Matthew Bright read "Little Red Riding Hood" and thought to himself, "You know what this needs? Prostitution and pedophilia."
In fairness, though, I guess Freeway isn't that tonally out of line compared to a lot of older fairy tales. It just feels that way because it's a million times sleazier and trashier. The writing is edgy and in-your-face in the most '90s way imaginable, the high-contrast cinematography ensures that the subject matter remains disgustingly believable, and the performances are so heightened that the characters might as well be cartoons.
It all makes for a pretty fresh and fun take on a classic story, and even if the entertainment levels aren't always as consistent as I'd prefer (I think the movie loses some of its juice one we shift from the highway portion to the courtroom/prison stuff), the interesting range of exploitation subgenres keeps things playfully energetic, while also ensuring that the formulaic structure is at least somewhat upended.
More than anything, though, I think Reese Witherspoon is what makes the movie so messily enjoyable. I couldn't get enough of her spirited attitude and exaggerated accent, and I kinda wish we got to see this side of her more often.
Grade: B+
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