Roadracers (1994)

Fresh and Exciting

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.

Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

TV Movie by Robert Rodriguez? Already a conundrum... And starring David Arquette as the anti hero? Gotta be worth looking at.Not disappointing... Great performances all around, great Rock 'n Roll soundtrack, violence, sexiness and rebellion...It works.

David Arquette must be the most focused guitar player on the planet. How anyone could have Salma Hayek crawling all over his lap and STILL focus on playing guitar is beyond me. If Salma ever got that close to me I'd have trouble remembering how to breathe. This movie was a surprise to me in many ways. 1. I didn't even know it existed until a few months ago. 2. It was filmed almost entirely in my home town of Whittier, CA 3. Robert Rodriguez shows us yet again how a master can do almost anything with a minimal budget as long as everyone gets out of his way. Rodriguez and Tom Nix wrote the script in 10 days, shot it in 13, and edited it in 15. How does anyone outside of TV even do that? Plus Rodriguez, unlike TV, delivers something that's enjoyable to watch. And the big plus with the DVD is Rodriguez' commentary, complimentary to his 10 minute film school. That alone is worth the price of admission.

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.

Rockabilly music and good performances, combined with stylish photography and an a whole lot of cool make this made-for-Showtime movie stand alongside the Director's later more seasoned and polished work.Hampered by a low budget, the car chases and outdoor scenes show some lack of an expanded view of things, but if you are along for the ride it doesn't seem to matter much. In fact it may even add to the small town, penned-up teenage angst.Every character in the film is dead-on believable and it rocks with a rhythm and angry attitude that is alluring and it has an articulate feel for the scene and setting.