The Chase (1994) User Reviews

I can't help but like this movie

[Golden_Emu · 7/10 · 30 October 2002]

This actually was a pretty good farce really. I do agree that it was pretty cheezy full of stock characters and B-Movie acting, but c'mon! It was a send up of how the media blows everything up to something massive and how it sends everyone farther, feeding the media's fire in the process. What made this apt to me was that after seeing this movie, I watched O.J. take that mid-day drive down the highway with the LAPD right behind him. The movie got at least the media part right.

Also, it's fun to watch Henry Rollins play a cop (of all things) and Anthony Kiedis and Flea from The Red Hot Chilli Peppers as redneck hero wannabes. So long as you don't take this movie too seriously, it's pretty funny.

Also, watch right up to after the credits - Charlie's nod to his dad's role in "Apocalypse Now" is just hilarious.

Good

[dworldeater · 7/10 · 17 August 2019]

The Chase, starring Charlie Sheen is an entertaining early 90's action comedy. Sheen ends up kidnapping the gorgeous Kristy Swanson (Natalie Voss) who is the daughter of rich guy Dalton Voss. This leads to a massive police chase and media frenzy. This movie does not take itself too seriously and is a satire of media, pop culture and American society at the time. Charlie Sheen is a talented, versatile actor who is good in all types of stuff and does well carrying this movie. He shared good chemistry with Kristy Swanson as well. Henry Rollins is pretty funny as a cop, or as he would put it..."standard issue street soldier". Also, the cameos from Anthony Kiedis and Flea from The Red Hot Chilli Peppers is not to missed. The Chase does come across as a little dated and time specific to the early 90's, but still holds up as good, fast paced lighthearted entertainment.

Don't take it too seriously

[rbverhoef · 6/10 · 15 April 2003]

You can really enjoy 'The Chase' as a simple movie if you don't take everything too seriously. Or may be not serious at all. There are some nice scenes, Charlie Sheen has a funny thing in this movie and Kristy Swanson is a beautiful lady. Just enjoy a simple movie like this.

Predictable but great!

[gundamgirl2386 · 9 September 2002]

Ok to be truthful if you have never seen this movie before you are probably going to guess the ending by 10 minutes in but don't let that stop you from seeing it! This movie is great no matter how many times you see it. There is something for everyone in this movie.. Humor, Romance, Action, Drama etc. Even if it is very predictable I don't think there has been a single time where this movie has been on cable and I haven't watched it. Just try it, you'll love it!

A lot of fun!!

[neilclelland · 7/10 · 22 June 2001]

I don't think anyone would argue that this is the greatest movie that has ever been released, with huge gaps in the plot pretty much universally bad acting - but it is a lot of fun! Charlie Sheen plays himself essentially, hamming it up in a ludicrous plot where he kidnaps a rich mans daughter with a candy bar and ends up being chased down the highway by half the area's police force and all of the news channels!!

Henry Rollins give the film's outstanding turn as a vicious, yet naive police officer who is being filmed on the job, and both Henry and the character are obviously enjoying every minute of it.

The film tries to take a stab at the media culture (for example chasing OJ down the highway) but the attack is never really directed enough and therefore loses a lot of it's potential bite.

Seems to have a decent soundtrack though, with our Henry on it, along with the likes of Bad Religion and NOFX. All in all, don't take this film too seriously, have a laugh and just go with the lunacy of it all.

Terror on the freeway baby...yeah!!!

[mpurvismattp · 7/10 · 14 February 2014]

This movie just seems to have a special place in my heart, it reminds me of freshman year in high school, VHS tapes and summer vacation (damn I miss that sh!t). Where else can u get Henry Rollins as a douchebag cop who thinks he's Dirty Harry, his partner the revolting blob, Anthony Kiedis and Flea in their hillbilly white trash Monster truck, Cary Elwes as Steve Horsegroovy the super cheesy anchorman, Tigers blood in a clown suit, Angela from "Who's the Boss", Ron f-ing Jeremy, and the mega babe known as Kristy Swanson...no where else that's where! The Chase is not an action movie, sure there's action in it but its a comedy and its meant to be satirical (especially involving the media and the way they like to blow EVERYTHING out of proportion) and it's not high brow comedy, but its effective. If u haven't seen this flick check it out, I mean i enjoy artsy movies and indies as much as the next guy but sometimes a good dumb comedy is just what the doctor ordered. So just sit back, kick your feet up and enjoy the ride.

