Released in January, 2002, and written/directed by Jeff Leroy, "Hell's Highway" is a cheap slasher about two couples traveling through Death Valley to the California coast where they pick up a hitchhiker from hell (Phoebe Dollar). Havoc ensues. The infamous Ron Jeremy is featured in a glorified cameo.
"Hell's Highway" proves that an ultra-low budget doesn't mean a movie can't be expertly entertaining. Yes, some of the gory parts are cheesy (while others are pretty impressive) and the miniature sets are obvious, but both are serviceable (and somewhat charming) and keep the story flowing. Viewing the trailer, I thought this was going to be a horror comedy, but it's not; it's essentially a serious slasher with campy elements – particularly Phoebe as the over-the-top nefarious hitchhiker – and cheesy effects. Jeff Leroy shows his genius in that "Hell's Highway" is adept filmmaking and genuinely entertaining DESPITE the obvious cheapness of it all.
Without Phoebe in the key role, however, it wouldn't be half as effective as it is. She's not blow-your-mind beautiful or anything, but she has a unique look and there's something alluring about her demeanor, not to mention she has curves in all the right places. Beverly Lynne (Monique), with her conventional "hot blond" look, can't hold a candle to her (she has an unnecessary softcore sex scene, for anyone who might be offended). Kiren David, as Sarah, is the third main female in the cast and is a convincing actress. Actually, all the main cast members take the material seriously and offer respectable performances.
The score/soundtrack didn't do much for me, unfortunately. This is a movie that needs a few rockin' numbers.
The last act features a couple of creative twists in the story and shows that Leroy put some time into the script.
The film has no filler at a mere 70 minutes and looks like it was shot in Southern California.
GRADE: B or B- (6.5/10)
