... There are so many similarities between Days of Thunder and Top Gun that you could be forgiven for thinking that you have just watched a remake of it, but on 4 wheels. Firstly it brings together again, the acting and directional pairing of Tom Cruise and Tony Scott. Secondly, the film focuses ... Read review
This loud and fast 1988 effort by director Tony Scott (Beverly Hills Cop 2,Top Gun) has ... more
much more style than substance but it does effectively depict the edgy and dangerous world of stock car racing. Tom Cruise plays yet another cocky loner trying to f...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
From the engine roar and fever pitch of professional stock car racing, Days Of Thunder ... more
explodes with the most spectacular racing action ever captured on film. Tom Cruise plays race car driver Cole Trickle, whose talent and ambition are surpassed only b...
This loud and fast 1988 effort by director Tony Scott (Beverly Hills Cop 2,Top Gun) has ... more
much more style than substance but it does effectively depict the edgy and dangerous world of stock car racing. Tom Cruise plays yet another cocky loner trying to f...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Location. The Days Inn Thunder Bay North is located in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. ... more
Less than two kilometers from St. Joseph's Care Group Less than three kilometers from Lakehead University Three kilometers from the Intercity Shopping Centre Hotel Features. Complimentary continental breakfasts Fitness room Complimentary high speed Internet access Guestrooms. Flat panel cable television Coffeemakers Refrigerators and microwave ovens upon request
Postage & Packaging:refer to website Availability:Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
Location. The Days Inn Thunder Bay North is located in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. ... more
Less than two kilometers from St. Joseph's Care Group Less than three kilometers from Lakehead University Three kilometers from the Intercity Shopping Centre Hotel Features. Complimentary continental breakfasts Fitness room Complimentary high speed Internet access Guestrooms. Flat panel cable television Coffeemakers Refrigerators and microwave ovens upon request
Postage & Packaging:refer to website Availability:Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
Cole Trickle (Tom Cruise) is a young, cocky hotshot with little stock car driving ... more
experience and a lot of raw talent. Trickle's uncanny ability to make all the right moves on the racetrack wins him the backing of Tim Dolan (Randy Quaid), who wants to put him in a car. Eventually he wins the support of grizzled former driver Harry Hogge (Robert Duvall), a NASCAR legend who sees that Trickle has the potential to be a great driver. Determined to make it to the top, Trickle develops a healthy rivalry with veteran racer Rowdy Burns (Michael Rooker). Along the way, he romances Dr. Claire Lewicki (Nicole Kidman), a beautiful neurosurgeon. Hogge's mentoring (and a potential tragedy) leads Trickle through the dramatic process of self-discovery, which ultimately makes him a better driver. Directed by Tony Scott, DAYS OF THUNDER is reminiscent of his TOP GUN, the film that rocketed Cruise to stardom. Scott uses spectacular driving and racing scenes in this film, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Sound.
Production Year: 1977 - Action/Adventure - Director: Clint Eastwood - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring:Clint Eastwood, Sondra Locke, Pat Hingle, William Prince, Bill McKinney
Production Year: 2002 - Action/Adventure - Director: Vincenzo Natali - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring:Lucy Liu, David Hewlett, Anne Marie Scheffler, Joseph Scoren, Matthew Sharp, Jeremy Northam
Production Year: 1964 - Action/Adventure - Director: Cyril Endfield - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring:Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, James Booth, Michael Caine, Nigel Green
Advantages: Good action and adrenalin Disadvantages: Too similar to Top Gun
...are so many similarities between Days of Thunder and Top Gun that you could be forgiven for thinking that you have just watched a remake of it, but on 4 wheels. Firstly it brings together again, the acting and directional pairing of Tom Cruise and Tony Scott. Secondly, the film focuses on a man who has the ability to be the best, but his own tempestuous nature causes him to fall short. Thirdly, the rivalry between the drivers is very similar to that ... ...being a bit critical, because Days of Thunder is essentially a Hollywood crowd pleaser, with plenty of action and good looking stars, and achieves what it sets out to do.
