Dissimilarities to NASCAR

Rating: 8/10 (20 July 2000)

I have been a loyal motorsports fan for years, and all I ever hear from other stock car fans is that this movie is "a joke". While they are correct from one standpoint (there is no way a car going 190 mph can just decide to "put a driver in the wall"), I think many overlook the fact that this is the only big time movie centered around NASCAR racing that has been released in years. I enjoy the film for its music, real race footage, and action. When you watch it, be you a die-hard racing fan or a casual fan, you should enjoy the racing scenes it portrays. I rated this movie at an 8 just for the fact that it will put you in a racing mood. A side note: Great shots throughout the film of the Chevrolet Luminas: the car of choice after Monte Carlo production ended in the late eighties. Hendrick motorsports served as a "consultant" for the film, and Rick Hendrick has always run Chevrolet race cars - thus the abundance of Luminas in the film. Where are the Grand Prixs, Thunderbirds, Cutlasses and Regals? Nonetheless, great movie to see if you are a race nut like myself.