Product Details

• Actors: Emilio Estevez, Pat Hingle, Laura Harrington, Yeardley Smith, John Short
• Directors: Stephen King
• Writers: Stephen King
• Producers: Dino De Laurentiis, Don Levin, Martha De Laurentiis, Mel Pearl, Milton Subotsky
• Format: Color, EP, Original recording reissued, NTSC
• Rated: R (Restricted)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay
• VHS Release Date: September 10, 1997
• Run Time: 97 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (165 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6304113404
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #144,910 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

"I'm gonna scare the hell out of you," intones Stephen King in the trailer for his sole directorial effort, the much-maligned Maximum Overdrive. While the end result doesn't live up to that boast, this sci-fi/horror tale isn't as awful as it's been described. King's script (based on his short story "Trucks") focuses on the patrons of a North Carolina truck stop, which comes under attack by a convoy of trucks and other machines animated by Earth's passage through the tail of a "rogue comet." King's fans, tired of half-baked screen adaptations like Cujo and Children of the Corn, expected a horror home run from Maximum Overdrive and instead got an old-fashioned drive-in movie filled with car crashes, cheapjack gore, and fart jokes. Needless to say, they stayed away in droves; the film's failure helped ruin producer Dino De Laurentiis's DEG Films and forced King to sheepishly claim that he had created a modern-day Plan Nine from Outer Space. While the film is torpidly paced and often amateurishly acted, it's no worse than any direct-to-video thriller, and King's ear for dialogue occasionally shines through the gloom. Emilio Estevez and Pat Hingle register as a heroic cook and his black-hearted boss, respectively; the cast includes Yeardley Smith (Lisa Simpson's voice), Giancarlo Esposito, and Marla Maples (!) as a victim. Anchor Bay's letterboxed print is the R-rated theatrical version; the film was cut extensively after receiving an X rating for violence. The original trailer and a thorough biography on King are also included. --Paul Gaita

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Better than you would think, November 26, 2004

By 

Nicholas Rog "Zombie Fearer" (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Maximum Overdrive (DVD)

I have been watching this movie since I was about 7 years old and still never get tired of it. I have probably seen it about 150 times and continue to find enjoyment. There is a review posted that completly bashes this movie and basically tells readers not to waste their time. Well, I have to disagree. While the mvie is not nearly as good as the book(are they ever???), it still has strong entertainment value.

First, it humorous and not because it's cheesy, but because it is funny! The dialgoue between characters, the situations they are put in and the reactions some have to the machines taking over; are all reasons to watch this movie.

The acting might not be the best, but by no means, is it bad. Emilio Estevez is our main character, and does a fine job as Bubba, an ex-convict, short-order diner cook. His boss(who's name I can't remember), plays your typical Texan in charge of his business, who amazingly has a secret stash of bazookas and guns below the diner(perfect for antagonizing the trucks outside). I also love the newlyweds in this movie. I believe their names are Curtis and Connie and they are a ball of laughs.

Honestly folks, this movie is very entertaining and suitable for younger kids to watch. There really aren't many scares(I was never afraid to watch this movie as a child), but there is mild gore and a few thrilling moments.

Great job Mr. King!!!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MAXIMUM OVERDRIVE, March 30, 2001

By 

Tom Patrick - See all my reviews

This review is from: Maximum Overdrive (DVD)

MAXIMUM OVERDRIVE is a funny, gory, end of the world thriller from Stephen King (who directs for the first time from one of his published short stories). The story is about a comet that flies across the Earth, and after that, machines all over the world begin to come to life and take on a life force of there own (cars and trucks run down innocent people, electric knives cut there victims, soda pop machines shoot soda cans out like grenades, etc.). The main part of the story takes place at a gas station where the machines have people trapped inside, fighting for there lives, and figuring out a way to escape. The music to this movie is nothing but memorable songs from the great rock band AC/DC.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars totally awesome in all the wrong ways., September 10, 2004

By 

Kimby The Chomp - See all my reviews

This review is from: Maximum Overdrive (DVD)

people say that this movie is stupid and a pittiful attempt at making a good story a movie. to tell you the truth, i find it awesome, but for all the wrong reasons. this movie is completely hilarious! the special effects are so bad that you can't help but laugh. a truck backs into a guy at 2 miles an hour, and blood splatters everywhere. a steam roller mows down a field of little leaguers, who cant seem to run fast enough to escape the "mighty" speed of such a slow machine. somehow, there is convienently a little go-kart looking thing that has an automatic weapon on it. if you are looking for a SERIOUS film, this is definately not for you. but if you enjoy berating and laughing at awful movies, this one is sure to provide an evening of disgustingly hilarious entertainment.