In the lead role of Cole Trickle you have Tom Cruise (Top Gun); this is definitely not his best performance as I found myself struggling to cheer him on. It felt as if he was there in body but not in mind, as he excelled in the action sequences but the moment it required ... more
Cole Trickle (Tom Cruise) is a very promising stock car driver, and when he gets signed up to a racing team to race in the glamorous world of NASCAR, all his dreams seem to have come at once. But Cole is tempestuous, and likes to drive by the seat of his pants, annoys the owners of the racing team, as he continually fails to win a race. Just as he seems to be controlling his irrational behaviour with the help of his mentor, Harry Hogge (Robert Duvall), he ends up in a serious collision with track rival Rowdy Burns (Michael Rooker), which leaves them both, hospitalized. As he comes round in the hospital, he meets beautiful doctor Claire Lewicki (Nicole Kidman) and falls in love with her, as she helps him too recuperate. Meanwhile, whilst he has been recovering, his team has replaced him with hot shot rookie driver, Russ Wheeler (Carl Elwes), who is out there winning everything. With his drive been given to someone else, and a fear of being involved in another accident, Cole has to get his mind sorted and get behind the wheel to become what he knows he can be.
So there we have it Top Gun, oops sorry wrong film, or is it. There are so many similarities between Days of Thunder and Top Gun that you could be forgiven for thinking that you have just watched a remake of it, but on 4 wheels. Firstly it brings together again, the acting and directional pairing of Tom Cruise and Tony Scott. Secondly, the film focuses on a man who has the ability to be the best, but his own tempestuous nature causes him to fall short. Thirdly, the rivalry between the drivers is very similar to that of the pilots in Top Gun. Fourthly, he falls in love with a blond who has power over him. Fifthly, he is involved in an accident which causes his confidence to be knocked and finally the outcome of the film is very similar to Top Gun. So there you have it, Top Gun on four wheels.
So if it is such a similar film, why bother with it? Well if it's not broke, don't fix it. The formula which made Top Gun very popular, transfers to four wheels with effortless ease. The film is packed with adrenalin and machismo as we watch the amazing racing driving, the dialogue is cheesy but fun, plus you have the on screen romance between Cruise and Kidman. Probably what lets this film down is that it is predictable, you know where it is going to lead and at times you feel a bit disappointed that they didn't try and give it a twist to separate it from Top Gun. On top of that, I have a problem with the characters, and in particular the lack of any real depth. With the likes of Cruise, Duvall, Rooker and even Kidman, I was stupidly expecting a demonstration of great acting skills, but instead the characters came over as weak and unbelievable. It was as if the cast were just reciting their lines without any real passion or meaning. Maybe, that's is being a bit critical, because Days of Thunder is essentially a Hollywood crowd pleaser, with plenty of action and good looking stars, and achieves what it sets out to do.
In the lead role of Cole Trickle you have Tom Cruise (Top Gun); this is definitely not his best performance as I found myself struggling to cheer him on. It felt as if he was there in body but not in mind, as he excelled in the action sequences but the moment it required any depth of character to be displayed, he looked somewhat vacant. Opposite Cruise is Nicole Kidman (Eyes Wide Shut) as Dr. Claire Lewicki, the taller and more powerful woman who falls for Trickle's raw charm. Again like Cruise, this is by no means her best film, but it is the film on which Cruise and Kidman fell in love. Probably the best performance of the film comes from Robert Duvall (The Godfather) as Harry Hogge, Trickle's mentor who helps him too control his erratic driving. Still not the best performance I have ever seen from Duvall, but he does display more character than the rest of the stars. The rest of the supporting cast, which includes Michael Rooker (Cliff Hanger) and Randy Quaid (Brokeback Mountain), all seem to be in the film purely for the money, and don't really add anything of any exceptional quality.
The film is directed By Tony Scott and although he has delivered an adrenalin pumping movie, I'm still disappointed that it didn't really move on from Top Gun. Other than that, you can't really criticize his directional skills as he demonstrates the required action both on and off the track. The soundtrack is pretty much standard fair, with fast paced numbers, but nothing really stands out as being very memorable
= The Cast =======
Tom Cruise .... Cole Trickle Robert Duvall .... Harry Hogge Nicole Kidman .... Dr. Claire Lewicki Randy Quaid .... Tim Daland Cary Elwes .... Russ Wheeler Michael Rooker .... Rowdy Burns Fred Dalton Thompson .... Big John John C. Reilly .... Buck Bretherton
======= Technical Details =============
Certificate: 15 Length: 107 mins
======================= The Message & Christian View Point =============================
There is no message as the plot doesn't really deal with anything that deep.
