TV Review: Knight Rider

By Kelly West: 2008-02-18 00:42:10

Knight Rider
Starring:: Justin Bruening, Deanna Russo, Bruce Davison, Sydney Tamiia Poitier, Val Kilmer, David Hasselhoff
Created By:: Glen A. Larson
Aired: Sunday, February 17, 2008 at 9:00 p.m. EST on NBC

One of the downsides to remakes and spin-offs of classic TV series is that we often raise our expectations up so high that it’s almost impossible for the new show or in this case, TV movie to meet them. I can accept that though, which is why I usually allow for a bit of disappointment in cases like these. Unfortunately, Knight Rider not only failed to live up to the hype, but it didn’t even come close to what I was hoping it would be.

Before I start complaining about what was wrong with the movie, let’s talk about what worked. Pretty much the only thing that made the movie worth watching was seeing the upgraded version of KITT. KITT 2.0 is cool. The car can heal itself, which means not only is it bullet proof but thanks to nano-technology (a science, I wont even begin to try and understand), it’s body can patch itself up almost instantly even after a major collision. KITT can also change its appearance and has access to other computers, camera systems and satellite feeds. This naturally proves to be a most useful feature.

I was excited when I first heard that Will Arnett would be playing the role of KITT’s voice and disappointed when I learned a few weeks ago that he was replaced due to his contract with GMC but Kilmer does a fine job with the role, so I have no complaints there in terms of the voice. My only real annoyance when it comes to KITT was the car’s insistence on administering therapy to its passengers. Perhaps these scenes, one of which involved the main character, Mike (Justin Bruening) and another that involved his love interest Sarah (Deanna Russo), were just excuses to allow us to get to know the main characters a bit better but the whole thing came off as corny. The car’s flying through the mountains at 100 mph and at the same time, chatting with Sarah about her relationship with Mike. Seriously?

The plot of the movie centers on a bunch of bad guys who are trying to steal some hard drives from Charles Graiman (Bruce Davison). Not only did Graiman create KITT, he’s also working with the government on some super-secret technology for the military. The bad guys need to get the encryption key for the hard drives and so after they believe Graiman has died; they attempt to get to his scientist-daughter, Sarah. KITT has been ordered to find Sarah and bring her to Mike, a former Army Ranger whom Graiman believes can protect his daughter.

Mike has problems of his own though. He’s in debt to a bunch of people and spends his days avoiding the collectors and his nights bedding multiple women (at once). It’s pretty much established early on that while Mike might be a nice guy, he hasn’t really been living the best life. When Sarah first meets up with Mike, he’s gambling away money he doesn’t have at a casino (the Montecito - Las Vegas fans surely caught that little tidbit). Mike and Sarah have a romantic past but since things didn’t work out there’s some tension that is obviously going to lead up to something. Here’s the problem I have with that. Do we really want Mike to be romantically attached from the get-go if this thing turns into a series? This means that if the two continue to form a new romantic relationship most likely what we have to look forward to are a lot of episodes in which Sarah gets kidnapped and Mike and KITT have to rescue her. Yawn. I’m getting ahead of myself though. The final character that needs to be mentioned is Carrie Rivai (Sydney Tamiia Poitier). She’s a lesbian FBI agent and friend of Graiman. She’s also who Mike will be answering to on future missions.

The plot of the movie is basically an excuse for a lot of major car chases. This is to be expected as Knight Rider has a car for a main character but did anyone else feel like they spent the bulk of the two hours watching a glorified Ford commercial? I’m sure this was part of the deal they had with Ford but it was a bit too obvious for my taste. Whatever mood might’ve been set by the film was broken every time I saw a Ford logo. And it wasn’t just the logos, some of the chase scenes even seemed to be shot in the style of a car commercial, focusing on the different angles of the cars as they tore through the streets. For the record, I have nothing against Ford. I just don’t like feeling like I’m watching a commercial when I’m trying to enjoy a TV movie.

It was no surprise that the Hoff made an appearance in the movie. Hasselhoff briefly resumes his role as Michael Knight, Mike’s father. He’s been out of the picture for most of Mike’s life though so I’m not sure if they’ll try to work him back in on a semi-regular basis in the series or if the Hoff will only come around from time to time, perhaps to shed some wisdom on how to operate/befriend a talking car.

I’ll be honest, as a movie, Knight Rider wasn’t that great but as the set-up for a series, there is potential there. Considering how many technological advancements there have been since the original series aired, there’s a lot that can be done with KITT in a new Knight Rider series. A lot of that was demonstrated in the movie and I’m sure there are plenty of other ideas for KITT upgrades that can be added in over time. It’s the story and the character development that needs some serious work here. I can’t say that I cared much about any of the characters, including Mike (who is borderline unlikable) and Sarah, whom I wouldn’t mind seeing written out of the actual (potential) series. There are definitely some major improvements that need to be made in terms of the writing, direction and character set-up if the series gets picked up and NBC wants people to keep tuning in once the novelty of new-KITT wears off.

