Although its premise may not be original, Joy Ride is still tense, chilling escapism.

If you're looking to have your nerves fried and your pulse pounded, this is your ticket to ride.

Dahl works the audience like the dial of a car radio, testing out all manner of squeals and static and all-out, high-pitched terror.

The film yields every now and then so viewers can catch their breath, but once this taut and frantic thriller picks up speed again, Joy Ride earns its place as one of the best movies of its kind.