One Of The Most Annoying Movies Ever

[ccthemovieman-1 · 1/10 · 2 August 2007]

I liked the premise to this film, and can watch numerous crime movies and usually be entertained. However, this movie is so filled with annoying characters and is weak in its attempt to be funny it was brutal sitting through. That, and incredibly dumb dialog. Some of it, I realize, I was meant to be a parody, but it didn't succeed on that level, either. The worst of all the disgusting characters was "Natalie Voss," played by an exceedingly-irritating Kristy Swanson.

Adam Rifkin wrote and directed this garbage. He was way too young and immature and the material shows it. You can see he is desperately trying to be cool, hip and - wink - "smart," but he, like the characters in the movie, are anything but that. A good word to describe the movie - acting, script, etc. - is probably "inept."

And, boy, what a predictable ending. This movie is perfect for a 16-year-old who is clueless and wants to see car crashes, wise-talking people, and a hard-rock soundtrack. Anyone over 21 who possesses a brain is advised to stay away from this "crash."

I wanted to see how it ended

[Tiger_Mark · 7/10 · 2 February 2003]

Not a bad movie, not great, but not bad. Moreover, any movie with Kristy Swanson in it, is always worth watching. However, what many people missed in this movie, was one of the main commentaries on our media today. In this movie, the press takes a real life incident and tries to turn it in to ratings, with no emphasis whatsoever on the real issues. Mad City tried to do this same thing years later and was commended for it. Why not give credit for being original (although hardly the first). Several great cameos make this movie interesting and there is plenty of humor and action. It wasn't that bad, honestly.

Pretty terrible (2/10)

[The_Big_Daddy · 2/10 · 13 August 2002]

I'm really surprised at how highly rated this movie is. It was pretty god-awful - poorly written, far-fetched, and stupid. Yeah, I got the point about how the rich control the media, about how rich kids want for the "real world", etc, but none of those themes had any depth. What the movie was really about was sexual tension between two classically good-looking people, explosions, and people who are ungrateful for what they have. A good movie for a 12 or 13-year old boy but otherwise, leave it alone.

Not bad...

[superjay · 7/10 · 21 January 2002]

Its hard to call this movie a classic, but it is definitely the type of film that, if on TV, you watch in its entirety. The action of the scene is that of one of those car chases on TV...once you get hooked, it is impossible to turn away.

The storyline is great and the dipiction of the news crews is a very accurate representation of the over-the-top reporting that is so prevalent in today's newscasts.

Looking for something to rent one night...give this a try! You won't be disappointed!

Jason

What kind of idiots like PC dreck like this?

[SHADO-5 · 1/10 · 2 March 1999]

Way to go, Hollywood. Yet another idiotic movie with an evil white male conservative Republican as the heavy. Memo to ShowBiz: Some people are actually smart enough to see through your Politically Correct hypocrisy. Dullards will love the "action."

A parody, not meant to be taken seriously, you poor "critics"!

[dragonfixer · 10/10 · 26 March 2003]

Of course it's cheesy, it's supposed to be! It's parody, not an "action" flick! If you expected a Steven Seagal movie, you should have gone to one! Those of us who appreciate the nature of satire and parody can find it everywhere in this movie! Any one who has lived in California has seen several elements of this chase on their own televisions, LIVE!

The names of the characters are great, (Cary Elwes as Steve Horsegroovy, Ron Jeremy as a camera man, Bree Walker, an L.A. anchorwoman, playing an anchorwoman, and Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers playing a redneck moron named Will) and their roles are exaggerated, as they should be in a spoof. If you just don't get it, don't waste your time watching it! And please stop crying about it. Lighten up!

The Early 1990s at Its Best

[gavin6942 · 7/10 · 14 February 2011]

Charlie Sheen at the peak of his career with Kristy Swanson (who should be hot but is not)... in a car... promoting Butterfinger candy bars... being chased by Henry Rollins in a cop car and the Red Hot Chili Peppers in a monster truck. Throw in some cadavers, Cary Elwes and Ron Jeremy... you have "The Chase".

Stylistically, the film is not great. It probably never won any awards and should not have. But it is enjoyable, and for a film that takes place almost entirely in a little BMW, it has a plot that goes quickly and is fun to watch. What could make this film better? Maybe fewer police sirens. But that is all I can think of. Just plain classic from beginning to end.

Torture

[Ezekiel_25_17 · 1/10 · 5 September 2003]

This movie is torture, it goes down there with films like Battlefield Earth, Johnny Mnemonic, I spy and Guesthouse Paradiso. It was not even funny how bad this movie was...I was irritated and watched all the way until the end but was sorry that I did. Words spring to mind like: -Predictable -Boring -Lame action/explosions -No storyline -Terrible acting -Terrible humor I hope that fate is kind to me and let my eyes heal after this disaster and never brings this film on the path of my life again. Let this movie be forgotten!