What Did You Think Of Knight Rider?

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cliff Wallman Says:
February 18th, 2008 at 01:07
the color outside of the casino was purple

Joe Says:
February 18th, 2008 at 02:42
I thought the new Knight Rider show was a very enjoyable show. At least it would have been if it wasn't for the 20 commercial breaks. I couldn't believe that they would stop the show for 30 seconds just to fit a commercial in. It was incorrigible. I think I'll watch the show again if they make a series but only on DVD. I can't bear to watch more commercials then TV show. After all I do pay for cable. And that payment does entitle me to some entertainment for my money.

Darren Forget Says:
February 18th, 2008 at 02:42
Loved it! Was waiting all week for this movie. I'm hoping in turns into a series. Night rider was my favorite show as a teenager now 34. I would like to still hear the original voice of kit, but either way the new concept has much promise.

Lets make this a reality,,,,,fan in waiting.

Whitelion6 Says:
February 18th, 2008 at 02:42
I thought is was OK its cool to see another car show with pretty women. Knight Rider is still a good show hope it starts weekly. I know a lot of you don't like it because Kit is a retro Mustang. I had a few Mustangs even a 69 Mach1 428 CJ. I later had a 77 TransAm plus a 86 TA. My 66 2+2 fastback was faster then the both TA's. So tums up to the new Knight Rider.

Gary Says:
February 18th, 2008 at 11:02
All the build-up for this big, new car movie, the cool car, it's
nano technology, the new K.I.T.T. and what do we get the first
5-10 minutes of the movie? The male star, Mike, in bed with
two women, Carrie the female FBI agent stripping off her shirt
showering outside in her bikini and immediately afterwards appearing
in her bedroom getting ready to leave for work as her blonde lesbian
lover sits up out of bed naked, draped only in a white sheet. If that
wasn't enough, the scientist's daughter, Sarah, gave a horrible
acting performance. She came across as a B-movie actress from
some low-budget horror-flick. I love Mustangs and car movies in
general, but if this movie does spawn a series, I hope Sarah is not
in it and I seriously hope NBC doesn't feel the need to display the
FBI agent's lesbian relationship from week to week. So, If I come
across a little disappointed, it's only because I wanted a cool car movie
with lots of Shelby Mustang action, not lesbian, three-some action!
Not a good way to make a first impression, the first 5 mins of a movie,
way to go NBC.

shirley Says:
February 18th, 2008 at 11:02
I thought Knight rider was really good. Instead of re-doing the old series they continued. The story line was interesting, easy to follow. The car was fun to watch. Like that they had a pretty women for the men and a nice looking man for the women. I was happy to see that the did not change the cars voice to a women's that would have be a turn off.
Can hardly wait for the next showing.

DeAngelo Jackson Says:
February 18th, 2008 at 11:03
I think Knight rider the movie was excellent, besides all the commercial breaks. My favorite part was in the beginning when they showed the garage where KITT was created again. Kinda was wrong how he chopped up the first KITT and made him into like a part's galore. I still love this movie. I pray they continue to make it into a series for my generation. My generation needs a show like this. Go Knight Rider.

Jeff Bandy Says:
February 18th, 2008 at 11:26
Loved it!!! Yes, there were some questionable parts that I see in your review Kelly. However, given the nature of what the show is it still hit home with most of us in the age range of 30-40. I myself was glad to see the direct link to the 80's show, the appearance of Hasselhoff, the creator of KITT, and a few not so easy to look at women. Yes...sex sells...add to it a bad ass car...a guy who can fight...a few good plots and throw in some really cool bad guys and voila! You have a hit show.

The key for this to survive as a show is to have good villians!!! I hope someone at NBC sees this!!! Make good villians & cool car effects and this show will last just as long as the original! BOOK IT!

carlo Says:
February 18th, 2008 at 11:41
I really thought that i would not like the new series i mean how can you better the 80s classic but to my suprise i thought it was excerllent this well in 25 years time be as popular as the original lets hope it runs for just as long because i am definatly gona follow the series to the end.

All knight rider fans well be pleased as i know i am.

Andrew Fredericson Says:
February 18th, 2008 at 11:57
Knight rider for me was never the main series, but rather something I got used to over time then enjoyed even watching past episodes... I hope that this one continues on and builds on the 'tradition'.. I liked the movie.

