The Last American Hero (AKA Hard Driver)
The Last American Hero (AKA Hard Driver)
- Officially Licensed
- Highest Quality Recording
Based on Tom Wolfe’s magazine article, this film follows the unlikely career of race car driver Junior Johnson. Jeff Bridges stars.
Rating: 
(out of 16 reviews)
List Price: $ 14.98
Price: $ 6.33
Comments (5)
Review by John Estes for The Last American Hero (AKA Hard Driver)
Rating:
This is 5 stars if you are a true race fan. Otherwise, it’s still an interesting story. This film is loosely based on Tom Wolfe’s essay about the younger days of Junior Johnson, although for some reason they changed his name for the film. (Notice, though, that Junior himself was a paid racing consultant on the film.) The race footage is very well done and there is some good footage from the old Southern 500. Bridges and Busey are a lot of fun to watch together as well.If you like stock car racing and wonder what the old days were like when the sport was still developing, you’ll love this film. Only pity is it’s not on DVD. (Also another great film (although a little cheesy) about the old days is 43 The Petty Story starring Darren McGavin as Lee Petty and Richard Petty as himself AND Dale Inman AND Buddy Baker!!! It is a classic look at the old values that are still carried forward in the sport to some degree. It also has some insight to what NASCAR was and what it has become..Some really good vinatge racing footage is also included.) Also a pity it’s not on DVD…We need to prolong the life of these smaller “special interest” films. Anyway have fun, great summmer stuff.
Review by Tammy Jandrasitz for The Last American Hero (AKA Hard Driver)
Rating:
I absolutely loved this movie! If you have an interest in real life drama, getting over obstacles and above all RACING, then this movie is for you! It shows the everyday struggle one goes through in their personal life, as well as one’s pursuit towards a dream. This inspirational story shows you the everyday obstacles someone in this sport may go through and increases your interest and excitement with the sport as it is in today’s world. I recommend this to everyone who lives and breathe NASCAR and other forms of racing.
Review by Psychologist for The Last American Hero (AKA Hard Driver)
Rating:
This is a very well-written film with strong performances by an excellent cast. If you are a racing fan, you will like the film all the more. The race track scenes have a very authentic feel to them and were clearly shot at real tracks with real crowds. It takes me back to my teen years when I spent a lot of time at race tracks. I love the big, bouffant hairdos of the ladies. You can almost smell the hairspray, racing fuel, and rubber! Pop some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy this DVD!
Review by C. A. Luster for The Last American Hero (AKA Hard Driver)
Rating:
Probably the best racing movie I have seen. Most of them start to bore me when they get to soapy with the love stories, but that isn’t the case here. We watch one family that are moonshiners go through the father being arrested and the two sons trying to pay the bills and keep the farm running for the year he is away. Junior Johnson is an excellent driver and ends up racing cars at the track to keep the family afloat. Good acting by Jeff Bridges, Gary Busey, Valerie Perrine, Ned Beatty, and the rest the cast. Fine directing by Lamont Johnson and good story and consulting by Tom Wolfe. Worth at least a rental, but if you enjoy NASCAR movies this probably should be added to your library. If you enjoyed this catch “Six Pack”.
CA Luster
Review by Brian J. Greene for The Last American Hero (AKA Hard Driver)
Rating:
I have not read the Tom Wolfe essay this story is apparently based on, but as a film it works quite well. Jeff Bridges, looking like a rougher member of the Beach Boys, is effective as a young guy from a small-town moonshining family, who decided he’s going to take the world by storm as a champion driver. Great supporting cast includes Ned Beatty, Gary Busey, and Valerie Perrine. Kind of a cross between Monte Hellman’s Two-Lane Blacktop and Rebel Without a Cause. And understand that you don’t have to be a NASCAR enthusiast to enjoy the film – it’s just a great drama.