Video Review:

"A high tech action drama set in the dangerous exhilarating world of open wheel racing, "Driven" centers on the lives and careers of four drivers chasing the ultimate adrenalin rush." Warner Brothers 

"An overstressed rookie about to lose the competitive edge and a scarred veteran who lost his edge long ago steer their way through the testosterone-fueled world of race-car driving in 'Driven,' SYLVESTER STALLONE's new high-octane drama." Entertainment Tonight

What you really get is HOLLYWOOD racing at it's finest: Jimmy Bly (KIP PARDUE) a cuter Jacques Villeneuve is a rookie star who has talent on the racetrack but is not mentally prepared to be champion. His evil arch rival - arrogant Beau Brandenburg (TIL Schweiger) preys on his weakness even though his pit biscuit fiancé hops over to Jimmy's team - if you know what I mean. Joe Tanto (Sly Stallone) and Frank Williams wannabe Carl Haas....um... I mean Henry (BURT REYNOLDS) have their own history and then throw in a vicious ex-wife and a PR pest brother and voila we have daytime soaps meets the motorsports world.

I have some serious issues with this film: I've never seen racers with muscles like THAT - Mr. Universe style....yes racers are fit but they....on second thought - I didn't mind this point. <sigh> Next! No way could you weave back  and forth at HIGH speed on a racetrack like that and NOT lose control of your race car. And the helmetless chase scene through the city?? I've never seen and Indy "show "car on display that someone can just "jump in " and drive away - A) most show cars are missing their engines and B) have YOU ever tried to start an Indy car? Pluuuu-ese! Oh and there is more....A racer would not throw away the championship to jump out of his car and save a fellow racers life - not that a racer doesn't care for each other but there are amazing safety crews at CART/Formula One races - and I'm insulted how they are portrayed ! And what is it with the wives/fiances portrayed as racer jumping pit biscuit - Sophia (ESTELLA WARREN) at the start is brutally hurt by her ego loving racer "Beau" only to find solace in the arms of his rival the rookie then by the miracle of Hollywood- Beau "changes" his ways and she goes crawling back ...oh gawd - can you follow? Throw the rat out and never look back Sophia - life is too short! and Speaking of rodents are all PR/driver managers in that category? How positively embarrassing for the sport!

Stallone, who co-wrote and produced the project gave it a good shot but stick with boxing - at least he was believable there. I can go on and on but to give this movie credit - if you are a racing "rookie" it is entertaining and fun. The technology and special effects are worth seeing - with actual footage allowing moments of reality to seep in. So my advice is to go beyond questioning the authenticity of this film - just sit back with your popcorn and enjoy it's simplicity. This movie is what I call track fluff at its' finest.

directed by RENNY HARLIN,
'Driven' is in theaters April 27.