Kenn T. Says:
February 18th, 2008 at 13:24
Ok where to start? Let's go down the list; yes the women were a bit numerous and the FBI agent is gay. These items were only distractions and took away from the whole of the movie. The characters have NO DEPTH and they really didn't get into the history of the main characters other than to cover their genetic linage. Yes she wound up at Stamford U teaching and yes he wound up becoming an Army Ranger and yes her father built the first and second K.I.T.T.s and yes his father drove the first one but WHAT ABOUT THEM??? HOW DID THEY GET TO WHERE THEY ARE NOW??? Where is the continuity??

Now let's get to the car. Yes the Ford Shelby GT500KR is a bad ass piece of machinery BUT IT IS NOT IN LINE WITH THE SHOW. The Knight Industries Two Thousand was a GM and I'm sorry but I have to agree with the writer of the review about watching a glorified Ford commercial. Yes certain aspects of the car were indeed cool (i.e. the nano tech upgrades, auto morphing ability, sat com technology, etc,etc,) but to be true to the concept and idea of K.I.T.T., they left out the biggest hook of all---- NO TURBO BOOST!!!!! I seriously doubt that even on a mountain road that a Ford EDGE would track a Ford Pony, much less a 1986 Pontiac Trans Am WITH turbo boost. Let's be real here. The whole trick is this, NBC wanted to resurrect a classic TV show and revamp it. OK I'll give you that but please, at least be true to the show. The best choices for K.I.T.T. would've been a Corvette Z07 or the Chevy 08 Camaro (which if you think about it will become the next T/A further down the evolutionary track).

As for the voice, I think Val Kilmer is an AWESOME actor, but from the line in the movie, "Complicated isn't always better". Sometimes the original works just fine. The original voice of K.I.T.T., Will Arnett would've been just fine AND had a much stronger effect; (example: Transformers: 2007-- Optimus Prime's voice was the original character but Megatron's voice was changed to another actor's voice and the reviews showed the disapproval) the same is true for this show. The old saying, "If it's not broke-don't fix it" works very well here..

Now for the villians: The bad guy(s) in this movie had about as much charisma as a brick with little or no depth (very B movie). They didn't (in my opinion) carry the movie at all which took away from it. Knight Rider is about a man and his CAR. The classic villians targeted Micheal and his car (i.e. K.A.R.R. Knight Automated Roving Robot, Goliath [Tractor trailer designed with K.I.T.T's formula], and various other bad guys who all had some idea what they were up against. The only segment in the movie that shows that K.I.T.T. had ANY vulnerabilty was the very short segment where the bad guys hack into his computer. That took about "23 seconds" to correct, afterwhich Mike 2
gets in and wrecks the bad guys (GM) vehicle by turning on K.I.T.T.'s computer in the last seconds and powersliding in front of them. Nice stunt, but not true Knight Rider. The movie reminds me of the TV series Viper (also an NBC production) because it only relies on the popularity of the vehicle to launch the show. That show too was destined to fail (sorry Mopar).

If this show continues as a series, my advice to NBC would be this: Stick to the tried and true working formulas. K.I.T.T. was a GM, not a Ford. Bring back what works. Stick to that track and I'd watch the series.

Angela Donahue Says:
February 18th, 2008 at 13:38
The biggest complaint I have against Knight Rider happened within the first twenty minutes or so of the show. Was it really necessary to show the main character, Mike, in bed with TWO woman? Or to portray another main character as a lesbian? What on earth did that have to do with anything? It was pretty discouraging for us as our son-in-law excitedtly told our grandson about the show with the cool car, only to have to quickly redirect the child's interest when the first few scenes depicted actions not suitable for a child. Oh, well, what can we expect?

Robbins Says:
February 18th, 2008 at 14:29
Shut the "F" up!!!
I have read so many reviews by people who I wonder if they even watched the show that they reviewed. Here we go again!! Remember the original Knight Rider had a no name actor playing Michael Knight and the entire show was “driven” by the car! So what’s new?
So what, KITT is a Ford Mustang. So what, they had a lot of Ford commercial tie ins. So what!!! Get the "F" over it people. At least KITT was not a crappy GM car!!! GM has made such crappy cars and has lied about safety ratings and mileage ratings and other crap that GM (the once top auto manufacturer in the World) is now not even in the top ten auto manufactures. Toyota is #1 and both Ford and Dodge are ahead of GM. Now, foreign car manufacturers make nearly half of all GM cars. Nearly a third of GM cars (mostly Chevys) are made buy Toyota. Suzuki and Daewoo make a lot of GM cars. GM is doing this to try to catch up in the car market. At least KITT is a true U.S. “Muscle Car”. Not a has been/wanna be GM car!
I hate people who talk crap about something that they know nothing about!! Do your homework before opening your mouth!!!

Robbins Says:
February 18th, 2008 at 14:53
Kenn T. is an air bag!!!!!
Shut up!!!

If you have something intelligent to say than come back. Until then, shut the "F" up!!

