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'{{for|other articles|Knight Rider (disambiguation)}} {{Infobox Television film |bgcolour = |name = Knight Rider |image = KnightTitleCard.jpg |image_size = 230px |caption = Title Card |format = [[Action film|Action]]<br />[[Drama]] |runtime = 120 minutes (including commercials)/ Approx. 80 Minutes (excluding commercials) |creator = [[Glen A. Larson]] |director = [[Steve Shill]] |producer = [[David Andron]] |writer = [[David Andron]] & [[Glen A. Larson]] |starring = [[Justin Bruening]]<br />[[Deanna Russo]]<br />[[Bruce Davison]]<br />[[Sydney Tamiia Poitier]]<br />[[Val Kilmer]] (Voice)<br />[[David Hasselhoff]]<br />[[Greg Ellis (actor)|Greg Ellis]] |music = |country = {{USA}} |language = [[English language|English]] |network = [[NBC]] |released = February 17, 2008 }} '''''Knight Rider''''' is a [[television movie]] which was created to serve as a [[Television pilot#Backdoor pilots|backdoor pilot]] for the new ''[[Knight Rider (2008 TV series)|Knight Rider]]'' television series, a revival of the [[Knight Rider (1982 TV series)|series of the same name]] which aired during the 1980s. This film does not refer to either the ''[[Knight Rider 2000]]'' film or the ''[[Team Knight Rider]]'' television series. ==Plot== The film opens at night with several technicians from the power company answering a call at the home of Charles Graiman. He is suspicious, as he did not expect them until the next morning, but allows them inside. They soon reveal their hostile intent and threaten his daughter if he does not cooperate, and as the situation intensifies, Graiman collapses and dies from an apparent [[heart attack]]. While searching his home for hard drives containing the information they are after (for a defense project named Prometheus), they stumble across a [[Automobile|car]], which they try to stop, by shooting it, but are unable to before it drives away. The next morning, Mike Traceur (Bruening), a 23-year-old ex-[[United States Army Rangers|Army Ranger]], is awakened by his friend Dylan Fass to deal with two men who are attempting to collect a $90,000 gambling debt. Traceur's car breaks down when he attempts to flee, and the men threaten Fass's life if Traceur does not pay the debt. FBI agent Carrie Rivai (Poitier) receives a call that Graiman, her long time friend, is dead and leaves her date, a woman she had just met the night before, to go investigate. Sarah Graiman (Russo), a 24-year old Ph.D. candidate at [[Stanford University]], is lecturing a class on [[nanotechnology]]. Following the lecture, she receives a phone call from [[KITT#2008 Knight Rider revision|KITT]] warning her about the men attempting to abduct her, and instructing her to safety. Her pursuers catch her, but KITT arrives and rescues her. Sarah and KITT escape, and leave to track down Traceur, who turns out to be her childhood friend, and whom she was previously involved with but has not seen since he left home at 18. They find him at the [[Las Vegas (TV series)|Montecito Casino]], playing poker to attempt to repay his debt. He is initially resistant when Sarah asks for his help, but agrees when she offers to pay his debt, and the two set out to find out what happened to Graiman, and discover who's after them. Rivai arrives at Graiman's home, and is asked by the local sheriff ([[Chris Mulkey]]) to identify the body. She discovers it's not Charles Graiman, the real Graiman (Davison) having escaped through the woods and left a double in his place. Graiman makes his way to a house belonging to Traceur's mother, Jennifer ([[Susan Gibney]]). The two set off to a motel. The men chasing them are revealed to be [[Mercenary|mercenaries]] for BlackRiver, (a security contractor inspired by [[Blackwater Worldwide]]). They are after a system that Graiman designed called Prometheus, which controls the entire U.S. defense network. The information needed to take control of the system is contained on Graiman's hard drives in the mercenaries' possession, but is encrypted, and only Graiman and Sarah know the encryption keys. KITT also possesses the data and the ability to access the system. Graiman contacts Sarah and asks her to meet him at the motel. He advises Sarah to contact Rivai for help. When she does so, Rivai puts her phone in speaker-mode so that the [[sheriff]] can hear the location, unaware that the sheriff is working with the mercenaries. KITT, Sarah, and Traceur arrive to find that the men have already reached the [[motel]], but have yet to find Graiman, as he has checked into four different rooms. With the help of KITT's infrared sensors, Traceur finds Graiman and his mother and brings them to safety, avoiding the mercenaries. Jennifer and Graiman reveal to him that his father was a man named Michael Knight and that he drove the first KITT, forcing him to stay away from his family. Traceur is still absorbing the weight of this information, when they reach KITT, and find that one