On D List of Movie Reviews

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Days of Thunder (1990)

Rate: 9
Viewed: 4/03, 1/04, 1/05, 7/05, 6/07, 6/10, 9/20

Days
7/05: I love everything about Days of Thunder: the direction, the story, the dialogue, the editing, the atmosphere, the acting, the characters, and the racing scenes.

As soon as the ultra-cool opening sequence rolls, it's evident that the film will be a thrilling ride. Tom Cruise's character making his first appearance while on the motorcycle is terrific.

Michael Rooker gives an unforgettable Oscar-worthy performance as Rowdy Burns. Having the best lines, he takes the film to another level by playing his character to perfection. Rowdy may be mean, but he comes off as a likeable guy.

All in all, Days of Thunder is the best auto racing film made.

6/07: Days of Thunder is 100% stylish and thus 100% rewatchable.

The cast turns in all-around excellent performances. Michael Rooker steals the picture, and Tom Cruise and Robert Duvall are fantastic together. Their pairing makes me want to see them do another film because of their wonderful chemistry. I love Tom Cruise's entrance when he rode his motocycle onto the racetrack with white smoke in the background. It's called style, baby.

The opening title sequence, which starts out with the formation of dark-looking clouds that's followed up with RVs, various flags, and spectators filling in the stands as everybody prepares for the upcoming race, is captivating.

Michael Rooker has an awesome movie moment that says all about his character when he appeared calm with a menacing look in his eyes to make a statement: "Listen, man. I've raced with my legs broke, heart bruised, eyes popping out of my head like they're on springs. This is going to go away just like anything else."

Another favorite scene involves rental cars on the beach. It's silly stuff. Then, there's Tim Daland making a hilarious reference to a monkey fucking a football. Of course, the last fifteen minutes has to be the most exciting of them all.

All in all, the performances along with masterful writing, stylized editing, and fantastic cinematography make Days of Thunder an incomparable auto racing picture.

6/10: Days of Thunder is the most exciting auto racing picture ever made, thanks to the incredible editing.

Tom Cruise delivers a performance like how a superstar should deliver. I love the supporting cast. Michael Rooker steals the movie every time he appears, and Robert Duvall is special. I love the inclusion of Randy Quaid, who has a great presence, and he's hilarious when he mentioned a monkey fucking a football.

All in all, Days of Thunder is one of the most underrated films.

9/20: Days of Thunder is the be-all and end-all of auto racing pictures.

Many such as Le Mans, Grand Prix, Driven, and The Cannonball Run had tried to make the sport exciting on screen, but they've all failed. Then comes along Days of Thunder that puts them to shame before going on to obliterate any future attempts for the genre.

Right off the bat, it's the editing that takes the film to a level that's never been reached before. Then, there are the well-shot, fast racing scenes that are along the same lines of Top Gun. Hard to overlook is the great acting performances. Capping off everything is the strength of Robert Towne's screenplay which has many memorable lines.

Tom Cruise is natural as Cole Trickle; he's never acting for one moment. Up next are two special performances by Robert Duvall and Michael Rooker. What characters they play, making it easy to respect them given their tough exterior. Nicole Kidman has never been more fine-looking before or since then.

All in all, it's difficult to beat the excitement that Days of Thunder brings to the table.