Days of Thunder

With the Daytona 500 tomorrow, it feels only right to talk a little Days of Thunder. The premier racin' movie. Even if you are not a fan of NASCAR, that shouldn't matter. This movie is awesome. Back in 1990 it changed things for the sport where cars drive in a circle. It gave people a reason to watch, which I'm sure boosted ratings for at least 1 week before they are realized it is really boring and there is no Cole Trickle, Rowdy Burns, or the super turd Russ Wheeler. As you can tell, I do not care for the sport which is why this film is so brilliant. It follows the career of Cole Trickle (Cruise) on his move from open wheeled racing to NASCAR (National Association of Stock Car Racing), where I also learned from his Pit crew chief Harry (Duvall) that "there's nothin' stock about a stock car." Words of wisdom. He gets pulled back into the sport by an owner who has a driver, but no crew leader. Cole is ignorant, which helps in a way. He goes fast with no forethought of anything. The hardest thing Harry has to do with him is teach him to listen. Cole has several issues breaking into the circuit, but his biggest one is a fellow driver named Rowdy Burns (Michael Rooker). He is the old bull on the track and hates Cole's attitude, but at the same time, he can't get around his sexy good looks. Catch 22 Rowdy, we have all been there. They just can't leave it on the track which I appreciate. They race wheel chairs in the hospital which is nice, but the rental car race to get to dinner on time is absolutely priceless. They have their bouts which is the dramatic portion of the script. The humor portion is provided by a relatively unknown John C. Reilly in the first of 2 NASCAR films he would be in (Ricky Bobby anyone?). Harry is my favorite character in the film. The southern Duvall has several words of wisdom that over the years have been some of my favorite quotes. For instance: if anyone asks me to do something and I say I'm busy, the question of "With what?" follows, I say..." eating Ice cream." The kicker is there is never actually any ice cream. After a nasty crash which lands Cole and Rowdy in the hospital with severe conditions, Cole meets Dr. Claire Lewicki (Kidman). I guess technically she formally met his crotch first, but it seemed to work out. Cole is having a tough time getting back on the track, but Rowdy will probably never race again. Cole finally gets back, but can't get past his past accident and starts driving scared. Unfortunately in his absence Russ Wheeler took over his car as a substitute, and was so good he got a car deal of own. Now Cole and Russ are at it, which gives us the best crash ever. The victory lap crash which totals both cars, who happen to drive for the same owner. Awesome. Cole is finally able to Man Up and he goes for the checkered flag at Daytona. Can he do it? Will he beat Russ, or at least beat him up....I hate that guy. I do love this film and watch at least 20 minutes of it every time I come across it. And remember, He didn't bump you, or nudge you, or tap you, or hit you.....he rubbed you, and Son, Rubbin' is racin'. Thanks Harry. Also look for Fred Thompson as the NASCAR commissioner.

NBM rates Days of Thunder - A Cinematic Work of Art

Buy It!!!!