Hit and Run (2012 film)
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Motion picture |
| Founded | 2012 |
| Founder | Dax Shepard, David Palmer |
| Products | Action comedy film |
Hit and Run is a 2012 American action comedy film co-directed by Dax Shepard and David Palmer, with Shepard also serving as the screenwriter. The movie stars Shepard alongside Kristen Bell, with supporting roles filled by Kristin Chenoweth, Tom Arnold, and Bradley Cooper. The storyline centers on a man placed in the Federal Witness Protection Program who escapes with his girlfriend to evade a mobster. Released on August 22, 2012, the film garnered mixed critical reception and earned $16.8 million at the box office, surpassing its $2 million production budget.
Plot
Charlie Bronson is under the protection of the Witness Protection in Milton, California, overseen by an incompetent U.S. Marshal named Randy Anderson. His partner, Annie Bean, who teaches Non-Violent Conflict Resolution, jeopardizes her career by skipping an important UCLA interview to stay by Charlie’s side.
Despite warnings from Annie’s former boyfriend Gil Rathbinn—who suspects Charlie of being a dangerous felon—Annie decides to leave with Charlie. Gil’s brother Terry, a police officer, discovers that Charlie’s true identity is Yul Clint Perrkins, a former getaway driver who testified against bank robbers. Gil then contacts one of the criminals, Alexander Dmitri, through Facebook.
Charlie and Annie attempt to evade capture from Gil and Randy after their knowledge of Charlie’s past is exposed. When their car’s engine is stolen by a man named Sanders, they escape in a stolen Chevrolet Corvette. Pursued relentlessly by Gil, Alexander’s gang, and Randy, Charlie confesses his history as the getaway driver for thirteen bank heists and reveals his previous engagement to Neve, one of the robbers.
After Annie confronts Charlie about his deception and leaves him, Gil offers her a ride but she is abducted by Alexander. Alexander demands ransom at a diner, blaming Charlie for an assault he suffered in prison. Charlie agrees to lead Alexander to hidden cash stored at his estranged father Clint’s residence. Randy joins forces with Terry and Angela to intercept them.
At Clint’s house, father and son reconcile while retrieving the money. Clint fends off Alexander's crew as Charlie and Annie make their escape in Clint’s off-road racing vehicle. Randy wounds Alexander; with Terry’s assistance, the criminals are apprehended.
Charlie and Annie reconcile before her job interview, during which Charlie proposes marriage; she accepts. Some months later, Randy and Terry pursue becoming Marshals together.
A post-credits scene depicts Annie impressing Professor Sandy Osterman during her interview, securing the position she sought.
Production
On December 21, 2011, Open Road Films secured U.S. distribution rights for the movie, changing its original title from Outrun to Hit and Run. Major chase sequences were filmed at the former MCAS Tustin facility in California, with additional shooting locations including California State University, Northridge, Fillmore, and Piru. To reduce expenses, most actors performed their own stunts and driving scenes.
Release
The film was released theatrically on August 22, 2012, through Open Road Films. Its first official trailer premiered on May 16, 2012.
Reception
Hit and Run holds a 49% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 136 reviews, with an average score of 5.3/10. The critical consensus highlights inconsistent action sequences and screenplay issues. On Metacritic, it earned a score of 50 out of 100 from 31 critics, reflecting mixed reactions. Audience feedback via CinemaScore resulted in a "C+" grade.
Critic Roger Ebert gave the film 3.5 out of 4 stars, commending its unexpected entertainment value and distinctive character interactions. In contrast, Richard Roeper rated it an "F," describing it as lacking humor throughout its duration.
Soundtrack
The movie's official soundtrack, titled Hit and Run (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), was made available on August 21, 2012, through Lakeshore Records. The album comprises a total runtime of 44 minutes and 52 seconds, featuring a curated selection of songs.
Additional significant tracks absent from the official soundtrack
- "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love for You" performed by Glenn Medeiros
- "Sweet Emotion" by Aerosmith
- "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" from The Jimi Hendrix Experience