Supervan

Supervan is an American action-comedy film released in 1977. The film was directed by Lamar Card and features Mark Schneider, Katie Saylor, and Morgan Woodward in leading roles. The film cranks up the nostalgia with 70s aesthetics, a dynamic soundtrack, and the beloved van culture of the era.

A strong cult following has assembled around Supervan since its release over four decades ago, with fans being particularly enamored of its central character, Clint Morgan (Mark Schneider). Clint is a free-spirited, independent, young van enthusiast, who works tirelessly on his custom van. He dreams of making it big in the world of van racing, a dream that takes him to the crossroads of thrill, adventure, and danger.

The film follows Clint's journey from his hometown to a national "Freakout" championship in Kansas City, a competition that involves custom vans and their owners vying for the title of the best customized van. Clint's father warns him to stay away from the competition, mainly due to his rivalry with business magnate T.B. Trenton (Morgan Woodward), who sponsors the championship, but this only fuels his determination to enter the competition.

Clint's journey takes a fateful turn when he crosses paths with a stunning yet free-spirited Karen Trenton (Katie Saylor), who is coincidentally the runaway daughter of T.B. Trenton. This immediately injects a love angle into the film, adding a layer of complexity to the already heightened tension between Clint and the patriarch Trenton.

Marking a turning point in the movie, Clint becomes the driver of "Vandora", an advanced, solar-powered van built by his friend, Bosley. This technologically superior, futuristic van adds science fiction flavor to the film, as it's equipped with cutting-edge features like lasers and a computer control system. The aptly named "Vandora" becomes Clint's trump card in the competition and symbolizes not just a van but a movement that rebels against the establishment.

T.B Trenton plays the perfect antagonist, using his influence and money to gain an unfair advantage in the van competition. He has his custom van, Fondavan, outfitted with illegal enhancements, aiming to eliminate any competition. The enmity between Clint and Trenton intensifies as they gear up for the final face-off in the van competition.

Simultaneously, the chemistry between Clint and Karen heats up, adding a romantic flavor to the action-packed narrative. Karen, being a strong-willed woman, rebels against her father and joins forces with Clint. The development of their relationship adds an emotional touch, making viewers root for them as they navigate the challenges thrown at them.

Supervan encompasses action, romance, drama, and comedy. It's a light-hearted tribute to van culture, showcasing beautifully customized vans that billow with the creative power of human imagination. Headlined by VAN, an organization championing the rights of van owners, the climactic competition sequence is full of adrenaline and riveting moments, underpinned by clever commentary on corporate greed and corruption.

The film brings the spirit and vibe of the 70s to life, with its funky soundtrack, extravagant costume design, and mise-en-scene. The music score composed by Joe Halderman and Guy Hemric, gives musical depth to the narrative, fluidly blending with the story's emotional tones and capturing the carefree ethos of 70s pop culture.

Overall, Supervan is a testament to a time when life on the road was a symbol of freedom and independence. Some audiences might view it as a platform that showcases the iconic counter-culture movement of the 1970s. The film's rich characterization, thrilling storyline, and attractive visual elements make it worth watching for all those who enjoy a good adventurous ride filled with twists and turns. From van enthusiasts to fans of classic 70s cinema, Supervan delivers an entertaining cinematic experience not easily forgotten.