The Junkman
Where to Watch The Junkman
The Junkman is a film with a story and direction by H.B. Halicki, who also stars as the lead character. The movie was released in 1982, co-starring Christopher Stone and Susan Shaw. This movie is a unique fusion of suspense, action, and thrill that entangles its audience from the initial phase right up to its riveting end.
The protagonist of the story, Harlan B. Hollis (H.B. Halicki), brilliantly portrays himself as a junkyard owner turned film producer and daredevil stuntman. His life has taken a turn for the best as he’s risen from a simple junkyard proprietor to a successful movie producer living the Hollywood dream. But, this dream soon turns into a nightmare when Hollis becomes the target of a murder plot, landing him firmly in the crosshairs of a deadly game.
As he prepares for the launch of his much-awaited movie in the renowned locale of Hollywood, an anonymous syndicate marks him as a target. Unexpectedly, his life makes a complete 360-degree turn as he finds himself dodging bullets, escaping relentless car pursuit, and foiling murder attempts. This sequence of events spirals his life into a chaotic mixture of fear and survival. However, Hollis is determined not just to survive but figure out who is behind these attempts on his life.
Susan Shaw plays character Susan Clark in the movie. She is Hollis’s dedicated and supportive friend who remains by his side through the tumultuous events. Their friendship forms one of the emotional cores of the film, providing relief from the non-stop action.
Christopher Stone, also a key player in the film, excellently plays the role of Michael Fox, a hotheaded Los Angeles Police Department detective. He combines classic cop grit with a dose of stubborn willpower. All these characters are interconnected in the tangled web of this crime-riddled film, each playing their part to enhance the overall cinematic experience.
One of the most significant aspects of The Junkman is its eye-catching array of stunts involving more than 150 vehicles. The director, H.B. Halicki, had a knack for car-themed action sequences, and this movie served as a platform to showcase his stunt choreography skills. This film is best remembered for its 40-minute car chase sequence, which is considered among the longest in film history. The film's memorable action set-pieces earned it a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for wrecking the most cars in one movie.
With lethal hitmen, fast-paced car chases, and riveting plot twists, The Junkman does an excellent job of maintaining suspense throughout the movie. The film keeps viewers at the edges of their seats, constantly throwing surprises their way and daring them to predict what comes next.
The Junkman also offers an interesting cinematic comment on the film industry of the '80s. The movie shows a juxtaposition of Hollywood's glitz and glamour with its dangerous underbelly, making it an essential watch for those fascinated by the workings of the film industry. The movie is not just an action-packed spectacle. It’s an intricate look into the life of a successful man, pushed against the wall, fighting not just for his survival but for the truth.
In summary, The Junkman delivers an exhilarating blend of thrill and action set against the backdrop of Hollywood's glitz, highs, and lows. With its gripping storyline, well-wrought characters, and record-breaking chase sequences, the movie remains a testament to the filmmaking talent of H.B. Halicki and his love for cars and action. This entertainingly unorthodox crime thriller is sure to catch the fancy of anyone interested in classic action-filled crime dramas.
The Junkman is a Crime, Action, Thriller, Comedy movie released in 1982. It has a runtime of 98 min. Critics and viewers have rated it moderate reviews, with an IMDb score of 5.5..