Roadkill

1989 road trip comedy

Rating: 14/20

Plot: A woman who works for a music producer is sent off to look for a band called Children of Paradise. During the search, she learns to drive.

"This is a movie about women and rock and roadkill."

I didn't intend on watching this movie from Bruce McDonald, the writer/director of Hard Core Logo. It stumbled into my life. That's appropriate as it feels like a movie that kind of stumbled into existence. Most of the movie is non-sequitur, but that's not in a bad way. It's got a bit of a Kevin Smith feel, maybe because of the black 'n' white, and the sense of humor is understated and askew. Most of it is shot very well. This was Miroslaw Baszak's cinematography job, and he started his career right with a great opening shot of a bunny.

The soundtrack is a lot of fun, mostly Canadian rock acts. The movie includes a performance by Nash the Slash with a bandaged face. I'm always on board with violins that are on fire. Joey Ramone, from the Ramones, also makes a brief appearance, and any time that master thespian can bring his talents to a movie production, you know it's going to help.

My favorite shots are of a hot-dog cart with a ventriloquist dummy head on it. It says "Wienie boy, wienie boy, such a tasty treat." It'll give me a mini-nightmare every time I enjoy a hot dog from now on.