Probably one of Sheen's best!!

[Andy Spring · 12 October 2000]

I loved it. You see Charlie Sheen in a role, where he can show his best acting talent! That's being a Psycho and being a charming innocent guy at the same time. He just tries to get out of this shiny-good justice of America by escaping from California to Mexico. There are a lot of very funny scenes, and the whole movie never begins to be boring!

A Great Satire

[Faustus-6 · 7/10 · 28 March 2000]

Though this movie is lacking in many respects, it does have some genuinely funny moments, and is a great satire. This movie takes the incident of a kidnapping and uses it to run with a scathing criticism of the news media and how they blow things out of proportion for better ratings. As Jack Hammond says when speaking to a news reporter, "That's what this is all about, right? After all, we wouldn't them to change the f---ing channel, would we?!" It is scary to see the striking similiarites between this film and the cavalcade of cops and newsvans behind O.J. Simpson, especially when one notes that this film came way before that chase. There are still melodramatic moments, holes in the plot, and weak writing in this movie, but all-in-all it is worth a look. All those who are fed up with the media and their games will appreciate this movie.

Over-the-top roller coaster ride that represents all the stereotypes of the nineties

[kluseba · 7/10 · 27 March 2016]

"The Chase" is a highly entertaining action-comedy b-movie that offers a fast-paced story inspired by the Stockholm Syndrome. It also exposes a cynical satire of yellow journalism, the vice of the rich and famous and disorganized, overtly sensational police work in the United States of America. This flick surprises with a vivid rock soundtrack, solid actors and actresses like Charlie Sheen and Ray Wise and a few stunning cameo appearances by pop culture icons from Anthony Kiedis and Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers to adult movie actor and director Ron Jeremy. In addition to this, the numerous action sequences and a purposely over-the-top love scene spice this movie up until the explosive and satisfying ending.

All these diverting elements pardon for a few low budget special effects, somewhat superficial dialogues, a couple of laughable plot holes and a predictable story line with ridiculously flat characters apart of the surprisingly convincing leading roles. Even two decades after its original release, this movie is still absolutely entertaining and fully enjoyable despite its obvious flaws if you switch your brains off for ninety minutes of power. In addition to this, the movie perfectly represents the cinematic stereotypes of the nineties such as explosive action sequences hiding vapid plots, charismatic anti-heroes who fight their desperate fates and lots of colourful clothes and haircuts, enthusiastic, juvenile and at times silly rock and pop songs and numerous flashy cars, merchandise articles and television shows that almost evoke nostalgic feelings nowadays.

In the end, you will adore this film if you are looking for a memorable diversified action-comedy flick that represents all the shameful yet entertaining pop culture elements of the nineties. If you are looking for an innovating and profound film, forget it but you will have to admit that the movie is good for what it is.

Even worse than Battlefield Earth

[mdeguerre · 1/10 · 8 March 2003]

This movie is even more insulting than heavy doses of prime-time reality television. It was painful.

A bad movie that knows it's a bad movie is at least acknowledging it's stinkyness and for that you have to give most stinkers a little respect but this movie made absolutely no attempt to admit to itself just how unbelievably bad it was. You'd have to see it to know.

Its only value to society is that it can be used to gauge just how terrible other movies are, as in: "Boy that movie was horrible. Not nearly as bad as The Chase, but still awful."

Every chase ends up in an inferno

[organicsocial · 6/10 · 14 November 2007]

Charlie Sheen plays a simple man troubled by authorities and charged with a crime he has not committed. When forced to run away from custody he foolishly kidnaps a beautiful girl from a store as a hostage, taking her car along. What he doesn't know is that the girl is the daughter of a billionaire and soon cops of the the entire state are after him. He decides to cross over to Mexico and thus begins a long theatrical chase.

Covered by the media as a breaking news and pursued by a long cavalcade of police cars this odd pair of kidnapper and kidnapped engage on a long dialogue shortly interrupted by the girl's parents where Charlie finds out that her parents are too dominating and pushing on her. Charlie confronts them on her behalf and thus gathers a slight admiration and confidence in her. She soon decides to go to Mexico with him and they plan to spend their lives there spending on the money they fish out from her dad as her Ransom.

with some difficulties produced by the media and two small town idiots in a large green truck (played by Anthony Kedis and Flea of Red Hot Chilli Peppers) trying to stop them, Charlie and the girl finally reach the Mexico border where the police surrounds them and Charlie imagines that he will be shot now, but the girl saves him and they manage to board a police chopper which they hijack to reach their destination.....

