My review was written in August 1992 after watching the movie on video cassette.
A celebration of the work and personalities of those zanies who decorate their cars, "Wild Wheels" is a funny, deadpan documentary. Film, filmmaker and his decorated VW beetle will tour the country beginning August 21.
Director Harrod Blank is a chip off the block of dad Les Blank, contriving a film that matches its subject matter. Decrying mass production, pic is strictly handmade like the 45 weird cars it displays.
Blank traveled across the country to find and interview the owners. They emerge as free spirits, some flaky, some certifiable, but all exuding a '60s individualism. Nearly all are amateurs with the designation "car art" stressed by the more pretentious ones a hard concept to swallow. Most viewers will conclude that Blank and his soulmates are exhibitionists and/or entertainers.
Foremost in the latter category are Jon Barnes, who sings and plays along in his "UltimateTaxi" with an interior boasting a keyboard and nightclub lighting; and Dalton Stevens who plays guitar and obsessively covers his car and clothing with buttons.
A unique concept is presented by Gene Pool, whose "Grass Car" literally sprouts a lawn of grass to amuse and stimulate gawkers. Several of the owners make environmental statements with their autos, others are religious fanatics, and the many nutcases include inevitable UFO spotters.
Blank doesn't push the film's message, but cumulatively a picture of Middle America emerges with its pop/trash culture built around swap meets and flea markets (where the protagonists find their decorative materials).
