Christine

Critics Consensus

The cracks are starting to show in John Carpenter's directorial instincts, but Christine is nonetheless silly, zippy fun.

71%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 28

63%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 64,503
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Movie Info

She was born in Detroit... on an automobile assembly line. But she is no ordinary automobile. Deep within her chassis lives an unholy presence. She is Christine - a red and white 1958 Plymouth Fury whose unique standard equipment includes an evil, indestructible vengeance that will destroy anyone in her way. She seduces 17-year-old Arnie Cunningham (KEITH GORDON), who becomes consumed with passion for her sleek, rounded, chrome-laden body. She demands his complete and unquestioned devotion and when outsiders seek to interfere, they become the victims of Christine's horrifying wrath.

Cast

Keith Gordon
as Arnie Cunningham
John Stockwell
as Dennis Guilder
Alexandra Paul
as Leigh Cabot
Robert Prosky
as Will Darnell
Harry Dean Stanton
as Rudolph Junkins
Christine Belford
as Regina Cunningham
Roberts Blossom
as George LeBay
William Ostrander
as Buddy Repperton
David Spielberg
as Mr. Casey
Malcolm Danare
as Moochie Wells
Steven Tash
as Rich Cholony
Stuart Charno
as Don Vandenberg
Kelly Preston
as Roseanne
Marc Poppel
as Chuck
Robert Barnell
as Michael Cunningham
Karen Rea
Robert Darnell
as Michael Cunningham
Richard Collier
as Pepper Boyd
Bruce French
as Mr. Smith
Douglas Warhit
as Bemis
Jan Burrell
as Librarian
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Critic Reviews for Christine

All Critics (28) | Top Critics (6) | Fresh (20) | Rotten (8)

  • Between the smartest effects and Gordon's canny performance, [Christine] is more diverting than the material probably deserves.

    Apr 24, 2018 | Full Review…

    Gary Arnold

    Washington Post
    Top Critic

  • This deja vu premise [from the novel by Stephen King] combined with the crazed vehicle format, makes Christine appear pretty shop-worn.

    Sep 24, 2007 | Full Review…

    Variety Staff

    Variety
    Top Critic

  • Carpenter's thematic self-consciousness can't entirely overcome a shaky dramatic structure that sacrifices character logic to increasingly meaningless thrills.

    Sep 24, 2007 | Full Review…

    Dave Kehr

    Chicago Reader
    Top Critic

  • Off the page, a 1958 Plymouth is no more scary than the St Bernard which romped through Cujo.

    Feb 9, 2006 | Full Review…
    Time Out
    Top Critic

  • This is the kind of movie where you walk out with a silly grin, get in your car, and lay rubber halfway down the Eisenhower.

    Oct 23, 2004 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…

    Roger Ebert

    Chicago Sun-Times
    Top Critic

  • Only a moderately engrossing film.

    May 20, 2003 | Rating: 2/5

    Janet Maslin

    New York Times
    Top Critic
View All Critic Reviews (28)

Audience Reviews for Christine

  • Sep 11, 2016
    The few changes made in the original story only weakens this flawed adaptation and makes its premise seem even more ludicrous than it already is, but at least all this is compensated well enough by the movie's style, expert editing and Carpenter's firm direction.
    Carlos M Super Reviewer
  • Jun 03, 2016
    An overrated Stephen King adaptation, but most certainly not a bad one. Worth watching for the self-repairing car effects alone.
    Gimly M Super Reviewer
  • Sep 15, 2014
    From John Carpenter comes the frightening horror classic Christine. Based on a Stephen King novel, the story follows a teenager who buys and rebuilds a broken down '58 Plymouth Fury named "Christine" that has a nefarious history, and it soon starts to work its will on its new owner. Carpenter's directing is especially good, particular in how he makes the car a character and gives it personality. And the soundtrack and score do an incredible job at setting a lighthearted but sinister tone for the film. Though it's a little campy at times, Christine is entertaining and delivers some fun scares.
    Dann M Super Reviewer
  • Jan 05, 2013
    Viewing this film against the book is quite unfair. John carpenter does well with what sounds like a complete joke on paper. The concept as a whole probably would be laughed at if pitched to a studio but through Stephen king in the mix and you have an interesting concept with character development. The film is well cast with a no name list who dive into some interesting roles. Christine is basically a character in her right and its the menace created by the production that excels. John carpenter was well into he's high standards at this point and time. The film is given much needed seriousness due to the concept. He wasn't the master of horror for no reason, this film showcases he's talent as a visionary director. Not without its flaws no doubtable pacing but its well crafted and far more deserving then most king adaptions. This is the attention required to give Stephen king books an adaption worthwhile. 15/05/2019
    Brendan N Super Reviewer
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