Knight Rider 2000

Knight Rider 2000 is a made-for-television movie from 1991 that serves as a sequel to the original Knight Rider television series that aired from 1982 to 1986. The movie reunites the original cast members, including David Hasselhoff, who returns in his role as Michael Knight and Edward Mulhare, who reprises his role as the voice of KITT (Knight Industries Two Thousand). Susan Norman joins the cast as Shawn McCormick, a new character introduced in the film.

The movie is set in the then future year of the year 2000, where viewers are immediately thrust into a world that is very different from the one they left behind in the original series. Society has undergone serious changes. Crime and violence have escalated, leading to the need for advanced law enforcement measures and technology. Cars now run on non-fossil fuels, handguns have been outlawed, and criminals are cryogenically frozen as part of their sentence in an attempt to handle the surge of crime rates in this futuristic setting.

Amid the chaos, Michael Knight is drawn out of retirement by Devon Miles, played by Edward Mulhare. Devon heads the Foundation of Law and Government (FLAG), an independent crime-fighting organization that was the nerve center of the original Knight Rider series.

The action-packed plot centers around the reactivation of the technologically advanced, artificially intelligent car, KITT. The automobile, known for its witty banter, turbo boosts, and high-tech gadgets, is brought back into action to tackle the pervasive crime that plagues the city. Interestingly, the Knight 2000 has been replaced with the Knight 4000, a red car, which unlike KITT, is more enhanced but less anthropomorphic.

New to the cast is the character of Shawn McCormick, portrayed by Susan Norman. A daring and resilient police officer, Shawn stumbles upon a conspiracy inside her department and, in the process, gets critically wounded. She becomes the primary driver of KITT and forms a bond with Michael and Devon in their collective mission of justice.

David Hasselhoff still lends his trademark charisma to the role of Michael Knight. His character is seen evolving into a more mature version of the hotshot crime fighter from the original series, molded by experience and age. Returning voice actor William Daniels imbues KITT with its trademark blend of humor and intelligence. Edward Mulhare returns as the sagacious and unflappable Devon Miles, standing as a beacon of rectitude in the turbulent times. Finally, Susan Norman delivers a convincing and rivetingly intense performance as Shawn McCormick.

Knight Rider 2000 also delves into societal themes that remain relevant today, such as corporatized law enforcement, the ethics of technocratic solutions to societal problems, and the encroachment of technology on human life and freedom. Despite its futuristic setting, the movie never loses the element of humanity that adheres to reflections on human nature and societal structures.

Despite being released approximately a decade after the original series, Knight Rider 2000 manages to capture the same spirit of thrilling car chases, high-tech gadgetry, and adventurous crime-fighting that made the original series a hit, while also infusing fresh elements to keep viewers engaged.

The direction by Alan J. Levi is commendable. He successfully navigates the film through high-speed pursuits, explosive action sequences, intriguing character development, and an engaging plotline. The movie’s screenplay provides a balanced blend of thrilling action, sharp humor, and human drama, making for a thoroughly entertaining experience.

Of course, life would not be complete without the presence of KITT – the famous autonomous car adviser. Seeing KITT updated for the then 'future' will undoubtedly amuse fans of the original series. With its futuristic setting, Knight Rider 2000 continues to emphasize the incorporation of cutting-edge technology into everyday lives, predicting a society dominated by advancements we are just beginning to see.

Overall, 'Knight Rider 2000' is a rewarding movie experience for fans of the original series and newcomers alike. Its blend of high-octane action, engaging storytelling, and charismatic performances make it an entertaining watch.