The Wraith Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A murdered teen comes back from the dead with a sweet ride to settle some road rage issues in a town where the police apparently don’t exist.

🍿 The Wraith: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Town Under Siege

Packard Walsh and his gang terrorize a small Arizona town, forcing drivers into drag races where the losers forfeit their vehicles. Packard is a ruthless bully who takes what he wants, including Keri Johnson, even after Jamie Hankins shows interest in her. This creates a tense and dangerous atmosphere in the community, where fear reigns and justice seems unattainable.

The Arrival of Jake and the Wraith

After Packard murders Jamie for being with Keri, a mysterious figure named Jake Kesey arrives on a motorcycle. Simultaneously, a sleek, futuristic car known as the Wraith appears, challenging Packard’s gang to races. The Wraith’s car is seemingly invincible, and those who race it end up dead. Sheriff Loomis struggles to maintain order as the town is gripped by fear and the body count rises.

Revenge on Wheels

As Jake befriends Keri and Jamie’s younger brother, Billy, the Wraith systematically eliminates Packard’s gang members in a series of deadly races. Each race ends in a fiery crash, leaving no trace of the driver, only a perfectly intact corpse with missing eyes. The police are baffled, and Packard becomes increasingly desperate to stop the Wraith, unaware of the connection between Jake, the Wraith, and Jamie.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jake Kesey/The Wraith (Charlie Sheen): A murdered teenager who returns as a supernatural entity to avenge his death and protect his loved ones.
• Packard Walsh (Nick Cassavetes): The ruthless and possessive leader of a road-racing gang who terrorizes a small town.
• Keri Johnson (Sherilyn Fenn): Packard’s girlfriend and Jamie’s former love interest, caught between the violence and seeking escape.
• Loomis (Randy Quaid): The local sheriff who struggles to maintain order and solve the mysterious deaths plaguing the town.
• Billy Hankins (Matthew Barry): Jamie’s younger brother, who befriends Jake and represents innocence and the desire for justice.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jake: “Well, it’s time for me to hit the road. My business here is finished.” – Jake says this to Billy before revealing the Turbo Interceptor and giving him the keys.
• Jake: “She’s yours now.” – Jake says to Billy of the Turbo Interceptor, signifying passing on his mission and legacy.
• Jake: “Turbo Interceptor. The only one in existence. Does very special things.” – Jake describes the car, highlighting its unique and extraordinary nature.
• Rughead: “This s*** really gives me a kick.” – Says the character Rughead after inhaling motor lubricant, embodying the film’s quirky humor.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2,700,000
• Domestic Gross: $3,500,000
• Worldwide Gross: $3,500,000

💥 The Wraith Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, I’m not gonna lie, The Wraith is a guilty pleasure. The acting is a bit wooden, the plot is… well, let’s just say it’s not winning any awards, but the car! That Turbo Interceptor is iconic! I remember wanting one SO BAD after seeing this as a kid. Plus, the soundtrack is pure 80s awesomeness! When they play “Where’s the Fire” I get goosebumps. The part when Billy realizes that Jake is his brother always gets me. Totally worth a watch if you want some nostalgic fun.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 1980s action and sci-fi films”
  • “Car enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers who enjoy revenge stories with a supernatural twist”
  • “Fans of Charlie Sheen, Sherilyn Fenn, and Randy Quaid”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence and car crashes”
  • “Some language”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Suggestive scenes”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “The Wraith is a fun, if cheesy, slice of 80s action cinema. While the plot is thin, the car chases are exciting, and the soundtrack is killer. Definitely worth a watch for nostalgia fans.
• AllMovie: “The Wraith is a decent movie that is elevated because of its cool cars and a very good soundtrack. The story is cheesy and predictable, but the action is good enough to make it a fun movie to watch.
• Timeout: “Mike Marvin’s revenge fantasy isn’t very good but its got enough 80’s-style action and rock soundtrack to keep one entertained.

Audience Reactions

The Turbo Interceptor is one of the coolest cars ever put on film!: Viewers consistently praise the film’s unique car design and incorporation in the action sequences.

The 80’s soundtrack is killer!: Most people really liked the film’s soundtrack. They feel that it fits the movie well and adds to the entertainment.

Overall Consensus: The Wraith is a cheesy but entertaining 80s action film with cool cars and a rockin’ soundtrack. While not a cinematic masterpiece, it’s a fun, nostalgic watch.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The Dodge M4S Turbo Interceptor used in the film was a real prototype vehicle developed by Chrysler, intended as a high-tech showcase.”
• “During filming, a camera car accident resulted in the death of assistant cameraman Bruce Ingram, to whom the film is dedicated.”
• “The film’s soundtrack features several popular rock songs of the 1980s, contributing to its distinctive atmosphere.”
• “Director Mike Marvin used the pseudonym Jake Kesey for writing credits, named after the main character.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Wraith?

The Wraith is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for television airings, and physical copies may be available through online retailers like Amazon and at local stores. Availability may vary by region, so be sure to check your preferred streaming service.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Wraith, you might like these similar films:

• Christine (1983): Features a killer car with a mind of its own, similar to the Wraith’s Turbo Interceptor.
• The Crow (1994): Deals with themes of supernatural revenge, where a murdered protagonist returns to avenge their death.
• Mad Max (1979): Post-apocalyptic car action and the spirit of vengeance.
• Death Race 2000 (1975): Cult classic with deadly cars and violent racing.

🛒 The Wraith Related Products

• The Wraith (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Relive the 80s with this incredible soundtrack featuring Billy Idol, Motley Crue, and more! This is the definitive collection of songs from the movie.
• 1/18 Scale Diecast Dodge M4S Turbo Interceptor ‘The Wraith’ (Replica): This highly detailed diecast model is a perfect replica of the Turbo Interceptor from the movie. A great collectible for fans of the movie.
• The Wraith Movie Poster: This retro poster will look great in your room. Relive the magic every time you see it.
• The Wraith T-Shirt: Available in multiple sizes. Show off your fandom for The Wraith by wearing a high quality comfortable t-shirt.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Wraith features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Where’s the Fire” – performed by Tim Feehan
• “Rebel Yell” – performed by Billy Idol
• “Secret Loser” – performed by Ozzy Osbourne
• “Obsession” – performed by Animotion
• “Dangerous” – performed by Lion
• “Matter of Time” – performed by Honeymoon Suite
• “Power Love” – performed by Motley Crue
• “Addicted to Love” – performed by Robert Palmer
• “Hold on Blue Eyes” – performed by LaMarca

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Jay Leno & Jeff Dunham Unveil The Wraith: The Most Mysterious Movie Car! | Jay Leno’s Garage

Ever wondered about the awesome car from ‘The Wraith’? Jay Leno and Jeff Dunham check it out and it’s even cooler than I thought! You gotta see this.

The Story of The Wraith Interceptor ‘Screen Chassis’ Ep- 03 (Documentary)

Want the full story on the car from The Wraith? This documentary spills all the secrets about how it was made and why it’s so iconic. Trust me, you’ll appreciate the movie even more after watching this!

10 Things You Didnt Know About The Wraith

Think you know everything about ‘The Wraith’? Think again! This video is packed with trivia I never knew, and some of it is wild. You’ll definitely impress your friends with these facts!

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