Devil in My Ride

Devil in My Ride is a 2013 film directed by Gary Michael Schultz, which stars Frank Zieger, Joey Bicicchi, and Erin Breen. This film offers a unique blend of genres, pacing through horror, comedy, and road trip adventure, successfully offering a fresh take on the well-trodden territory of demonic possession narratives.

The film features the characters Doreen (Erin Breen) and Hank (Joey Bicicchi) on their happily awaited wedding day. This is supposed to be a bright and charming event, but this deliriously jovial celebration soon spirals into an eerie affair. After the reception, Doreen becomes the unwilling host of an evil entity, and the newfound bliss of the beautiful bride and her groom takes a horrifying plunge into the supernatural.

Our other central character, Travis (Frank Zieger), Hank's rogueish and reckless brother, quickly steps into the daunting challenge of rescuing his sister-in-law from the malicious grip of the demon. He leads Hank on a cross-country journey from the suburbs of Illinois to Las Vegas, in search of Johnny Priest (Llou Johnson), an eccentric and washed-up exorcist, who is their only hope to save Doreen from eternal torment.

Though embarking on a serious mission, the bold and brash Travis's antics inject levity throughout the story. Departing from conventional horror narratives, director Gary Michael Schultz cleverly interlaces the bone-chilling demonic possession ordeal with the comedic errors and friendship-strengthening episodes of Hank and Travis's road trip.

The on-screen chemistry between Zieger and Bicicchi is undeniable. They give their characters depth and personality, making the audience root for them through equally humorous and terrifying circumstances. Erin Breen must also be credited for her compelling performance, undergoing a terrific transformation, from the lovable bride to a demonic powerhouse.

The film also takes pride in its exceptional cast, which includes Sid Haig as Iggy, the cryptic owner of a curio store, and Llou Johnson as Johnny Priest, the elderly, no-nonsense exorcist. They add color and depth to this cinematic journey, balancing the playful elements of the road trip with the gloomier overtones of the possession narrative.

Devil in My Ride doesn't merely lean on its comedy-horror credentials. The director imparts vitality to the theme of demonic possession through the narrative of a road trip adventure. These two themes might seem incompatible, but Schultz's blending of genres creates a unique atmosphere.

Though the road trip arc sounds lighthearted, the growing threat seen in Doreen’s increasing danger and the urgency for Hank and Travis to reach their destination add a thrill to their journey. Schultz manages to incorporate varying degrees of tension, making sure to keep the audience on their toes while they also enjoy the comedic repartee found in Hank and Travis's interaction as they race against the clock and fate to save Doreen.

But at its core, Devil in My Ride is a film about love and loyalty, things even the evilest of evil beings have a hard time overcoming. The film showcases the lengths to which good men will go to save the women they love. Underneath the comic banter and supernatural terrors is a clear image of the unwavering power of loyalty and friendship.

Production design and cinematography in the movie are commendable, providing a nostalgically retro but undeniably eerie feel to the scenes. Similarly, the soundtrack, encompassing a mix of garage rock, country, and haunting orchestral cues, complements the eerie, dramatic, and comic moments of the film well.

Overall, Devil in My Ride is an endearing mish-mash of horror, road trip adventure, and comedy that delivers laughs, chills, and heartfelt moments in equal measure. It is a refreshing blend of humor and horror that maximizes the potential of a shoestring budget. It's a successfully entertaining journey for fans who appreciate a lighthearted yet creepy stroll into the realms of horror, humor, and loyalty.