Saturday, April 6, 2013

Truth in 24 II


Heard about this a few days ago from a co-worker after I was lamenting the fact that most "car movies" are utter shite compared to biker flicks. You've got Grand Prix, Le Mans, Death Proof and the jaw-dropping Senna. You can count the good car movies on one hand and still have a digit left over. Truth in 24 II may have claimed that fifth digit.

It's an 83 minute documentary narrated by Jason Statham about Audi's run at capturing the win at Le Mans in 2011. Unlike Detropia, here we have a doc' that knows how to build tension and weave a story. The final third gets real hairy. Nail-biting stuff.

Is it as good as any of those other car flicks? Not a chance. Is it a top-notch documentary? Eh, not tier 1 material. But is it worth seeing? Absolutely. It's a grade B doc'. If it had focused a bit more on the personalities and the dramas within the rivalries then I think it could have sucked you in a bit more: If it felt like there was more on the line. Like the German manufacturer it's documenting, it's a bit cold and clinical. Statham's voice and intonation does a good job of adding some humanism to the whole affair, though. Fastest is probably a close comparison to the film, but Fastest is far more intense. I looooved that flick. Going to watch its predecessor, Faster, soon.

Le Mans is a fucking mental race, man. The stamina, strength, and strategy needed to win is ridiculous. Not to mention the technical expertise and racing talent. Anyone who competes is super-human.

You can stream it on Netflix or watch the whole thing on YouTube (see above).

Do it.

Red, black, white and Helvetica: What more do you need?

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