KnotMissPriceless Why so much hype?
Steinesongo Too many fans seem to be blown away
Robert Joyner The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one
Woodyanders Rowdy and defiant hot shot rebel Dude Delaney (a supremely cool performance by David Arquette) yearns to escape from his repressive small town existence. His fiery girlfriend Donna (an appealing portrayal by Selma Hayek, who looks absolutely gorgeous) and oddball nonconformist buddy Nixer (a delightfully quirky turn by John Hawkes) offer some relief, but Dude finds himself in deep trouble when he runs afoul of both brutal crooked sheriff Sarge (William Sadler in fine hard-nosed form) and a gang of thugs led by Sarge's antagonistic son Teddy (well played to the hateful jerky hilt by Jason Wiles). Director/co-writer Robert Rodriguez brings a funky hopped-up style, a winningly brash sensibility, and a positively galvanizing go-for-it vitality to the hugely entertaining premise: The zippy pace rarely flags for a minute, the stifling conformity and conservatism of the 50's period is vividly rendered without any sappy nostalgic sentiment, and the startling last third erupts with several jolting moments of sudden explosive violence. Moreover, it's acted with zest by an enthusiastic cast, with especially stand-out work from Arquette, Hayek, Sadler, Hawkes, and O'Neal Compton as gruff no-nonsense diner owner J.T. Kevin McCarthy pops up in a neat cameo appearance. Further invigorated by Roberto Schaefer's vibrant cinematography and a right-on rocking soundtrack, this honey overall rates as the cat's groovy pajamas.
Joe-146 A friend of mine saw this movie on Showtime & recommended it. I had the good fortune to rent - & later buy the laserdisc version which includes a Director's commentary track. The film's good, but RR's commentary makes it MUCH better. Hearing how he ended up getting this gig, what exactly he was given to work with and how he ended up with the film you're watching, is another great story for fans of the director or just film-making in general. On the comment track he alludes to lots of other material that he has from this project, like videos made during production, and makes an offhand comment to the effect that 'someday if this ever comes out on DVD....' Well, I for one would stand in line for a copy. If you enjoy the 10 minute film school features & other extras on RR's DVDs, you too should petition the powers that be to release RoadRacers on DVD - along with the original (&/or new) commentary track & extras.It's am important step in Rodriguez' evolution from maverick indy to maverick big-league filmmaker. A DVD version would be a must-have for any fan.
ClammyJoe I saw this movie two or three years ago and even though I don't remember the plot I still remember what a waste of talent and potential it was. To begin with the title and video box are somewhat deceptive, not only does this movie have nothing to do with road racing it has very little to do with cars. The tone was all over, it was a drama with slapstick thrown in, that could possibly work but in this case it didn't. Also, it was filled with scenes that took me out of the movie, that made me think "that would never happen". For example someone throws a catsup bottle at someone else's head from across the room and the bottle shatters as if it were made of delicate china. That would never happen, those bottles are thick and if anything were to break it would be the guy's head. Also there's a scene where someone who can't roller skate at all a few minutes later is such a good skater he can bend forward at the waist and just graze the floor with the top of his head. Most people can't even do that standing still. There are some good scenes in this movie which makes it all that more annoying because it shows you how good it could have been.
larryflyntdaman I'm glad to see that I'm not the only person that thought this movie was a piece of crap... Normally, I love Rodriguez movies and I generally love the 50's rockabilly era, but this was just a horrible waste of the actors' time. Salma Hayek really shined in this film(She'd honestly shine in anything), but all the other actors just didn't act to their ability. The story was worse than "Deuce's Wild", which I hate to admit is a better film despite how incredibly horrible it was.Is it just me or did this feel like one student film that dragged on way too long? If this was a 10 minute film I would not fault it as much. Maybe if it was a different director... But Rodriguez? The direction was surprisingly bad from somebody who usually sweeps the screen with smooth transitions and great tracking shots. This film lacks any creative vision that Rodriguez usually implicates into his films.No wonder it's not out on DVD... I'd want to bury this film as deep as I could.Only a film as truly horrible as this could bring me to such a question:What happened Rodriguez?
