Mario Andretti Movies
A pedal-to-the-metal race car determined to prove his worth on the tracks discovers that life isn't always about crossing the finish line first in Toy Story director John Lasseter's mechanically minded tale of friendship and loyalty. Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) may be just a rookie, but he's convinced that he can realize his dream of zooming by the checkered flag if he can only make it to California in time to compete in the upcoming Piston Cup Championship. When Lightning takes a detour into the slow-moving, Route 66 town of Radiator Springs, however, it begins to appear as if his shot at the big time has effectively stalled out. Of course, Lightning's exciting cross-country trek wasn't all for naught, and after befriending such quirky Radiator Springs residents as Sally the Porsche (voice of Bonnie Hunt), Doc Hudson (voice of Paul Newman), and Mater the Tow Truck (voice of Larry the Cable Guy), the eager young racer learns that sometimes life is more about the voyage than the outcome of the race. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, (more)
Documentary filmmaker Dana Brown, who created a visually striking look at the world of surfing in 2003's Step Into Liquid, hits dry land running in this portrait of the world of off-road racing. The Baja 1000 is one of the world's premier desert racing events; taking place both on and off the roads in and around Baja California, the annual road rally pits drivers against punishing conditions as they attempt to cover the thousand-mile course in 36 hours or less. With a wide variety of different vehicles competing -- from modified trucks to stock Volkswagens -- Dust to Glory takes viewers into the middle of the race, with camera crews following in the action while several drivers race with cameras mounted to their cars for a "you are there" perspective. Dust to Glory also puts a special focus on driver Mike "Mouse" McCoy, who hopes to achieve a unique distinction as one of the first drivers to drive the entire one-thousand-mile course by himself (most vehicles employ a team of drivers for the long and demanding race). Dust to Glory director Dana Brown is the son of Bruce Brown, director of such legendary sports films as The Endless Summer and On Any Sunday. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
Get behind the wheel of four of the fastest automobile racing vehicles in the world -- Indy cars, off-road, stock cars, and drag racers -- all from the safety of the living room couch. Go behind the scenes at the Indy 500 with the Andretti and Fittipaldi families and their pit crews, see how off-road racer Ivan Stewart prepares for the rigorous Baja 500, get up close and personal with NASCAR superstar Dale Earnhardt and his 1998 winning season, and learn about history of drag racing from the queen of the strip, Shelly Anderson. ~ Heather M. Fierst, All Movie Guide
- 1974
Race drivers lose themselves in their need for speed in this road-race footage. ~ All Movie Guide
Actor and racecar enthusiast Paul Newman hosts this look back at the origins of auto racing and traces the trajectory of the popular sport in this documentary featuring interviews with such legendary drivers as Mario Andretti, Bobby Unser, and Richard Petty. For many Americans, NASCAR has become a way of life, but how and where exactly did this racing phenomenon begin? In addition to Newman, guest stars James Garner, Dick Smothers, and Kirk Douglas also make special appearances to offer profiles of some of the best drivers ever to step behind the wheel. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
