Just what I expected

The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

ROAD TO HELL is Albert Pyun's spiritual sequel to Walter Hill's cult hit STREETS OF FIRE, however, 'sequel' is not a term that suits it well. While Pyun brings back characters from the original film he has made every effort to create a whole new universe for them and presents us with a vibrant and textured piece of surrealism. Tom Cody (Michael Pare) returns after two decades away at war, in search of forgiveness and redemption. He is a different man to the one we met all those years ago and he travels with a heavy burden. The weight of death is his companion and he finds himself in a strange, desolate landscape. Along a seemingly endless stretch of highway with vivid multicoloured skies he is under the ever watchful eye of Gabriel, the archangel, who guides him home. During his travels he crosses paths with two serial killer femme-fatales who attempt to seduce him as a violent power- play unfolds with dark secrets being revealed.The opening title cards declare "A different time. A different place. Still a rock 'n roll fable!" and they serve as an important reminder that the film stands alone. Viewers expecting a faithful recreation of STREETS OF FIRE will be sorely disappointed, however, people looking for something audacious and original are in for a treat. The fundamental elements that made Walter Hill's film so wonderful are still ever-present as Pyun recaptures the otherworldly colours and fantasy-driven violence while shrouding the narrative in a strong eclectic rock & roll ambiance. The final act, just as the original film, is comprised of live concert footage which solidifies the film as a continuation. Where Pyun has been smart is in exploiting all of these conventions and presenting them in a new, twisted and confronting way. Where STREETS OF FIRE was a fantasy driven action film, ROAD TO HELL is its surreal hellish-horror bastard child.It's awesome to see Michael Pare and Deborah Van Vulkenburgh reprising their roles and both seem totally invested in the story. They are supported by Clare Kramer (BIG ASS SPIDER), Courtney Peldon (FROZEN), Roxy Gunn (THE ROXY GUNN PROJECT) and Joei Fulco (HEIDI). It's also great to hear Pyun regular Norbert Weisser (SCHINDLER'S LIST) offering his voice to an on-camera interview portion of the film.ROAD TO HELL's production has been a long and arduous process, which has seen multitudes of cuts produced. It made its first appearance on the festival circuit in 2008 and has since gone through various edits, few of which made it to public exhibition. It has taken 6 years for the final cut to arrive and anyone familiar with Pyun's rapid production turn-arounds will understand that there is more to this film than most of his others. It has been a true labor of love. Over the years his reputation has been in a perpetual state of fluctuation and while average movie- goers dismiss his work, the more astute b-movie fans appreciate and value the incredible contribution he has made during his 30+ year career (52 films). ROAD TO HELL is his opus. It is not a perfect film by any means, but it is his most personal. There are things that could have been done differently to enhance its cohesion, but it's the imperfections that make it so fearless. I have been fortunate enough to have seen a few of the previous cuts and I can assure you that this final one is the strongest.Watching the film once is not enough and it benefits from multiple viewings. The poetic nature of the narrative needs to be absorbed, as opposed to simply being viewed. It is a nightmarish existential form of expression, built upon a strong foundation and lovers of the weird, wonderful and bizarre ought to lap it up.

I attended the Las Vegas screening and I have to say that it wasn't at all what I expected. As a huge Streets Of Fire fan I was expecting more of a sequel or part two as the buzz around the internet suggested. I loved that it went into the darker side of the story and the music was out of this world. Roxy Gunn is stunning and the songs and concert scenes are musical masterpieces! Casting Gunn as Michael Pare and Diane Lane's daughter was brilliant! I'm so glad I got to see this. Again I think this will be a huge cult classic. I think I might even travel to a few other film festivals so I can see it again. I can't wait to get this on DVD.

"Road to Hell" played at the Rave Motion Pictures in Las Vegas to a Big Happy Audience for PollyGrind Underground Film Festival. I went because I love The Roxy Gunn Project. I already knew the music would be great but I didn't expect the movie to be so shocking. At first I was shocked but then some of the audience laughed at places that told me it was okay to laugh. The movie is very different, but the music carries you into it. I never knew where it was going. I had not seen the movie it is supposedly based on "Streets of Fire", but they play a couple scenes to help us understand better. The music was fantastic and some of the audience chair danced. The lead actor, Michael Pare' was so young and beautiful in the first movie and in "Road to Hell" he looks 'rode hard and put away wet' but he is Movie Star all over - both scary and fascinating.The female lead Clare Kramer is All Scary until the end when I felt sad for her ...which was quite a feat from where she started out. At the end we learn just how messed up she was. The Best is Roxy Gunn in her first movie role. She was Luminous - tough on the outside, but you could see through to how fragile she was. She still needs her father, CODY to be her father. CODY somehow managed to be a Monster, a Dad and a Hero. To enjoy this movie, you have to let go of thinking you know what will happen next. It's not mainstream for sure and it will have to find a Wild & Crazy audience. Count me in.

I saw this Wednesday night at the Rave Movie theater in Las Vegas. It was part of a local film festival and it was a big crowd. I actually snuck into the theater early to make sure I got a seat! The stars of the movie were there and the director reminded me of a long haired crazy kid because he was so excited. As they introduced the film, I hadn't realized it was inspired by another movie which I had never heard of. But they had a sort of time machine opening which definitely set you up for the main movie. What did I think? I think the audience knew more about it because they started cheering and applauding right from the start. So the feeling was really good, like when you go see a much anticipated blockbuster at midnight Thursday. Everyone seemed really into it. That got me into it too. The movie was like an LSD acid trip (though I have never taken any). It was the most intense colors and images I have seen since Into the Void. Like that film, this movie spent a lot of time taking you into its world and its reality. Highly stylized dialogue and acting it was not like anything I've ever seen before. Its the first movie I think I've seen where you could not assume where it was going second to second. It had moments o genuine shock and it was super disturbing at times, then towards the end it really switches gears and it carries you from the shock and horror into an almost joyful place. So it ends upbeat. I won't describe what happens as I think it doesn't translate to words. But I enjoyed it and the film was awarded a lot of awards after and I think its well deserved. The two main actors I had seen before but never like this. Its a film where you leave the theater exhilarated and energized by the style and story. Is it an art film? Yes, in the best sense, because it takes you to where you've never been and never expected to go. It's demanding on your brain and stomach. Not for those who want it all predictable and easy to digest. It's waaayy out there on the margins in the best way.