Knight Rider, the 2008 TV movie, has been graciously provided by moviesfoundonline.com, and thanks to them, I was finally allowed the chance to see it.  This “backdoor pilot” (so-called because it may lead to a TV series, but wasn’t necessarily designed to) stars Justin Bruening (One Life to Live and All My Children) and Deanna Russo (The Young and the Restless). 

The movie was a touch over-acted (what else do you expect in movie carried by soap opera stars?), but the cameos and supporting cast did much, both to temper the acting dynamic and to stave off the annoyance that comes with it.  Character actor Bruce Davison was well-chosen for the part of K.I.T.T. creator Charles Graiman.  But the real coup for the producers was getting Val Kilmer to give voice to the car.

Only in television do you find A-list stars playing ventriloquist to machinery while younger and less experienced ensemble actors carry the show.

Still, those familiar with mid-80s action-adventure television, and specifically with David Hasselhoff’s work in it, should see the minor overacting in this one as more of an homage.  Indeed, the whole tone of the show was remeniscent of the genre, and did it well. 

Other things to like about it: the car is much cooler, if you can get past the minor annoyances regarding the bad science involved in camoflaging said vehicle.  Kilmer really does make a good KITT, though I’d have like to see better lines written for him.  The orginal KITT really had some pretty good lines, and I’d have like to see something similar for the new one — as was, it was almost a waste of their A-lister.

The opening credits did make me smile, however.  As the familiar opening keyboard gave way to the house/industrial makeover, I even smiled wider.  Okay, I enjoy house/industrial.  Sue me.  Oh, here’s the opening sequence, if you’re interested.

 

One final reason the movie didn’t suck.   Two words: The Hoff.  As the movie progressed I realized how very, very disappointed I’d be if Hasselhoff failed to make an appearance.  Especially once it had set up as a sequal instead of a reimagining, and that, further, Michael Knight was the main character’s father.  If he hadn’t shown up, the producers would have required a firing first, and then perhaps being hung by their fingernails in the Chinese Hell of the Crappy TV Movie Producers.  Fortunately, though in very wide demand in Germany, Mr. Hasselhoff was both available and able to be persuaded to make a cameo appearnance. 

Good on you, producers.

If you haven’t seen it, it’s worth checking out.  I even almost hope they go ahead with the series.  God knows, Bruening and Russo could stand to move on from Soap Opera stardom.