of the mercenaries is hacking into his system. Graiman asks KITT to shut-down to prevent further infiltration, and suggests Traceur drive the car manually. As the group is preparing to leave, the mercenaries, now joined by the sheriff, find them, and shoot and kill Jennifer in the confrontation. Two of them and the sheriff take Graiman away and the other two are left to kill Traceur and Rivai and watch over Sarah and KITT. Traceur and Rivai overpower them, and Traceur and Sarah take KITT to chase after Graiman, while Rivai stays behind with Jennifer's body. During the chase, Traceur and Sarah discover KITT's vulnerability to damage, due to the loss of his self-repair capabilities, when his system is deactivated. After exchanging fire, Traceur reactivates KITT with just enough time to activate his armor without allowing the mercenaries to completely hack into his system, and turns KITT directly into the mercenaries' path, causing a massive collision; KITT survives with no damage, while the mercenaries' SUV is heavily damaged by the impact. Graiman survives with minor injuries, while all his captors are mortally wounded or have been killed. On the way to Jennifer's [[funeral]], Graiman reveals that he's re-forming the Foundation, and offers Traceur the chance to drive KITT permanently, which he refuses on grounds of philosophical differences, saying "I just don't believe in the same things you do." At the funeral, Traceur meets his father, Michael Knight ([[David Hasselhoff]]), who tells him what Wilton Knight once told him on his death-bed, that one man can make a difference, and that he (Knight) was that man. They shake hands and as Knight prepares to leave, Traceur stops him and asks if they will ever meet again, to which Knight responds "I hope so." The final scene begins inside an enclosed area with Mike behind KITT's wheel. Here, Rivai, Graiman, Sarah, and Fass bid him farewell and inform him of his new mission. Sarah kisses him goodbye, and a door opens behind him that shows a moving road. KITT drives out of the door/bay in reverse. The door is revealed to be the cargo hatch of a [[C-130 Hercules]] cargo plane, which then takes off. Mike switches to manual at KITT's indignation, turns KITT around, and drives away. Thats when i saw the man i screamed and ran ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh all the way home ==Production== On September 26, 2007, NBC announced that it would create a two-hour [[Television pilot#Backdoor pilots|backdoor pilot]] to air during the 2007–2008 season.<ref name=variety>{{cite web |last=Adalian |first=Josef |title=NBC taps Liman for 'Knight Rider' |url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117972829.html?categoryid=14&cs=1 |accessdate=2007-09-30 |date=2007-09-26 |work=Variety |publisher=Reed Business Information}}</ref> [[Justin Bruening]] stars as Mike Traceur, the estranged son of [[Michael Knight]].<ref name=krinterview>{{cite web |last=Newgen |middle=Chapman |first=Alice |title=Bruening and Bartis on the New Knight Rider |url=http://www.comingsoon.net/news/tvnews.php?id=41270 |accessdate=2008-01-25 |date=2008-01-25 |work=ComingSoon.net |publisher=www.comingsoon.net}}</ref> Other actors who appeared in the movie include [[Deanna Russo]] as Traceur's former girlfriend and love interest, Sarah Graiman,<ref name=krinterview /> [[Bruce Davison]] as Sarah's father, physicist Charles Graiman,<ref name=krinterview /> and [[Wayne Kasserman]] as Dylan, Traceur's roommate and friend.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?category=0&id=45890 |title=SCI FI Wire &#124; The News Service of the SCI FI Channel &#124; SCIFI.COM |publisher=Scifi.Com<! |date= |accessdate=2009-05-08}}</ref> [[David Hasselhoff]] returns as Michael Knight in a cameo.<ref name=krinterview/> KITT is portrayed as a black {{convert|550|hp}} [[Ford Mustang variants#Shelby GT500KR|Ford Shelby GT500KR Mustang]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cinemablend.com/television/Pictures-Of-Remake-Knight-Rider-s-KITT-Surface-Online-7531.html |title=Pictures Of Remake-Knight Rider's KITT Surface Online |last=West |first=Kelly |date=2007-11-30 |accessdate=2007-11-31 |work=Blend Television |publisher=www.cinemablend.com}}</ref> Supervising producer [[David Andron]] wrote the pilot script under executive producers [[Doug Liman]] and [[Dave Bartis]].<ref name=newrider>{{cite news |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/television/news/e3ia9c51f5ef29150aa83bf8dab9a5cb9de |title=Pair help KITT-start new 'Rider' |date=2007-11-20 |accessdate=2007-12-16 |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |work=The Hollywood Reporter |publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc.}}</ref> The success of the 2007 film ''[[Transformers (film)|Transformers]]'' inspired NBC Entertainment President [[Ben Silverman]] to revive ''Knight Rider''.