Dust to Glory (2005)

Just perfect...

A Masterpiece!

It’s an especially fun movie from a director and cast who are clearly having a good time allowing themselves to let loose.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

I don't know how they made this one so boring.It's like a director for evangelical fund raisers made a movie about racing. There's an excessive amount of color commentary about people I have no real attachment to, and very little coverage of the machines, the strategies, the difficulties.I heard Honda a few times. I don't believe I heard KTM once. From a manufacturer vs manufacture standpoint, the movie is silent. No talk of pit strategies.The characters are flat. Nobody learns anything. Nobody seems to learn anything during the meeting.I think this is a movie for people who actually compete in the race. Boring!

Not particularly interested in a 1000-mile Baja road race? Don't worry; doesn't matter. As he did with "Step Into Liquid," writer-director Dana Brown hooks you from the get-go, involving you in the subject, the action and, most importantly, the people who participate.Aside from coping with the logistics of producing this film (a remarkable achievement in itself), the lively and sometimes poetic assemblage of breathtaking photography is impressive enough, but Brown (son of legendary documentarian Bruce Brown) takes the endeavor a step beyond; he's not only a skilled filmmaker, but an excellent reporter, as well. He seeks out and relates the stories behind the action and images by zeroing in on the personalities involved, supplying not only context, but the drama that the added human dimension provides. The passion and commitment of the participants can't help but grab you, and their camaraderie and sense of personal connection make you feel welcomed as "one of the gang" at a family reunion (even if a little envious of the fun they're having).Backed by Nathan Furst's rousing original score, DUST TO GLORY is, by turns, thrilling, funny, touching, astonishing and terrifying...and always mesmerizing. Regardless of your personal interest - or lack thereof - it's nigh impossible to resist the enthusiasm behind both the race and the film documenting it. Each, in its own way, is a death-defying feat, and together they provide an experience you'd be hard-pressed to find with many other films. As he's done before with surfing, and now the Baja road race, Mr. Brown turned my "I wonder why I rented THIS?" to an "I'm SO glad I watched this." I begin to get the feeling he could make a documentary about basket weaving fascinating. And if he ever makes one, I'll see it.

Thank you Dana Brown and Scott Waugh and company. DUST TO GLORY reminds everyone that one of the most important things in life is, never give up. Set aside the amazing footage, the human interest drama, the daring helo shots from every angle, the day and night forced marches, even forget the heart felt interviews, it's all about never giving up. The story of the McMillan family is proof. They are incredibly successful in business and they're even more successful in life because they never give up. From the Weatherman to the Class 11 competitors to the brilliant Ricky Johnson, it doesn't get any better than this. Mouse McCoy is a god. What better message can a movie have? Never, ever give up.

At Las Vegas's ShoWest movie theater owner convention in mid-March, I had the pleasure of seeing this documentary and meeting some of the people who made it. I can easily say that it is one of the best documentaries that I have seen. Truly this was a real cinematic triumph. Not often does a documentary compel you so well to care about the cast/characters. This is especially true for a documentary about something as simple as car racers. The directing, editing, and cinematography were magnificent. Each moment in the movie is filled with breathtaking and exhilarating shots that keep you on the very edge of your seat. Humor is abundant as the drivers become over tired, and some car crashes bring sticky situations.Seeing it in a Digital theater was icing on the cake. I hope it breaks out to theaters and/or IMax soon. Can't wait to see it again...