Review by John Estes
Rating:
This is 5 stars if you are a true race fan. Otherwise, it’s still an interesting story. This film is loosely based on Tom Wolfe’s essay about the younger days of Junior Johnson, although for some reason they changed his name for the film. (Notice, though, that Junior himself was a paid racing consultant on the film.) The race footage is very well done and there is some good footage from the old Southern 500. Bridges and Busey are a lot of fun to watch together as well.If you like stock car racing and wonder what the old days were like when the sport was still developing, you’ll love this film. Only pity is it’s not on DVD. (Also another great film (although a little cheesy) about the old days is 43 The Petty Story starring Darren McGavin as Lee Petty and Richard Petty as himself AND Dale Inman AND Buddy Baker!!! It is a classic look at the old values that are still carried forward in the sport to some degree. It also has some insight to what NASCAR was and what it has become..Some really good vinatge racing footage is also included.) Also a pity it’s not on DVD…We need to prolong the life of these smaller “special interest” films. Anyway have fun, great summmer stuff.

Review by Psychologist
Rating:
This is a very well-written film with strong performances by an excellent cast. If you are a racing fan, you will like the film all the more. The race track scenes have a very authentic feel to them and were clearly shot at real tracks with real crowds. It takes me back to my teen years when I spent a lot of time at race tracks. I love the big, bouffant hairdos of the ladies. You can almost smell the hairspray, racing fuel, and rubber! Pop some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy this DVD!

Review by Brian J. Greene
Rating:
I have not read the Tom Wolfe essay this story is apparently based on, but as a film it works quite well. Jeff Bridges, looking like a rougher member of the Beach Boys, is effective as a young guy from a small-town moonshining family, who decided he’s going to take the world by storm as a champion driver. Great supporting cast includes Ned Beatty, Gary Busey, and Valerie Perrine. Kind of a cross between Monte Hellman’s Two-Lane Blacktop and Rebel Without a Cause. And understand that you don’t have to be a NASCAR enthusiast to enjoy the film – it’s just a great drama.