Hard Driver Reviews

Based on an Esquire article by Tom Wolfe, this well-crafted film tells the story of real-life stock car driver Junior Jackson, who served as THE LAST AMERICAN HERO's technical adviser. As a North Carolina youth, Jackson (Jeff Bridges) is a hot-rodding, small-time hoodlum until his father is busted for moonshining and hauled off to prison. He then decides to put his ability behind the wheel to good use, becoming a professional stock car racer to raise money for his father's defense. Starting at a local track, Bridges begins a rise to the stock car big time, where his stubborn independence runs up against the realities of corporate sponsorship. Well written and subtly directed, THE LAST AMERICAN HERO concentrates on the human elements of the story without becoming overly sentimental. Its performances--including Ned Beatty as the local promoter and Valerie Perrine a trackside groupie--are also excellent.