Wild Drivers

This movie recalls the golden days of the hotrod culture, now virtually lost in time, as far as newer generations of Americans are concerned. Watch it and see a little bit of history. This is a "hotrod movie." Or at least it recalls the golden age of hotrod movies. This one comes at least 15 years too late. There were many of them made, and very few are around anymore, except inside some film archives somewhere....

Although this is nothing to write home about, it'a a real chance to see two superstars, in their starting. This being Nolte's first film, just lays proof, of what such a superb character actor he is. He is by far the stronger lead performance, but Johnson is bl**dy good, while also having such a sexy, angel cute performance by Mattinson, as the woman, they really should of not brought with em', is much admired, where her departure, is much disappointing. Nolte's character has a dream of winning this big car race, in Dayton, California, if I'm not mistaken. Where for bread, cherry smiling mate, Johnson, with his cheating powerhouse engine, races young ill bred, bad boy townsfolk for money, and we know who'll inevitably win, only this time they've picked the wrong dude, and add a crazy homicidal cop, many troopers all after our sexy trio, and there you, pretty have your story. The best thing about this movie is it's opening and ending, little music number, by Chuck Berry, which surpasses anything else between, just like the music number at the start and end, does the same in Miami Vice. Have. A 90 minute tme passer, it's only interest if see a much younger Nolte and Johnson. With the chase scene, off the road, into the woods, I couldn't see how they could of lost Johnson and Nolte. Well, really, not something to keep me up, dwelling on all night.

I'm flipping channels this afternoon and my wife goes, "OMG, is that Nick Nolte? And that looks like Don Johnson." We watched it for a while. It was pretty good. The plot synopsis on this site is spot on. I liken it to a racier version of the Dukes of Hazard (one is even named BO) before the Dukes were TV staples. As a Georgia native I made the comment to my wife, Man that looks like home! I was thrilled when I saw the title and I can verify those are some 2-lane Macon roads for sure. It was an indie film and it has that kind of indie feel to it. Worth 2 hours of your time on a lazy Sunday afternoon if you've already cleaned the house and done your yard work.

I initially rented this movie, because I confused it with Macon County Line (which I have never seen but heard was good). So I came into this movie without any prior knowledge to plotlines or previous recommendations or criticisms. I was pleasantly surprised. I have just finished watching it about ten minutes ago. Although the audience is supposed to be oooohed and aaaaahed by the car chases, I was mostly impressed with the relational dynamics between the three leads. The movie takes two long-time buddies and throws a crazy girl into the mix.

Characters: Bo (Nick Nolte)-Bo is a bit hot-tempered and obviously not the brains of the group. He is the "driver" of the movie's centerpiece, a flashy yellow Chevy. He is loyal, almost to a fault and determined.

Harley (Don Johnson)-Harley seems to be the brainier of the two. He does tend to look out for Bo a bit. He's the "mechanic" of the car.

Janelle (Robin Mattson)-Janelle was a waitress, who suddenly latches onto the two boys, romantically with Bo. She's quite crazy and will do anything.

Plot: Harley has finally put his greatest touch to the yellow Chevy, Bo's and Harley's pride and joy. They are on their way to California to enter the National race, having fun and flings on the side. Along the way, Janelle jumps onto the bandwagon, despite Harley's misgivings. She begins to form a bond with Bo, while Harley is out testing the car. During the test drive, Harley gets into a drag race and wins. The loser claims that Harley cheated, and so the two get into a fight over the $100. In a major sub-plot, the gang gets into trouble with Sergeant Whittaker, who becomes obsessed with their capture.

As I said earlier, I greatly admired how the relationship worked between Harley, Bo, and Janelle. The plot was almost used solely to create the dynamic. Bo feels he must choose between racing (and hence Harley) and Janelle. Harley quietly resents Janelle and rationalizes her craziness is dangerous. Janelle feels the intruder, yet is still a member of their little bunch.

I will point out that this movie is good, but not great. It's good for a one-time viewing.

I just watched this again on one of the rerun cable stations tonight. It takes me back to my youth because I am 63 now. In 1975 when this movie came out I was a the projectionist at a multi-screen drive in movie theater. I was around 21 years old and had just started to do this job for a living.

The picture did so well that it was held-over for at least 4 weeks! That almost never happened in a drive-inn! I remember we had 4 screens and all the projectors in one room over the snack bar. The starting times of the movies were staggered just right so that I could run them all with no mistakes other than an occasional tear in the film which would automatically shut down the machine.

That picture had nearly every car space filled on the weekends and several other nights as well. So, this lot was the full one while the other screens did dismally worse than that. one. By the time I shipped it out I must have seen the car chase scene a hundred times!