<ref name=variety/> [[NBC]] announced on December 13, 2007 that the new 2-hour pilot would air on February 17, 2008. Two new cast members were also announced; [[Will Arnett]] as the voice for the new KITT Mustang, and [[Sydney Tamiia Poitier]] as FBI agent Carrie Rivai. Less than two weeks before the television film aired, Arnett stepped down as the voice of KITT after [[General Motors]] informed him of a [[conflict of interest]], since Arnett does voiceover work for [[GMC Trucks]].<ref name=kilmervox>{{cite news |url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117980382.html?categoryid=14&cs=1&p=0 |title=Val Kilmer voices 'Knight Rider' |date=2008-02-07 |accessdate=2008-02-07 |last=Adalian |first=Josef |work=Variety |publisher=Reed Business Information}}</ref> As a result, [[Val Kilmer]] landed the role of voicing KITT.<ref name=kilmervox/> Several scenes use the fictional Montecito Resort and Casino, from NBC's series ''[[Las Vegas (TV series)|Las Vegas]]''. ==Cast== *[[Justin Bruening]] as Mike Traceur *[[Deanna Russo]] as Sarah Graiman *[[Bruce Davison]] as Charles Graiman *[[Sydney Tamiia Poitier]] as FBI Agent Carrie Rivai *[[Val Kilmer]] as the Voice of [[KITT#KITT (Knight Industries Three Thousand)|KITT]] *[[David Hasselhoff]] as [[Michael Knight (Knight Rider)|Michael Knight]] *[[Susan Gibney]] as Jennifer Traceur *[[Wayne Kasserman]] as Dylan Fass *[[Jack J. Yang]] as Cross *[[Kevin Dunigan]] as Smoke *[[Greg Ellis (actor)|Greg Ellis]] as Welther ==Featured music== *Intro Sequence&nbsp;— Knight Rider (Original Theme Remix) *Chase Scene - *Grief Scene - "Happy" by [[Wrens]] *Las Vegas Scene - *Funeral Scene - "Right Here" by [[Natalie Walker]] ==Knight Industries Three Thousand (K.I.T.T.)== [[Image:Knight 3000 KITT.PNG|thumb|right|KITT]] The Knight Industries Three Thousand (K.I.T.T.) superseded the Knight Industries Two Thousand (K.I.T.T.).<ref name=kittmechanics>{{cite web |title=Under the Hood With Knight Rider 2.0: Trans Am vs. Ford Mustang (Featuring Exclusive New KITT Specs—and Classic Hasselhoff!) |url=http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/new_cars/4237588.html |date=2007-12-20 |accessdate=2008-01-11 |work=Popular Mechanics |publisher= |last=Tannert |first=Chuck}}</ref> Voiced by [[Val Kilmer]], KITT is a modified 2008 [[Ford Mustang]] [[Ford Mustang variants#Shelby GT500KR|Shelby GT500KR]]<ref name=kittmechanics/> and has similar features to the original KITT. The new KITT boasts the following features among others:<ref name=kittmechanics/> * {{convert|550|hp}} solar hybrid engine * Sports-tuned suspension * Xenon headlamps with infrared night-vision * Metallic paint with nanotech enhanced camouflage including morphing License Plate. * Turbo Boost * Military satellite access * FBI database access * Self-regeneration and damage repair * High-speed Internet * Artificial Intelligence * Voice-activated GPS * [[Apple Wireless Keyboard]] in the glove box under an accessory drawer * Biometric Interface to access security features. * Wireless headset to communicate with passengers within a limited distance. * Biomedical Scanner. * New attack mode * Laser * Electro magnetic pulse to knock out nearby electronic equipment It is important to note that if KITT's Artificial Intelligence is offline, the self-regeneration mechanism is inactive, making it as vulnerable as an ordinary car. Part of the shutting down procedures of KITT's AI includes the release of the clutch pedal as well as a stick shift to allow manual control. Other details from the pilot film: * Driving cross-country, KITT can average a speed of {{convert|191|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}} and travel {{convert|627|mi|km|0|abbr=on}} in 3 h 17 min. * Although largely solar powered, KITT does use gasoline; with 91% of the energy being recycled, it averages {{convert|167|mpgus|l/100 km|1|lk=on|abbr=on}}. Instead of the famous communicator watch, KITT communicates with its operators via a wireless headset, and can access wireless phone networks. Since KITT can tie into numerous computer systems, it is able to emulate many of the functions of the watch, such as unlocking doors. ==Connections to original ''Knight Rider''== Besides the remixed and original theme song and cameo by [[Michael Knight (Knight Rider)|Michael Knight]], the original KITT is shown (although in pieces) in the scene where the antagonists search the garage. The Trans-am body (sans-hood) is partially covered by a tarp, on which rest the rear spoiler. The famous KITT steering wheel (labeled "Knight Two Thousand") and "KNIGHT" license plate are also shown, along with numerous black car body parts. Also, when the camera shows a full scene of the garage, there are three cars in the garage: The 3000, The 2000 under the tarp and a 2000 without any of the parts missing. The original series stated that the original KITT was designed by Wilton Knight. The 2008 film says that Graiman had a major hand in designing the car and the AI, and was subsequently relocated to protect him and his family. ==Reception== Although