Roadracers (1994)

Simply A Masterpiece

Highly Overrated But Still Good

Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

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.

Dude Delaney (David Arquette) is seen as the town "lost cause". At least to his girlfriend Donna's (Salma Hayek) parents, and the town sheriff (masterfully played by William Sadler). But it doesn't matter to Dude since he won't run like his father did, years ago. So the sheriff sets his son, Teddy Leather(Jason Wiles) to finish Dude off, once and for all. Luckily Dude has some plans of his own. It comes down to timing, as Dude is in a race to make his dream of being in a rock band, even all scores, make his girl happy, and keep from becoming a grease stain. Originally released on Showtime's short-lived series, Rebel Highway. It was BY FAR the best of the show, and (in my opinion) one of the best film's to date. It contains everything a movie should. It has love, humor, violence, revenge, fast cars, and great music. Not to mention a cast that fits their roles perfectly. A definite must see for ANYONE who is lucky to track down a copy.

Rodriguez creates a very cool fifties feel full of one liners and silly action with dark humour. I have this movie on laser disk signed be David arquette, one of my favourite movies! This movie has proved to be very hard to find, it cost me $70 dollars for my laser disk version and that took 6 months to order. I would love to own it on DVD and force it upon friends. The laser disk version has a great feature of audio commentary during the movie or just the commentary without the movie soundtrack. His Rodriguez's commentary is very insightful and inspiring for anyone interested in film. He is truly a Jack of all trades in this film. I would also recommend fans seeing Full tilt Boogie, a documentary on the making of From Dusk Till Dawn.

This has to be one of the coolest greaser movies I've ever seen. I know, you think David Arquette and you can't get Deputy Dewey out of your head. I'm tellin' ya, the man pulled off rockabilly sexy like you wouldn't believe. William Sadler is great as the bad cop/town jerk's dad. The music was out of this world. This is definitely not a serious look at life in the fifties, but c'mon! The roller rink scene, the hair catching on fire, it's classic. Make sure you see this movie, and make sure you stick around for the outtakes after the credits start to roll.