4 out of 5

Director: David Cronenberg

Four stars is probably too generous, and I am certainly not familiar with the genre to which this film probably belongs, but I enjoyed it thoroughly, so there ya go. Yes, I watched this for the director – David Cronenberg, more known for his weirdy films like Videodrome and Naked Lunch – and while there a couple hints of his shooting style, it isnt his script so the movie is pretty much what it is: a drag racing film. Theres a pro racer (William Smith) whos gotten a little too used to the good life, but after running afoul of his promoter (John Saxon), said pro racer – Lucky Man Johnson – has to go back to his old school days and show the world whats what. Typical of these fall from grace movies of this era are the fun girls and required boob shoots (which Cronenberg gleefully throws in in one of the more random scenes in the movie) along with the young upstart who plays a valuable role in reminding the old-timer what life is all about. The movie is perfectly cast (Smith carries amazing presence and Saxon is just the right type of sleaze) and honest – it seems to take enjoyment in the minutiae of drag racing without getting too masturbatory or boring with the shots of the grudge work involved. Its also patient enough with its pacing to give each character a fair shot, even the main female leads, and does more justice to showing the reasons for the interest in cars and racing than any Fast and Furious installment. The ending is a tad pat, but I had fun regardless. The bonus disc is important for Cronenberg fans as it has his two early shorts, which are, frankly, boring but interesting for the roots of his themes and camera work.