Knight Rider (2008) (TV)

Director:

Steve Shill

Writers (WGA):

Dave Andron (written by)
Glen A. Larson (characters)

Release Date:

17 February 2008 (USA)

Genre:

Action

Tagline:

An Icon Reborn.

Plot:

When a group of ruthless mercenaries kill a reclusive scientist, his creation, a new model of artificially intelligent supercar, escapes to find his daughter and recruit a ex-soldier to thwart them.

Plot Keywords:

Backdoor Pilot | Talking Car | Detective | Poker | Casino

Cast

Justin Bruening	...	Mike Traceur
Deanna Russo	...	Sarah Graiman
Sydney Tamiia Poitier	...	Carrie Rivai
Bruce Davison	...	Charles Graiman
David Hasselhoff	...	Michael Knight
Greg Ellis	...	Welther
Chris Mulkey	...	Sheriff Ramsey
Wayne Kasserman	...	Dylan Fass
Jonathan Chase	...	Kevin
Susan Gibney	...	Jennifer
Matthew J Cates	...	Truck Driver
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Tia Barr	...	Hot Poker Pro
Kevin Christy	...	Belle
Assaf Cohen	...	Amir
Kevin Dunigan	...	Smoke
Leah Fitzpatrick	...	Sadie
Val Kilmer	...	K.I.T.T. (voice)
Doug Scott Kramer	...	Euro Trash Guy
Justin Schaefers	...	Stoner Kid
Blake Silver	...	Dustin Carey
Jack Yang	...	Cross

Runtime:

120 min (including commercials)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Filming Locations:

California State University Northridge - 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Dutch Oven

Trivia:

Originally, Will Arnett was cast as the voice of K.I.T.T. However, after he had finished recording his lines to everyone's satisfaction, a conflict of interest was raised. His is the distinctive voice heard on General Motors car and truck commercials, but K.I.T.T. is a Ford vehicle. As a result, Val Kilmer was cast as K.I.T.T.'s voice and all of the car's dialog was re-recorded.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Welther and Smoke are pursuing KITT and Sara in the helicopter, the exterior of the black helicopter is shown three times and each time it is a different helicopter.

Quotes:

K.I.T.T.: I am the Knight Industries Three Thousand. You may call me "K.I.T.T."

Movie Connections:

References "Team Knight Rider" (1997)

Not A Great Return

As a devoted fan of Knight Rider in the 80s and since I was excited to see it returning. Funny though how NBC and Universal made such a big deal about the return, when 23 years ago they canceled the show because it cost too much to make, despite good ratings (and a crappy last episode) However, this new film really is too much apart from what Knight Rider was. First off the show was about the car, I always saw KITT as the real star. But using the Mustang was a little too much. Nothing against Ford or the Mustang but KITT was a Trans-Am. The least they could of done was use the concept Camaro. I'm sure GM wasn't too thrilled with the new choice seeing as how the show basically sent Trans-Am sales through the roof back in 82.

And the focus wasn't much on the car anyway. The story was too busy with a troubled "hero" and his former love, the latter's father just so happening to have designed KITT (though that strays from the orig. story as well) Plus this KITT should be a little more advanced. He gets damaged when turned off and uses gas? KITT was a more advanced car 25 years ago. Finally while Val Kilmer is a decent actor, he lacks the personality to do voice overs. William Daniels gave KITT a personality that just isn't there anymore.

Other than the car the story and acting was rather flat. And the whole "Las Vegas Montecito" tie in was a little much.

I gave this a 5 of 10 because I'm glad to see one of my favorite shows get a second chance all these years later. Aside from that as a fan I'm not pleased with the new direction.