Really Surprised!

Excellent, Without a doubt!!

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

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

I don't usually give 10 / 10 for a movie, but this one deserves it. I watched it so many times with my brother, we literally memorized every single line. The car chases, the action, the music, the acting, all great. I loved it when I was 10, and I love it when I first seen it as a kid, and I love it now too, yet, 30 years passed.As far as I see, many people are fan of this movie, maybe there is some nostalgia to it, I don't know. But I know that every time I watch this movie, I get pumped because of the non-stop car-chasing action and the music.

Seemingly the only reason for the movie "Shaker Run" to exist, is to prove now, beyond any doubt, the old adage: "real men wear pink." Judd Pierson (Robertson) is a down-on-his-luck stunt driver for the "Helldrivers Auto Circus". He's getting older, and he can't quite jump that long row of cars like he used to. The audiences are dwindling but luckily Pierson has a young and enthusiastic sidekick named Casey (Garrett). Being a passenger in speeding cars makes Casey ill, which really complicates the events about to transpire...When scientist Dr. Christine Rubin (Harrow) approaches them to take "the box" (which is a lethal virus) from one side of New Zealand to the other, The Helldriver boys reluctantly accept. The only problem is, an endless supply of Australian baddies are hot on their trail and constantly trying to kill them. The leader of the cabal of goons is Paul Thoreau (Briant of "Moving Targets" fame) who is in a helicopter for most of the movie.Can the Helldrivers and Dr. Rubin get "the box" to its destination before it is snatched away by Thoreau? "Shaker Run" is an undiscovered gem of a road movie. There are some impressive car chases and stunts. Just imagine a cross between "Vanishing Point", "Smokey & The Bandit", and "The Andromeda Strain". While the title: "Shaker Run" might not be fully explained, I suppose "Vanishing Smokey Strain" doesn't have a good ring to it. Robertson portrays the grizzled old driver who's "the best" with aplomb. He also has cool hat. It is not quite 10 gallon, more like 3-4 gallons. But it suits him perfectly.Another good thing about "Run" is was made before political correctness and the "Budweiser" logo appears on cars and a simple chase that lasts for most of the movie is all you needed to get by.One of the highlights is when our heroes are trapped on a boat. If you ever wanted to see Leif Garrett bash through a wall, here is your chance. Lastly, in a show of consideration, one of the credits at the end of the movie asks that you "please drive home safely." "Run" to go see "Shaker Run" tonight! For more insanity, please visit: comeuppancereviews.com

Cliff Robertson contributes one of his sturdy, pleasant, reassuring reliable old pro portrayals as Judd Pierson, a crusty, disillusioned crackerjack race car driver whose career has hit the skids. Despite the efforts of loyal, adoring, wide-eyed mechanic Casey (a likably relaxed performance by boyish, fluffy-haired 70's teen heartthrob Leif Garrett), Judd's feeling pretty lousy because he's stuck doing death-defying stunts for a third-rate crash and burn thrill show traveling across New Zealand. So when gutsy, dedicated germ warfare disease researcher Christine Ruben (lovely Lisa Harrow) promises to pay Judd $3,000 to drive her through some treacherous winding backroads, Casey persuades Judd to accept her offer. But unbeknownst to either Judd or Casey, Ruben takes along a sample of a deadly virus she's been working on; it's a top secret bug that the company she works for wants back by any means necessary. Naturally, a lethal team of assassins lead by the sublimely snooty slimeball Shane Briant give chase. Director Bruce Morrison, abetted by a briskly efficient screenplay (said script Morrison co-wrote with James Kouf, Jr. and henry Fownes), Stephen McCurdy's jazzy, hard-blasting score, spirited acting by a fine cast, a sharp sense of dry, biting humor ("There's nothing in our contract about leading us into the valley of death and getting out butts shot off"), beauteous New Zealand countryside scenery, and Kevin Hayward's handsome, gleaming cinematography, pumps up the pace and maintains a neck-snappingly fast sense of constant momentum. The awesomely well-mounted chase sequences are staged with lip-smacking verve and a camera gets affixed to the side of the wildly careening automobiles, thereby infusing the rousing proceedings with a jangly, punchy, invigorating vitality. Sure, this honey doesn't cover any fresh chase/action thriller ground, but it certainly goes through the familiar motions in a most satisfyingly dynamic and straightforward manner. In fact, this solid, neatly executed number would make a swell double bill with the somewhat similar and equally kickin' "The Chain Reaction."

Shaker Run shows more of the New Zealand countryside than even Lord of the Rings. As an added bonus, there are fast V-8 powered cars speeding through it. While it is a bit thin on plot, what is provided is sufficient and more than made up for by the good cinematography, excellent actors and fulfilling chase scenes. Realizing that V-8 powered cars, let alone American V-8 powered are quite rare in New Zealand these days, it is quite fun to behold Judd (Cliff Robertson), a cantankerous American professional driver, blasting across bridges and down roads in the style of Mad Max in a modified Trans Am whilst outmaneuvering the secret police chasing him in sinister black indigenously-produced V-8 pursuit vehicles with air scoops in their hoods. The treat of the movie, in my opinion, was the part where Mr. Carney commandeers a Chevy-powered race car from a downtown dealership, drives it through a storefront window and pursues the Trans Am up a mountain road.Shaker Run is a rare snapshot of New Zealand during the 1980's. The movies is as rare as it is entertaining for travel-oriented and eclectic motor heads such as myself.