Driven

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 clichŽd 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.

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.

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