Vanishing Point (1997)

When his wife goes into a troubled labor while he is on the road over 1200 miles away James Kowalski, an ex race car driver and a former Army Ranger, attempts to elude police while trying ... See full summary »

Director:

Charles Robert Carner

Writers:

Malcolm Hart (story), Guillermo Cabrera Infante (earlier screenplay),

Stars:

Viggo Mortensen, Christine Elise, Steve Railsback

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Viggo Mortensen	...	Jimmy Kowalski
Christine Elise	...	Raphinia Kowalski
Steve Railsback	...	Sergeant Preston
Rodney A. Grant
Peter Murnik	...	Gilmore
James MacDonald	...	(as James G. MacDonald)
Paul Benjamin
Geno Silva	...	Mike Mas
John Doe	...	Sammy
Peta Wilson	...	Motorcycle girl
Keith David	...	Warren Taft
Jason Priestley	...	The Voice
Debra Sharkey	...	Producer
Ari Barak	...	Dr. Nazrin
Frank Roman	...	Hernando

Storyline

When his wife goes into a troubled labor while he is on the road over 1200 miles away James Kowalski, an ex race car driver and a former Army Ranger, attempts to elude police while trying to get home. After numerous chases he turns into a Native American reservation and reflects on his life, and his wife. He then heads off to break through an impenetrable police and FBI roadblock.

---

Plot Keywords:

chase | muscle car | car accident | cnn reporter | remake | 

---

Genres:

Action | Adventure | Romance

---

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 January 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

Døden bak rattet

Filming Locations:

Tucson, Arizona, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Fox Television Network, Westgate Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

A mission (church) shown near the beginning of the movie is "Mission San Xavier del Bac", near Tucson, Arizona.

---

Goofs

Interior shots of the Challenger at various times through out the movie show different dash designs. Early in the movie, we see a standard 3-spoke wheel with the 5-hole standard gauger cluster. Later, we see a Rallye gauger cluster with a Rim-Blow style wheel. These items swap back and forth until the end of the movie when once again, we see the Rallye Speedometer at 140mph.

---

Connections

Remake of Vanishing Point (1971)

User Reviews

Boring

This is a terrible remake of a marginal, but well liked, movie from the early 70's. I have seen the original at least 6 times. The 1997 version is a 20 minute movie 'crammed' into 2 hours or whatever the runtime is. Cheesy storyline, which by the way, is completely different than the original. The major government involvement was far-fetched. There is no flow from one scene to the next. In the original you could go get a beer or hit the bathroom and still keep up.

It only took a few hours movie time to change the oil pan on the car. It takes many times longer than that in real life. Car guys notice this stuff. Also, the fool or fools that chose to trash a 1968 Charger and abuse a 1970 Challenger should be shot in the heel with a dull bullet. The fact they aren't 'car people' is painfully obvious, and their passing will not be grieved.

The actors lacked any emotion, everything was cut and dried. One step above a monotone. A barmitzvah is more exciting and energetic.

Last but surely not least, the radio DJ made the statement that the Challenger hit the bulldozers at 180 or 185 (??). That is total garbage. Can you say aerodynamics, or lack thereof?? Hahahaha!! This movie is a joke. Don't waste your time watching this one.