by Lizzy’s Take:
Christine, is that you? Nope—turns out Crash! did it first. If you’ve ever wanted to see a car fueled by voodoo rage, fireballs, and vengeance against an abusive husband, then Crash! delivers. Bonus points for a dog with a vendetta and John Carradine looking like he just walked off the set of a Hammer horror film.
👉 Recommended if: You love killer car flicks, early supernatural horror, or just want to watch someone get what’s coming to them via flaming auto revenge.
🚫 Skip it if: You’re allergic to ’70s cheese, lo-fi pyrotechnics, or need your plot points spoon-fed.
Christine Who?
Before Stephen King’s Christine drove her way into horror infamy, Crash! (1976) put rubber to the road with its own take on a possessed vehicle out for revenge. Sure, it’s not as sleek or stylish, but it’s got that unmistakable ‘70s exploitation energy—complete with voodoo dolls, flying hubcaps, and a very long, very determined dog.
The story centers on a woman named Kim (played by Sue Lyon), whose abusive husband literally drives her off the road in a jealous rage. Not cool, man. She survives—barely—and through a mix of supernatural forces and sheer spite, becomes spiritually connected to a car that begins carrying out her vengeance.
Yes, the car is basically haunted. Yes, it throws fireballs. No, it does not follow traffic laws.
Carradine, Carnage, and Clues
John Carradine pops in as a historian-slash-occult expert tracking the strange voodoo objects tied to the car’s power. He doesn’t get nearly enough screen time, but hey—it’s John Carradine. He adds instant credibility, even if his primary job here is to stand around looking concerned.
The film’s got solid car chases, some classic grindhouse explosions (fireballs galore), and a twist that actually hits. If you’re paying attention, you’ll catch clever clues—like a set of car keys showing up in the ignition before the characters think they’ve started the car. It’s a subtle way of showing the car’s on its own schedule—and it’s not here to wait for you.
Revenge Served Flaming
The real hook of Crash! isn’t just the possessed car, but the sense of justice it delivers. This is a story where the woman survives, takes control (in a very supernatural sense), and turns the tables hard. It’s a horror revenge fantasy wrapped in a layer of burnt rubber and B-movie goodness.
The trope of a man trying to silence a woman he wronged—and her coming back stronger—is classic horror fuel, and Crash! leans into it with full force.
Should You Watch It?
If you liked Christine, The Car (1977), or just think vehicles should come with a side of voodoo, Crash! deserves a spin. It’s got flaws, sure—but it’s also got fireballs, betrayal, supernatural vengeance, and a dog who deserves an Oscar.
Final Verdict:
A pre-Christine killer car flick with voodoo vibes, cheap thrills, and a surprisingly solid story. Turn the ignition and hang on.
