Movielogr

Days of Thunder (1990)

Directed by Tony Scott

Action | Drama | Sports

Most recently watched by sleestakk, seanCduregger

Overview

Talented but unproven stock car driver Cole Trickle gets a break and with the guidance of veteran Harry Hogge turns heads on the track. The young hotshot develops a rivalry with a fellow racer that threatens his career when the two smash their cars. But with the help of his doctor, Cole just might overcome his injuries—and his fear.

Rated PG-13 | Length 107 minutes

Actors

Tom Cruise | Robert Duvall | Nicole Kidman | Randy Quaid | Cary Elwes | Michael Rooker | Fred Dalton Thompson | John C. Reilly | J. C. Quinn | Don Simpson | Caroline Williams | Michael Burgess | Gerald R. Molen | Donna W. Scott | Leilani Sarelle | Chris Ellis | Peter Appel | Stephen Michael Ayers | Mike Slattery | John Griesemer | Barbara Garrick | Tania Coleridge | Alexandra Balahoutis | Steve Boyd | Daniel D. Greenwood | Jim Grimshaw | James Martin Jr. | Margo Martindale | Pierre Baillot | James D. Henson | Cyndi Vicino | Shari Ellis | Xavier Coronel | Nick Searcy | Jerry Punch | Neil Bonnett | Harry P. Gant | Rusty Wallace | Lori Randolph

Viewing History (seen 1 time)

Date ViewedDeviceFormatSourceRating
09/14/2020Home TheaterBlu-rayOwned4 stars
 

Viewing Notes

Jesus, this thing is 30 years old. First time watch as I’d mostly been avoiding it for a long time because stock car racing, rednecks and Tom Cruise playing Tom Cruise really aren’t my thing. One of the few Tony Scott films I hadn’t seen though, and it was a cheap buy used at 2nd & Charles so here we are.

Such a strange cast but they mostly fit the roles and work ok, that is if they were ever allowed to bring any real depth to their characters. Very shallow, slick but hollow kind of film, which is really Tony Scott’s thing so exactly what I expected.

Cruise’s character is so ridiculously unbelievable though, as is the laughable relationship with Nicole Kidman’s character.

And the NASCAR culture of the 80s/90s is on full display here with the constant confederate flags, over-the-top dick swinging and folksy Southern farm bullshit. Does not age well given that NASCAR just banned confederate flags at races this year (finally).

Really, an embarrassing movie.

Comments

avatarsleestakk
3 years ago

A little known fact: I hitchhiked to another town to see this at the theater because it wasn’t showing at the theater in Corvallis when I was living there that summer. No regrets! Hahaha

avatarsensoria
3 years ago

Ha ha peak Jay moment!