========== Conclusion & Rating ================
Days of Thunder or is it Top Gun on wheels. Which ever this film is, it is still an okay film, not exactly breath taking but still an enjoyable adrenalin ride. Although it treads over very familiar territory, it still works and achieves what it sets out to do. Of course I would recommend this film, but who too is another matter. Fans of Tom Cruise will of course enjoy him displaying his early trade mark machismo, and fans of late 80s, early 90s style action movies will also enjoy this. But for anyone who enjoyed Top Gun, may watch this and feel cheated that it is pretty much identical.
Days of Thunder is currently available on Amazon for the reasonable price of Ł5.97, but I wouldn't want to spend more on this.
Advantages: Superb racing scenes Disadvantages: Possibly more suited to a racing fan
...until last night however was Days of Thunder. This was another one of the DVD that I received for Christmas and can't really understand why I'd never seen it before. The film was released in 1990 and stars Tom Cruise, you may have guessed that much, Nicole Kidman and Robert Duval. Cole Trickle is a hotshot driver but unfortunately it isn't only his driving that's hot. His temper is often boiling and his patience don't stretch very far. This doesn't ... ...Gun, another Cruise classic, did Days of Thunder blends seamlessly a high-octave story with a subtle and sentimental romantic tale. This ultimately makes the film a pleasure for both men and women to watch. In conclusion this film has everything a film should have; an interesting story, some amazing action and a shining soundtrack all pieced together to create one wonderful film that is ultimately a real pleasure to watch. ...
MI9to5 25.01.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Days Of Thunder (DVD)
Advantages: Good storyline, good acting, some good race scenes Disadvantages: Dated
When Colt Trickle asks for a drive in a stock car he shocks business man Tim Daland and the team car builder Harry Hogge as he has never driven one before, he has only ever watched it on the TV. He does an amazing lap which beats all of the previous racers times. Colt is given the opportunity of joining the racing team with Harry building him his own car. Colt starts his racing career with a spectacular win and soon he is ranking high amongst the ... ...and Rowdy soon find they have to compete with each other on the track to get the win but this leads to disastrous consequences as there is a massive crash and both Colt and Rowdy are left fighting for their lives. Both do recover but Colt is having trouble getting back on form. Will Colt be able to regain his confidence and nerve to allow him to go on and win the one race he dreams of, the Winston Cup at the Daytona 500 and just how far will the ...
sewbizzie 11.11.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Days Of Thunder (DVD)
Advantages: great racing sequences, true to life cars, reasonable acting performances Disadvantages: unrealistic portrayal of NASCAR drivers, lame love story
The general consensus on this flick is that it was a re-hashed 'Top Gun', released to cash in on the combined popularity of a post 'Top Gun' Tom Cruise and the NASCAR racing series. This was echoed by critics when it was released, panning it as shallow and unoriginal. In my eyes, this is harsh, as this is an unpretentious, exciting film to appeal to anyone who likes to give their brain a rest, and their eyes a shock once in a while.
The basic storyline ... ...driver, who makes it to the NASCAR racing series, only to be confronted by problems such as a conservative team manager/mechanic worried about his driving style, a rival driver giving him grief on and off the track, and a sadly predictable love story involving nurse Nicole Kidman tacked on to the film for good measure. Although the love story of the film was very shallow and predictable, it shouldnt detract from the excelent racing sequences peppered ...
sinbad182 30.08.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Days Of Thunder (DVD)
Advantages: Not too bad as action goes, Robert Duval is excellent Disadvantages: Very similar to Top Gun, not very accurate portrayal of NASCAR
...up again for racing flick Days of Thunder. However that was not where the similarities ended. The plots are so similar as to beggar disbelief.
Enter Tom Cruise as the young hot-shoed race driver. Just after his first win in the seemingly banger-car world of NASCAR racing he has a big crash and is carted off to hospital, where at least the wheelchair racing seems to keep him amused.
