RATING★ TBA
WORTH IT? NO
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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for The Hitchhiker.

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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is The Hitchhiker Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

Gorgeous parolee Roman Todd just got out of prison and is at loose ends. With no friends or family left in New England, the sexy stud tries hitchhiking to California, and is soon picked up by older, good samaritan Rodney Steele. When nurturing Rodney offers to let the young bad boy stay at his place, Roman eagerly agrees. But Rodney is not the sweet older man he seems to be, and Roman soon discovers he is nothing more than sexual prey for the lonely, twisted Rodney. Starring Roman Todd, Rodney Steele, Alex Chandler, Shane Omen.

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✨ The Quick Verdict

SKIP IT

If you are a fan of cinema, then The Hitchhiker offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2017 landscape.

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👥 Target Audience

casual viewers seeking light entertainment

📔 Detailed Analysis

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

The Hitchhiker, a standout production of 2017, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Modern Cinema landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Gorgeous parolee Roman Todd just got out of prison and is at loose ends. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Modern Cinema are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Gorgeous parolee Roman Todd just got out of prison and is at loose ends. With no friends or family left in New England, the sexy stud tries hitchhiking to California, and is soon picked up by older, good samaritan Rodney Steele. When nurturing Rodney offers to let the young bad boy stay at his place, Roman eagerly agrees. But Rodney is not the sweet older man he seems to be, and Roman soon discovers he is nothing more than sexual prey for the lonely, twisted Rodney. Starring Roman Todd, Rodney Steele, Alex Chandler, Shane Omen."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Roman Todd does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Nica Noelle is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 90 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is The Hitchhiker truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Modern Cinema, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, The Hitchhiker explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Nica Noelle respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, The Hitchhiker is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Roman Todd or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The Hitchhiker is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.

Official movieMx Verdict: INTERESTING - VIEW WITH CAUTION

⏳ Time Investment

90MIN

At approximately 1.5 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.

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