From Deseret News archives:

Driven

Published: Friday, April 27, 2001 7:50 a.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
As "Driven" demonstrates, it's possible for a movie to be so preposterous and so completely clueless about its own stupidity that it's almost fun.

Stress the "almost" part. Although there are a handful of exciting scenes in this auto-racing drama, there aren't nearly enough to compensate for the lame, slow-to-develop character interaction that bridges them.

And sure, it is fun to laugh at the almost painfully clich�d script that producer, star and screenwriter Sylvester Stallone has come up with (those with long memories may notice the many scenes that resemble Sly's fifth installment in the "Rocky" franchise).

But after a while, the sheer cheesiness of the thing becomes indigestible; it's hard to embrace any film in which the cast seems so oblivious about its quality. (Let's face it, despite the big-name cast and big budget, this is little more than a glorified B-movie.)

In addition to Stallone, that cast includes the up-and-coming star Kip Pardue ("Remember the Titans"), who has the central role of Jimmy Bly, a talented rookie race-car driver having troubles focusing while he's on the track.

Story continues below
Having won four races, Jimmy's in a position to overtake reigning champion Beau Brandenberg (Til Schweiger). But instead, he becomes self-destructive, starting a relationship with Beau's girlfriend (swimsuit-model-turned-actress Estella Warren) and quarreling with his manager and brother DeMille (Robert Sean Leonard).

That's when veteran racing-team owner Carl Henry (Burt Reynolds) decides to call in the big guns, recruiting former racing star Joe Tanto (Stallone) to join the team and mentor Jimmy.

However, the young driver isn't sure he needs a coach, especially one as storied as Joe. But as the pressures from outside continue to mount, Jimmy realizes he's going to need help if he's to have a shot at the championship.

To say that the film's plotting — and even its dialogue — is predictable is an understatement. That's why the fact that director Renny Harlin even manages to generate the slightest bit of suspense is astounding.

His work with the cast is equally monumental, considering that they can read these cornball lines straight-faced and not laugh.

In fact, of the bunch, Gina Gershon seems to be the only one who realizes what a joke this is, and her campy, vampy supporting turn as Joe's ex-wife is the film's biggest hoot.

And how did they get someone as talented as Stacey Edwards to take such a thankless, go-nowhere role as the journalist who romances Sly's character?

"Driven" is rated PG-13 for scattered profanity, vehicular violence and mayhem and brief use of a crude gesture. Running time: 109 minutes.


E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com

Recent comments

Hillarious! great show I would recomend it. such a good
family...

Sandra | Jan. 27, 2006 at 4:23 p.m.

See Spot perform a virtually obscene act of gore on
Sorvino, which...

Avi Green | May 5, 2001 at 11:23 p.m.

i liked this movie and i thought it was really funny and...

grady | March 20, 2001 at 5:36 p.m.

Movie Info
Rated PG13 for violence, profanity, brief vulgarity.

Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Kip Pardue, Burt Reynolds, Estella Warren
FIND LOCAL MOVIE SHOWTIMES
previousnext

Latest comments

Letters: Selfish agendas

Unlike you, "their" implies both democrats and republicans. Unlike you, I...

I think its really irresponsible to take scouts there.

In 2003 and 2004, I visited every residence in Clearfield City twice in my...

Korver's return hits snag

I have cringed everytime he gets the ball for the past two years, but can't...

As one of Jane's many friends, I want to tell you how much I loved this...

Hall will choke again. He has no composure. A little pressure and he gets...

The only way BwhineU wins 10 games this season is if they win their bowl...

Guess this writer is living in fantasy land. LaVelle wanted the darker blue...

Much unknown about warming

Sorry to burst your bubble. New York, New Orleans and Los Angeles would not...

Cougs to host Weber St.

No way WSU is good enough to beat BYU in provo this year, and I'm a WSU fan....

Advertisements