Speedway Junky
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Movie Reviews of Speedway Junky
Movie Review: Good effort, but not quite edgy enough
Summary: 4 Stars
This 1999 film didn't get wide distribution. That's too bad because it does have some good qualities. I tend to like trashy films depicting the seedy side of life. Speedway Junky is one of those. The writer/director Nicholas Perry did a pretty good job. But even with Gus Van Sant as one of the executive producers, it didn't quite come off as edgy enough.The film stars Jesse Bradford as Johnny, an army brat who has run away from home to become a race car driver. He's aiming for the NASCAR racing scene in Charlotte, North Carolina. The problem is that he only gets as far as Las Vegas where his money and all his possessions are stolen. Here, he meets up Eric, played by Jordon Brower, a young gay hustler who falls in love with Johnny. Even though Johnny is not gay, the two of them become friends, with Eric helping Johnny out of one scrape after another. Daryl Hanna is cast as a former prostitute who was a friend of Eric's late mother and helps out the boys. It's a good role for her and shows her acting ability. In fact, all the acting is really good and the relationship between the two young men portrayed well.
I watched the film with interest but couldn't get into it. I just didn't seem real enough. And even though there were several erotic scenes and a peppering of violence, it all seemed like an overblown soap opera and I didn't feel any real emotion. It sure did try hard to be something more though. And I therefore recommend it just for its effort.
Movie Review: Good movie, fairly predictable
Summary: 4 Stars
I enjoyed this movie. It wasn't earth-shattering or terribly exciting, but it was a heartfelt portrayal of friendship and the unlikely ways that complete strangers can come into your life, forever change it, and leave again.Jesse Bradford holds the main role well, but his character here has kind of the constantly-dumbstruck look and mannerisms of his Bring it On character. Still, his acting is good and shows good potential.
The real star and best actor in this film is Jordon Brower. I had never seen him before, and was impressed with his acting ability. Same goes for Darryl Hannah - she's always been one of my favorite actresses, and her performance here is just the right balance of strength and fear.
All in all, a good buddy movie with a somewhat predictable (read: tug on the heartstrings) ending, but worth the investment.
Movie Review: Ok movie, rent it first.....
Summary: 4 Stars
Ok, this movie was ok. It starts out slow, and stays that while for the first half hour or so. The movie picks up speed but sort of leaves you wanting more from the movie. The movie could of been hot, but it leaves you LUKE WARM. The acting is good, but the plot was thin. I just wish they did more with this movie. The ganster guy in this film, just could not act, and if I was to meet him in real life, I would start laughing at him. Not very believable as a TOUGH guy. So over all I would rent this film first, then if you like it, buy it for your collection.Movie Review: "Speedway Junkie" Fine Attempt at a Dangerous Subject
Summary: 4 Stars
The performances in "Speedway Junkie" ranged from good to excel-lent. Nothing to complain about there.
The story was surprisingly warm for a tale about male prosti-
tutes. The relationship between a gay street hustler and a neophyte whose dream is to race stock cars starts with the usual
shock and disgust and develops into a caring, trusting friendship. Problems with housing, food, and crime threaten from
every turn.
Not a great film, but an enlightening one.
Movie Review: Viva Lost Vegas
Summary: 4 Stars
Some have said this movie isn't "real" enough . . . but it needn't be. What it is, is a film with a lot of heart and if one approaches it as a fable, you'll find it works. It's a heartbreaker of a movie with strong, committed performances by everyone involved. Dreams of NASCAR collide with male prostitution, shattered dreams and street life in Vegas for a gripping, sometimes unsettling, beautiful little movie.