Enter Nicole Kidman as the woman he falls in love with, who tries ... ...ends up being on his side, in eerily similar fashion to Kelly McGillis’s character in Top Gun.
Meanwhile Cruise’s character undergoes a crisis of confidence and lots of criticism before shining through. Very similar to Top Gun.
The main difference in my mind was the introduction of Robert Duval as Cruise’s mentor. Duval is superb, although his part calls for a lot of shouting which he seems suited to. Being fair, Duval fits into whatever role his ...
toneboy7 15.09.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Days Of Thunder (DVD)
Advantages: Another Tom Cruise Film Disadvantages: Can be too loud
Days of Thunder came on our screens in 1990, after the big hit Top Gun. This film is directed by Robert Towne and Tom Cruise and was directed by Tony Scott. Robert Towne also wrote Outer Limits, Shampoo and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Tony Scott also directed another film that Tom Cruise has been in, the famous Top Gun and has also directed Man on Fire and The Last Boy Scout. The music is written by Hans Zimmer, who has also written music for Pirates ... ...next to Tom Cruise on Days of Thunder, that she fell in love with him for real.
Randy Quaid - Tim Daland
*******************************
He is an admired actor on the world's stage and television and feature film screens, an actor that has been recognized by Hollywood and the world's finest directors.
Cary Elwes - Russ Wheeler
***********************
He moved to the US and studied acting at Sarah Lawrence College after finishing school at the ...
jackiehayes 31.10.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Days Of Thunder (DVD)
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Advantages: pure entertainment with no intellectual challenge Disadvantages: can be too cheesey if not your thing
charachters in the love interest (Kerry McGillis) and arch rival (Iceman - Val Kilmer). The plot sees Maverick competing at the top of his class before being involved in a tragic accident in the air. Struggling with the mental effects of the incident, Maverick reconsiders what is important to him before being called into a real life crisis where his strength is tested for real. Some of the visual effects are impressive for their time, and a perfectly suited soundtrack make for an exhilerating experience. No wonder everybody wanted to be a fighter pilot after watching this...
As I said before, Days of Thunder is essentially the same film, but where you saw fighter planes, substitute Nascars. Cole Trickle, a self confident, young rookie driver with plenty of raw talent, makes an impressive impact on the Nascar scene. Immediately he becomes ...
A young kid from nowhere, Cole Trickle, becomes a top stock car racer. His desire to be the best brings him into contact with a beautiful doctor with whom he falls in love...
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
PARAMOUNT HOME ENTERTAINMENT; TECHNICOLOR DIST. SERVICES
Release date
31/07/2000
No of Discs
1
Catalogue No
PHE 8005
Barcode
5014437800534
Languages
Main Language
English
Dubbed Language
Czech, German, Hungarian
Subtitle Language
Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, German, Icelandic, Norwegian, Swedish
Hearing Impaired Language
English
Technical information
Special Features
Theatrical Trailer
Aspect Ratio
2.35 Wide Screen
Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital Surround, Dolby Digital Mono
Dubbing Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1 English Dolby Digital Surround Czech German Dolby Digital Mono Hungarian
DVD Description
Cole Trickle (Tom Cruise) is a young, cocky hotshot with little stock car driving experience and a lot of raw talent. Trickle's uncanny ability to make all the right moves on the racetrack wins him the backing of Tim Dolan (Randy Quaid), who wants to put him in a car. Eventually he wins the support of grizzled former driver Harry Hogge (Robert Duvall), a NASCAR legend who sees that Trickle has the potential to be a great driver. Determined to make it to the top, Trickle develops a healthy rivalry with veteran racer Rowdy Burns (Michael Rooker). Along the way, he romances Dr. Claire Lewicki (Nicole Kidman), a beautiful neurosurgeon. Hogge's mentoring (and a potential tragedy) leads Trickle through the dramatic process of self-discovery, which ultimately makes him a better driver. Directed by Tony Scott, DAYS OF THUNDER is reminiscent of his TOP GUN, the film that rocketed Cruise to stardom. Scott uses spectacular driving and racing scenes in this film, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Sound.
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