By the way, GM sucks!!! That is why they went from the #1 auto manufacurer to (Oops!!) not even in the top 10 auto manufactures. That is why they turned to foreign car manufacturers to build their cars (i.e. Toyota (makes nearly 1/3 of GM cars), Suzuki, and Daewoo).

At least they chose a true U.S. muscle car as KITT!!!!!!!!!!

Steve T Says:
February 18th, 2008 at 17:06
I really enjoyed watching the new knight rider last night!! I felt that it still had the same feel as the original knight rider (Which I remember watching when I was 8 or 9 years old) I've always been a fan of shows like Knight Rider and the rockford files, and these days when old series get remade they seems to get darker (like Battlestar Galactica for example, which I also like) But I really enjoyed Knight Rider for what I remember it being, cool car, evil villians, amazing car stunts, and maybe learn a few morals while your at it.
One man can make a difference.

Anthony Says:
February 19th, 2008 at 01:58
I think the movie was great. Everyone is complaining about how the the new KITT didn't do alot of things that the old KITT did, the storyline and how the new car is Mustang. Last time i checked Trans Am aren't made anymore. KITT is about American Muscle Cars not Pontiacs. This will be the third time KITT has a diffrent bodystyle and the first two cars were American muscle cars. Give the movie a break, nobody wants to know all of what the car can do revealed in just two hours because then it leaves nothing surprising for the new show. The storyline was good and again there is no way to tie four season worth of questions into two hours. So give the show a chance and if you don't like it keep your worthless opinions to yourself and don't watch it.

Troy Shanley Says:
February 19th, 2008 at 11:34
I would love to see David Hasselhoff involved in the new Knight rider series if they do it.

Gary Says:
February 19th, 2008 at 13:42
Dittos to "Kenn T." and "Angela Donahue"

In addition, the new Knight rider creators probably researched
the best-selling American sports/muscle car and determined it
wasn't the Corvette...it was the Mustang!
I guess if you use a Mustang in the show you'll get more viewers,
considering more people in the viewing audience drive Mustangs than
any other American sports car. And, along with those viewers they'll
still get the old knight rider fans from the 80s. They probably wanted to
broaden their market, which may be why they threw in the three-some
and lesbian scenes as well. Too bad, I bet the viewers they gained
by adding those scenes will be offset by the viewers who were disgusted
by those scenes and turned the channel.

Dougy Says:
February 24th, 2008 at 14:03
Annoying show!

What really annoyed me was the driving in the hills where the car was filmed as if the car was going fast, but what it looked like was as they were trotting along in 50 Mph with rock music to compensate.

Acting was so so, overreacting girl in every little turn, more annoying rock music + rap music. + other bad actors, pathetic bad guys, police actors not really convincing. The list just goes on and on

John Shepherd Says:
February 25th, 2008 at 17:27
I had hoped this would have been a good family show as with the original show. The perverted sexuality (3 way promiscuous sex and promiscuous pick-up lesbianism) of 2 of the main characters put this show in the dumper. Not only was this unnecessary and harmful to the family, but the character development by the creators and writers shows their complete ignorance of character traits that would be required of people entrusted with the security of the world...honor, loyalty, faithfulness, good judgement, self-control, good ethical judgement, and mental stability. The 2 are poster people for STDs.

Kitsune_Baka Says:
March 22nd, 2008 at 19:57
This remake -IS- an injustice to the original series. It doesn’t even compare. The Mustang is a nice car, BUT IT'S NOT KITT! Its not about “The newest most popular car” its about staying true to the original. You wouldn’t remake Herby The Lovebug with a frigging Scion Shoebox, or remake Dukes of Hazzard with a Dodge Viper. So why butcher Knight Rider with a car that looks like some fantard Photoshop? It makes ZERO sense and it alienates the hell out of the original fanbase. I’m zomgGHEY, but the lesbian cops and the “Maybe that’s why 75% of marriages end in divorce” political banter were too much. What's next, an alt reality where Al Gore is prez and handguns are banned? I didn’t tune in to be preached to, I tuned in to watch a car TURBO BOOST over stuff and crash through some walls. NIETHER of these things occured throughout the entire 2 hours! Thanks for wasting my time NBC. If Westboro Baptist Church protested this show (because of the ghey parts), I’d actually side with them just for the lulz.

This would’ve made a way better KITT than that Crapstang.
(Not ’shop, actual custom from Trans Am Nationals in Ohio)
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r243/kitsune_baka/KITT3.jpg

Rico Says:
June 15th, 2008 at 14:54
It could have been a better movie if they get good actors here. From Mike down to the villains.... sheeeeshhhh!!! And did you notice the Lez FBI agent's assistant. Looks like he is gay too and looks like an idiot. Acting is really awful and terrible.

I like the new KITT though, of course it would be better if there's the TURBO BOOST.

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TV Review: Knight Rider

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