Maximum Overdrive (1986)

Full of campy '80s horror goodness

“Horror luminary Stephen King's first (and, to date, only) directorial undertaking, 1986's Maximum Overdrive finds the author-cum-filmmaker adapting one of his own short stories for the big screen. A critical and commercial failure, Maximum Overdrive has a lousy reputation in serious cinephile circles, as the picture garnered two Golden Raspberry nominations (including Worst Director), and King himself disowned the finished product, calling it a "moron movie" and resolving never to direct again. Nevertheless, for fans of campy '80s horror, the film undeniably delivers, and it remains an enormously enjoyable sit that deserves more love than it appears to receive. With a generous though not overwhelming budget, King executes the high-concept science-fiction premise with corny dialogue, an und” read more

Movies Viewed in 2024 (306 movies items)

" First Viewing Viewing Date: September 8th Via: Amazon Prime Video (via VPN) Plot: When machines come alive and become homicidal, a group of people band together at a local diner and fight for survival. Rating: 6.8/10 Why Did I Watch It? I've been meaning to watch this for years as it represents everything I want: campy '80s horror with an AC/DC soundtrack, directed by a coked-out Stephen King. It looks crazy and fun. Review here"

Pop Culture Phenomenon Films: 80’s (1531 movies items)

" When a comet passes close to the earth, machines all over the world come alive and go on homicidal rampages. A group of people at a desolate truck stop are held hostage by a gang of homicidal 18-wheelers. The frightened people set out to defeat the killer machines … or be killed by them. See it! Just to see Gus Fring, get blasted by a video game! The film’s apocalyptically loud as hell, was rocked out by AC/DC! Emilio Estevez raging against the machines! Lisa Simpson, taking on killing c"

Pop Culture Phenomenon Films: 80’s (1531 movies items)

" When a comet passes close to the earth, machines all over the world come alive and go on homicidal rampages. A group of people at a desolate truck stop are held hostage by a gang of homicidal 18-wheelers. The frightened people set out to defeat the killer machines … or be killed by them. See it! Just to see Gus Fring, get blasted by a video game! The film’s apocalyptically loud as hell, was rocked out by AC/DC! Emilio Estevez raging against the machines! Lisa Simpson, taking on killing c"

Pros and Cons of Films: Vol. 2 (130 movies items)

"Pros: AC/DC! It’s a fun, cheesy horror movie. Giancarlo Esposito, pre Breaking Bad The many creative vehicle kills! The cars, and vehicles especially The Green Goblin! It’s a guilty pleasure movie. Cons: It’s takes a very huge suspension of disbelief, in order to watch it. Maximum Overdrive, is considered to be by some a pretty bad horror film, and a down turn for Stephen King. To be fair, it was made during a low point for Stephen King, given that he was suffering from substance "

Why It’s Rated (604 movies items)

"Rated: R Why it’s rated: Maximum violence, adult language, and adult situations to the max!"

200 Favourite Scary Film Moments (209 movies items)

"123) Who made who? "

Terror Blurbs! Pt. 1 (An Ever-Expanding List) (100 movies items)

"Plot: Machines become sentient and hold the denizens of a truck stop hostage to do their bidding. If your looking for a decent AC/DC compilation then the soundtrack to this might suffice. Otherwise, it's a shining example of why Stephen King should never direct a movie. Barring a few unintentional chuckles, this one's for the dogs."

Favorite Horror Films: 1986 (34 movies items)

" Directed by: Stephen King Produced by: Martha Schumacher Written by: Stephen King Based on the short story "Trucks" by: Stephen King Cinematography: Armando Nannuzzi Edited by: Even A. Lottman Music by: AC/DC Distributed by: DeLaurentiis Entertainment Group"

Debutant Movies (150 movies items)

"Stephen King"

List of (real) film accidents/deaths (53 movies items)

"Director of photography Armando Nannuzzi was seriously injured when a radio-controlled lawnmower used in a scene went out of control and struck a block of wood used as a camera support, shooting out wood splinters. The splinters were fired at Nannuzzi's face, resulting in him losing an eye. Nannuzzi sued Stephen King on 18 February 1987, for $18 million in damages due to unsafe working practices. The suit was settled out of court."

Favorite Action Films: 1986-1987 (36 movies items)

" Directed by: Stephen King Produced by: Martha Schumacher Written by: Stephen King Based on the short story "Trucks" by: Stephen King Cinematography: Armando Nannuzzi Edited by: Even A. Lottman Music by: AC/DC Distributed by: DeLaurentiis Entertainment Group"

QOH's October Movie Diary '18 (10 movies items)

"October 11thMaximum Overdrive.I enjoy this film. Hadn't seen it in awhile so I decided to rewatch again. "