Search - Winning on DVD

Checkered Flag

Zinta Aistars | Portage, MI United States | 06/04/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Now and then, it can be a real pleasure to dip into the years and pull up an older movie for a night of "couch tatering." Not that this is such an "old" movie... but old enough that the differences between today's special effect dazzle and flash and 1969 are evident in pacing, dialogue, general style. Today's movies sometimes are lost in technical fireworks. This movie pleases with its simple quality of good actors who interact well with each other and stand on their own acting strength without too many fireworks.And still, the director, James Goldstone, deserves kudos for his creativity and innovativeness throughout the movie. The opening scenes are original for 1969, beginning with a close-up of a buttery yellow dandelion, moving through clips of families and racing fans gathering together. Of note are clips at the Indianapolis race track - a scene of a misty morning at the track the day of the Indy 500, scenes of fans entering the park, race car drivers and mechanics in tense preparations, increasing adrenalin, burgeoning crowds. I have yet to attend the Indy 500, but seeing these scenes certainly made me hope that soon enough I might. My fellow "couch taterer" and I had interesting conversations offering the male/female viewpoint on the scene of infidelity that centers the plot - the reasons behind the betrayal, if not excuses, the ramifications to all involved, including the son played by Richard Thomas, the responsibilities befalling all, the likelihood of a reuniting at movie's end. In short, when a movie catches your imagination, makes you want to visit the place and event portrayed, and gives food for thought and discussion at its end, then this is a movie worth adding to a collection, whether one is a race fan or not."

Not top notch, nut still worth seeing

Tina Morris | Rockville, MD USA | 01/29/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This movie is often mentioned as a member of the great pantheon of classic race movies, and it does belong there but it is more of a bottom feeder compared to "Grand Prix" and certainly "Le Mans". It is not the quality of the race footage or the throughout great performances of Newman, Woodward, and a very junior Richard Thomas, impressive on his movie debut. It is more the script that is the problem, and the movie lacks crucial time in the beginning to develop the characters and their relationships. Robert Wagner is a weak link in this movie since he never establishes himself as the friend and rival of the Newman character Frank Capua, and the whole delivery of his part in the affair with Capua's wife is weak. Where "Le Mans" does very much with little words, this movie sometimes fails to establish the relationship drama in key scenes, yet is very touching at times.
The track drama on the other hand is captured flawlessly, and the viewer gets some very interesting impressions on how the Indy 500 were run in the late 60ies, just before the hayday of the snakepit. With the right level of expectation this is an enjoyable movie, and the quality of the DVD leaves nothing to desire."

A favorite: good writing, haunting music, and Paul.

Tina Morris | 08/07/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a must for your collection. The story line is predictable, but the acting makes it worth it. The movie is complete with twists, laughs, excitement, and of course terrific racing scenes. Some of the closeups of Paul and Robert Wagner are memorable, and Richard Thomas makes you forget about John-Boy. I can watch this movie again and again. Unfortunately, the networks have cut it up and I have yet to see it on cable."

We have a winner

actressatplay | Fayetteville, North Carolina United States | 08/14/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A little romance, a little drama and lots of racing! This seems like a lighthearted film at first glance, but it's pretty deep. The pace of the film must be running parallel to the speed of the race cars. Don't blink or you might miss some key moments. That's okay. Who wants to watch a 6 hour movie? What can I say, Newman and Woodward are their usual spectacular selves. Wagner is at home as a charming playboy. Thomas is pretty impressive in his youth. I liked this movie very much. Winning gets the checkered flag in my book. P.S. Newman/Woodward can make reading a phone book exciting!"