The Wraith

In the realm of cult classics is the 1986 action-horror film The Wraith. Directed by Mike Marvin and featuring performances from Charlie Sheen, Nick Cassavetes, and Sherilyn Fenn, The Wraith is an adrenaline-fueled ride, cementing its legacy as one of the memorable cult films of the '80s.

Adorned with an original score and a bevy of 80s rock tracks, the movie unfolds in the arid sprawl of Arizona, amidst the unbounded adrenaline of fast cars and street racing. The plot takes us through a tale of revenge, love, and the supernatural, at a pace as relentless as the high-speed car races it depicts.

The movie opens with the introduction of Packard Walsh, played with intimidating swagger by Nick Cassavetes. Walsh, a notorious criminal, and his gang rule the quiet town, attaining cars through deadly street races where the losers forfeit their vehicles. He also obsessively pursues Keri Johnson, played by Sherilyn Fenn, in an attempt to assert power and control. Fenn, with her sensitive portrayal of Keri, adds a poignant subplot of young love and vulnerability.

Amidst this turbulence, a mysterious stranger named Jake Kesey (Charlie Sheen) rolls into town. Kesey, a seemingly quiet and solitude-loving outsider, forms a bond with Keri, causing tension to spike between him and Walsh. Sheen brings an enigmatic, cool charm to Jake, keeping us guessing about his motives and backstory. It's in these early scenes that the film sets its stage, underlining the grueling power dynamics and sparking off a mysterious intrigue that soon escalates to the supernatural.

Simultaneously, a spectral entity known as The Wraith begins to appear, driving a futuristic, invincible black car. This figure seems bent on settling a cryptic vendetta against Walsh and his crew, thereby throwing the town into a whirlwind of terror and confusion. The film effectively merges action with horror by introducing this supernatural character strategically, keeping us on edge throughout.

The main novelty that The Wraith brings to the table lies in its distinctive blend of disparate genres. Blending elements of action, horror, and drama with a supernatural theme, it offers a unique cinematic experience. Despite its status as a cult classic, it impresses with the quality of its car racing sequences and stunts, all shot amidst the captivating backdrop of the Arizona landscape.

The film also boasts a range of well-drawn, dynamic characters who deepen the plot. Beyond the three dominant personas, there's Billy Hankins (Matthew Barry), the younger brother of a victim of Walsh's ruthlessness, who throws in an adventurous spirit with his tenacity to expose Walsh. Clint Howard’s role as Rughead, a car mechanic for Walsh's gang with a distinctively '80s style hairpiece, keeps the ambiance interesting.

The Wraith stands out with its stunning visuals. The depiction of the desert landscape, the exhilarating street races, and the high-tech, avant-garde look of the 'Wraith' car all add to the film's thematic richness. The movie showcases an impressive effort from director Marvin and cinematographer Reed Smoot in capturing the '80s zeitgeist with vivid on-screen energy.

The special effects, too, have been given considerable attention for a film of that time. There are quite a few scenes where the Wraith car is shown to regenerate after being damaged, depicting a sense of invincibility that is key to its mysterious aura.

The Wraith also scores high with its music, which gelled well with the spirit of the mid-'80s. From Ozzy Osbourne to Billy Idol, the film includes tracks from some of the most influential rock musicians of that era, adding to the overall vibe of the film.

All in all, The Wraith is a cult classic that remains memorable more than thirty years after its release. It offers a winning mix of suspense, action, and supernatural horror, with standout performances from Charlie Sheen, Sherilyn Fenn, and Nick Cassavetes. With its unique storyline and unforgettable characters, The Wraith is a remarkable film that deserves revisiting for its embodiment of '80s culture - and its spirit of unbridled, reckless freedom.