Wild and wooly action-comedy with Charlie Sheen.

[Brian-272 · 5/10 · 26 May 2001]

Hang on tight for thrilling action with this high-speed Sheen movie. The plot and performances of this movie are interesting and very entertaining. You have Charlie Sheen and Kristy Swanson who mix just perfect together they are very fun to watch together. Falsely accused bank robber (Sheen) escapes, only to grab the nearest hostage- a daughter (Swanson) of a billionaire with an ideal getaway car. Beat it all Swanson is kidnapped by having a candy bar held to her back how funny! Pursued by an army of police with crazy media coverage, Sheen and Swanson race toward the Mexican border and into unexpected romance. The ending of The, Chase does not end like a situation like this would in real life, but this movie is very good. Charlie Sheen this is one of your films that should receive more respect so all Charlie fans give this a watch if you haven't. The, Chase airs often on cable. Chase it down if you find time!

Clause for alarm!

[GOWBTW · 7/10 · 19 December 2006]

Making a big deal out of it, blowing it out of proportion, perverting the truth, etc. That's what the media love doing to the world. "The Chase" is a high octane movie of a robbery, hence kidnapping gone way out of line. Charlie Sheen is Jack Hammond, a wrongly jailed man who believes no one would see him as an innocent man. He was jailed for a robbery he didn't commit. Kristy Swanson plays Natali Voss, daughter of a millionaire who gets caught up with Hammond in the robbery. Unknowningly she was held up with a Butterfinger Bar, she would act like any other hostage victim, scared of of their wits. When they talk throughout the police chase, he talks to her about his innocence. He thinks he's the only one who believes his innocence, his lawyer is the other, and the third one is Natalie(Swanson), herself. With all the support, he got the chance for romance. Even though, he's in the car, romancing and driving is way more risky than drinking and driving. When the media twists the truth, and blow the story out of proportion, a media circus is what you always hear. Talk about total pandemonium! The best thing to do is know the real facts, and not the fluff, "The Chase" is a lot of fun, and fairly entertaining. 2 out of 5 stars!

Terrible

[frankjackdaw · 1/10 · 14 June 2001]

Awful acting, abysmal script - one of the worst comedies in a long time. It would pass as pretty innocuous if it weren't for the "comedy with cadavers" sequence. Truly offensive. Other than that, 99% of the gags misfire and you are left wondering why you bothered!

This movie doesn't get old

[addvictim29 · 8/10 · 27 January 2009]

I'm giving it 8 stars for reasons other than Kristy Swanson. Yes, obviously this movie isn't a masterpiece nor was it made to be. It was made to be a fun action movie that wouldn't disappoint. I watch this movie ALL the time and it never gets old (premium channels seem to LOVE it). The plot is so simple that it leaves so much room for climax and twists...if that makes any sense. I mean, how could you go wrong with Ron Jeremy filming news coverage of Charlie Sheen being chased down by Henry Rollins and the Red Hot Chili Peppers while falling in love with Buffy the Vampire Slayer at 120 mph?! You can't. This one's a classic in my book (which also includes Weekend at Bernie's, Home Alone, and Bandits).

The poor man's "Speed", but still enjoyable and easy to watch, and Kristy Swanson is sexier than Sandra Bullock

[gridoon2024 · 6/10 · 1 November 2020]

This is a good example of bubblegum entertainment, though the media coverage of the chase provides a framework for some satirical jabs to go along with the action. The pacing rarely lets up, and there are plenty of spectacular stunts (though not always filmed to maximum effect). The biggest asset is Kristy Swanson: she looks great in every single shot, and her hair is a stylistic triumph (I personally think this hairstyle along with Demi Moore's in "Indecent Proposal" are the sexiest of any actress in the early 1990s at the very least). Her makeout scene with Charlie Sheen inside the car is as (deliberately) unrealistic as it is memorably steamy. Charlie should be grateful to his agent for geting him this role. **1/2 out of 4.

At least it was aptly named...it offered little else

[helpless_dancer · 5/10 · 18 January 2000]

Why is Hollywood still turning out these films? Absolutely nothing new in this noisy kaleidoscope of speeding cars, exploding trucks and choppers, and swearing policemen. The gags would have proven funny 30 years ago, but are old hat today. I did like the frozen cadaver sequence, however. The ending of this picture was pat and predictable; good entertainment for pre-teens or the partially brain dead.