huge menacing rig trucks. Bill and the others would have to use all of their skills and ingenuity to escape and try to reach safety.

Maximum Overdrive had underwhelming results at the box office and was savaged by critics, creating reputation of one of the worst 1980s films. King himself agreed with critics and abandoned his directorial ambitions. He later explained that he had been “coked out of his mind” during the production. Although a bad film, Maximum Overdrive is not as bad as its reputation might indicate. Basic premise, based on the idea that humanity become overdependent on the machines and technology, is presented in an interesting way at the beginning of the film, when King shows some interesting and macabre ways in which lifting bridges, electric knives, arcade games, vending machines and various vehicles can cause injuries and deaths. There is, however, little horror in these scenes because King chose to extensively use AC/DC songs from their Who Made Who album as soundtrack which actually makes this film a dark comedy. However, when emphasis is switched to the characters, it turns out that they are cliched and uninteresting and, for the most part, forgettable. Leading man Emilio Estevez, however, does solid job as the main hero, but he is burdened with obligatory romantic subplot, ruined by the lack of chemistry with his partner Laura Harrington. Veteran character actor Pat Hingle is much more effective in the role of tyrannical redneck and, just like Ellen McElduf in the role of a waitress, overacts for the comical effect. That is something that almost achieves Yeardley Smith (famous for providing voice for Lisa in Simpsons) in the role of young bride, but her character soon gets annoying. Because of that Maximum Overdrive almost reaches “it’s so bad that it is good” territory, but actually never gets there. Uninspired and predictably happy ending is further destroyed with unnecessary epilogue in the end credits. Although disappointing, this film is watchable although still something many fans of Stephen King would like to forget.

RATING: 4/10 (++)

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