Media

Home Theater Movie Renter's Guide - May, 2012

"Roadracers" (Blu-ray) - Reviewed by Stephen Hornbrook

Synopsis

A 1950's rebel greaser Dude Delaney (Arquette) wants to escape his small town and hit it big as a rocker.  Standing in his way are a corrupt sheriff (Sandler) and his jerk of a son.  It's evident from the beginning of the film that they have it in for each other.  Salma Hayek play's Dude's attractive girlfriend. The always excellent John Hawkes takes on Dude's smart-ass buddy.  It comes down to Dude deciding between his pride and standing up to Teddy and his sheriff daddy, or his dream of becoming the new guitar player for a band on the rise.

Commentary

Roadracers was part of a Showtime series called Rebel Highway, a collection of made-for-TV B-movies that aired back in 1994. It was Robert Rodriguez's second film after El Mariachi a couple year prior.  I had never even heard of this movie until this Blu-ray release.  It reminded me a lot of Tarantino's recent Grindhouse, of which Rodriguez directed Planet Terror.  Old school 50's flair, but with a B-grade feel.  It isn't his best film, but I was entertained and William Sadler plays the perfect skeezy cop.  You can't miss Rodriguez's style of directing here- lots of moving shots and different camera angles keep the movie flowing.  This Blu-ray release by Echo Bridge is pretty solid. I'd recommend it for any Rodriguez fan.

Technical

The transfer is pretty good on Roadracers. Plenty of detail and a nice touch of film grain are supported by natural colors and solid contrast.  I don't think you could ask of more from a low budget made for TV movie. 

The DTS-MA 5.1 track is not very active, but dialog is generally clear and at proper volume levels.

Extras

"Ten Minute Film School: The Making of a Degenerate Hot Rod Flick", Audio Commentary with director Robert Rodriguez.