Shaker Run

Set against the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand, Shaker Run from 1985 is a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat action-packed film. Directed by Bruce Morrison, the film combines a spectacular array of thrilling car chases and heart-stopping moments which will keep audience members hooked throughout its running time.

The film opens with the introduction of protagonist Judd Pierson, played by the indomitable Cliff Robertson. Judd is a former race car driver holding an unremarkable job as a stuntman in a travelling show. His life changes overnight when he is offered a hefty sum to transport a "super car" equipped with the latest technology from one location to another. Along with his undeviatingly loyal mechanic buddy Casey Lee, portrayed by the charismatic pop star turned actor Leif Garrett, Judd happily accepts the job, completely unaware of the storm of trouble about to hit them.

The supercar, unbeknownst to Judd and Casey, carries in its trunk a groundbreaking secret – a deadly virus developed by a female microbiologist named Dr. Christine Rubin, brought alive on screen by Lisa Harrow. Dr. Rubin realizes the potential misuse of her sinister creation by power-hungry individuals and deviously manages to smuggle it out of the labs with the hope of handing it over to government authorities. The innocent and unsuspecting Judd and Casey are, therefore, unknowingly carrying a lethal virus capable of causing widespread chaos and devastation.

As soon as the real value of the supercar and its contents are known to those with nefarious intentions, the chase is on. Faced with inimical international spies and government agents, Judd and Casey must outwit their pursuers and ensure that the deadly virus doesn't fall into the wrong hands. The rest of the film explores the characters' journey through stunning natural landscapes, heart-thumping road chases, and vicissitudes of fate, maintaining a fast-paced narrative that's sure to keep viewers gripped.

Cliff Robertson's interpretation of Judd Pierson could be called iconic. His performance, along with Leif Garrett's comedic timing as Casey Lee, adds depth to their characters. Lisa Harrow as Dr. Christine Rubin shines in her role, portraying the female scientist with an astute performance that feels grounded and authentic.

The film is further elevated by a high-octane score that perfectly complements the pulsating action sequences. Likewise, Shaker Run's cinematography deserves a special mention, with the breath-taking landscapes of New Zealand adding a level of beauty and grandeur to the wild and nerve-wracking car chases that the film presents.

While primarily an action film, Shaker Run doesn’t shy away from poignant moments of character development. The evolving friendship and camaraderie between Judd and Casey, as well as Dr. Rubin’s dilemma and desperation over handling the dangerous virus, provide a nuanced humanist touch to the otherwise adrenalized storyline. The film carefully balances these emotional moments with high-speed action, ensuring an engaging narrative balance that adds depth to its characters and story.

The design of the supercar itself will prove a delightful treat for car enthusiasts. The Peacemaker, as the supercar is referred to, not only represents 1980s technology at its best but also becomes a key character in the film with the filmmakers using it creatively in a variety of high-stake situations.

Overall, Shaker Run is a captivating blend of explosive action set pieces and riveting character dynamics, presenting an intriguing juxtaposition of adrenalin-spiked sequences with touching moments of humanist storytelling. Its thrilling plot spinning around a high-speed chase with life-altering stakes and an underlying tone of friendship and loyalty makes it a film worth cherishing for fans of classic action cinema.