ratings for the movie were high, with [[Nielsen Ratings]] reporting 10.0 million viewers watching NBC with 4.0/10 households tuning in,<ref name=ratings>{{cite news |url=http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/02/18/nielsen-ratings-sun-feb-17-cbs-losing-badly-with-younger-audiences/2690 |title=Nielsen Ratings Sun Feb 17: CBS Losing Badly With Younger Audiences |last=Seidman |first=Robert |date=2008-02-18 |accessdate=2008-02-19 |publisher=TV by the Numbers |work=Nielsen Media Research}}</ref> ''Knight Rider'' was generally received poorly by media outlets. [[IGN]] gave the movie a rating of 5 out of 10 saying, ''"No one expects Knight Rider to be particularly thought-provoking or deep, but something a bit more enjoyable would certainly be appreciated next time."''<ref name="IGNreview">{{cite web |url=http://tv.ign.com/articles/853/853182p1.html |title=Knight Rider: TV-Movie Review&nbsp;— KITT might have hit the wall on '80s nostalgia. |accessdate=2008-02-21 |last=Goldman |first=Eric |date=2008-02-19 |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[IGN Entertainment]]}}</ref> [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] stated, ''"unfortunately, even at {{convert|200|mi|km}} an hour the times appear to have passed the concept by, and making “Knight Rider” road-worthy for further adventures will require more than just a tune-up."''<ref name="VarietyReview">{{cite web |url=http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117936228.html?categoryid=32&cs=1&nid=2562 |title=Variety Reviews Knight Rider |accessdate=2008-02-21 |last=Lowry |first=Brian |date=2008-02-18 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> The [[Los Angeles Times]] stated, ''"The two-hour (!) movie/pilot/extended Ford commercial crept by Sunday night like a glacier with turbo-revving sound effects. (No advance screeners were available, never a good sign.)"''<ref name="LATreview">{{cite news|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2008/feb/19/entertainment/et-knight19|title=Knight Rider: The show is stuck in the '80s -- and it hasn't aged well.|accessdate=2008-02-22|last=McNamara|first=Mary|date=2008-02-19 |publisher=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> Even with poor reviews, [[NBC]] captured first place within the 18-49 demographic. The movie averaged a viewership of 12.8 million viewers.<ref name=ratings/> ==Future of the sequel series== {{main|Knight Rider (2008 TV series)}} NBC commissioned a weekly series to debut during the 2008–2009 television season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.variety.com/VR1117983169.html |title=NBC offers escape with new slate |publisher=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> Gary Scott Thompson was brought on to showrun<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i6e3ee63e14562801115567c8b5d3a696 |title=Knight Rider' gets showrunner |publisher=[[Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> and was committed to a two- year contract.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://shadowyflight.com/news/2008/04/exclusive-interview-with-gary-scott-thompson.php |title=Exclusive Interview with Gary Scott Thompson&nbsp;— Part 2 |publisher=[[Shadowy Flight]]}}</ref> Filming on the season began June 23,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://shadowyflight.com/news/2008/06/principal-photography-on-knigh.php |title=principal photography on knight rider 2008 begins in two weeks |publisher=[[Shadowy Flight]]}}</ref> and the [[Knight Rider (2008 TV series)|new series]] run from September 24, 2008 to March 4, 2009 for 17 episodes before being cancelled. ==Charity== Two of the Shelby Mustangs used to portray KITT in the film were auctioned off at the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company's Collector Car Event, held in Palm Springs, Florida.<ref>{{cite pressrelease |publisher=Barrett-Jackson Auction Company |title=Barrett-Jackson helps raise over $1 million for charity during 2008 Palm Beach Collector Car Event |date=April 30, 2008 |url=http://www.barrett-jackson.com/media/pressreleases/043008_PBCCACharity.asp}}</ref> The cars sold as a pair for $300,000 to benefit Ford's "Salute to Education" scholarship program. ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== *[http://www.nbc.com/Knight_Rider/ Knight Rider's official website] *{{imdb title|id=1114258|title=Knight Rider (2008)}} * {{tv.com|74986|Knight Rider}} {{Knight Rider}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Knight Rider (2008 Film)}} [[Category:Knight Rider]] [[Category:Knight Rider films]] [[Category:2008 films]] [[Category:American television films]] [[Category:English-language films]] [[Category:Television films as pilots]] [[de:Knight Rider (Film)]] [[es:Knight Rider 2008 (serie de TV)]] [[fr:Knight Rider (version 2008)]] [[it:Knight Rider (2008)]] [[hu:Knight Rider (2008 film)]] [[nl:Knight Rider (film)]] [[ru:Рыцарь дорог (фильм, 2008)]]'