Days of Thunder (1990)

Nascar wasn't something that interested me, but after watching this movie I've learned a lot more about Nascar. I've learned about structures of the teams. Basically it's like a normal job. Boss hires a coach and a driver and also mechanics, who try to win races and make him money. Also, I didn't know it's that dangerous and that they actually try to hit each other when racing. I watched YouTube videos and it does actually happen in real life. Tom Cruise is great here and Nicole Kidman as well. Humour is nice, loved the scene with cops lol :D This movie allows you to see the life of a racer. Interesting moment from the movie is when Cole (Tom Cruise) said that he's more afraid of becoming noone rather than becoming a cripple. Apparently for some people being a cripple is not such a bad thing, as opposed to being noone. Basically they are ready to take the risks and won't regret it

(54%) Tom Cruise and and Tony Scott return, only this time Tom drives a really fast car instead of driving a really fast plane. This very much tries to follow on the back of the success of Top gun with more or less the same plot and structure with its bolted on love story sub-plot and more than a fair share of fast paced action. So in terms of being a modern-day classic this doesn't have what it takes, it's too crude, predictable, and forgettable; yet it's still worth a look for either fans of the director/star or racing cars. Cruise's character is an underdeveloped show-off, but he is at least played with a degree of effort. And this is a well made production with well directed action, a good supporting cast, and a quality feel throughout.

Starring Tom Cruise, directed by Tony Scott and brought to us by Bruckheimer and Simpson, that's a roll call of reasons why many would hate this before even watching it!Days of Thunder is pretty indicative of the films being made by this lot around this time. Sure there's a honest intention somewhere within to build potent character dynamics, to raise moral awareness and etc, but they always came down to relying on speedy thrills, simmering sexual tensions and a punch the air finale. These latter things are evident in Days of Thunder, making it very much enjoyable if judging on those terms.The actual dynamic of the stock car racing set-up as portrayed here is a bit suspect, but the thrills come in leaps and bounds as the cars career around the tracks and slam into each other while the respective drivers' egos explode in a flaming ball of testosterone. There's Cruise with his arrogant grin, there's Michael Rooker scowling and there's Carey Elwes doing his worst Val Kilmer Iceman impression. While out in the pits Robert Duvall adds the bit of class by juggling a dual role of surrogate father and expert stock-car manager, and Kidman as ace doctor Claire Lewicki shuffles around wondering just what is the point of all this emotionally damaged machismo.The makers don't cut any corners in their willingness to raise your pulse, and they succeed in that comfort food sort of way. But that's if you are so inclined of course? 6.5/10

This is an excellent film about the trials of youth and the power of forgiveness.Tom Cruise's depiction of race car driver Cole Trickle is a spot-on reinterpretation of Orson Welles' character from Citizen Kane. The chemistry between Cruise and costar Michael Rooker is undeniable, and some would say that despite the fact that Cruise actually rooks Rooker, they are both winners in this film.There is also a very agreeable Rawlsian undertone to the story, channeled through Robert Duvall's character Harry Hogge. Much credit to screenwriter Robert Towne for incorporating such an important philosophical idea in a film that may otherwise have wandered into predictable summer blockbuster territory.This film comes on your chest like thunder. Go see it immediately.