In our previous list we saw the Top 10 things motoring enthusiasts can do during the MCO extension period. One of the activity we suggested was to binge watch motoring related movies. Be it a movie about grand theft auto, a live action adaptation of a favorite racing game or the retelling of an iconic motorsports duel, here are 10 movies to watch.
Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)
There’s the original Gone in 60 Seconds movie from the 70’s then there’s the Jerry Bruckheimer directed, Nicholas Cage starring masterpiece from 2000. The protagonists try to steal 50 high end exotics around the San Francisco area while evading the police who are hot on their tail. Not only did some ultra exotics received precious screen time, like the Lamborghini Diablo SE, Jaguar XJ220, Ferrari 288GT0 and the F40, we were lusting after the Chip Foose reimagined 1967 GT500 Shelby Mustang. Enough said we guess…
Talladega Night (2006)
“If you aint first, you’re last!” That’s all you need to know about this satirical take on NASCAR. From the ‘Fast food meal grace’, from the disdain for Jazz and anything outside of America, to the obnoxiously low mental capacity of the main characters, this is a comedy riot with plenty of quotable moments. And all the time you’re laughing at this Will Ferrel production with the soundtrack of NASCAR V8’s in the back. Its one of the few motoring themed comedy movies you can find.
The Italian Job (1969)
This was back when Alfred of the Nolan Batverse was a playboy machoman. We all know roughly how the story goes, heist using Mini coopers, but unlike the rebooted version this feels more rooted strangely, more organic. And name me a more inspiring opening scene than that featuring a Miura, the alps, and Matt Monroe.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Its got a chase scene featuring mutant off-road buggies, big block supercharged cars (if you can call them that), an 18 wheeler, a bigfoot double decker limo, and with a guy playing a flaming guitar solo through a whole lot of speakers. And somewhere in there there’s a sprinkling of Tom Hardy too. The movie features live action scenes with minimal to no CG, and its an old school motoring action fest, made with 21st century production tech. You’re welcomed.
Vanishing Point (1971)
A 1970 Challenger 440RT has to get from Colorado to Los Angeles, while evading the cops of every district. All you have is a guy named Kowalski, a blind radio DJ who relays Kowalski’s journey on air, lots of open road driving shots, and the sweet sound of a rumbling 440 cubic inch (7.2 liter) Hemi V8. Warning, you will be tempted to break the MCO.
Taxi 1 and 2 (French)(1998 / 2000)
Forget about part 3 and above, and definitely forget about the Hollywood remake. What you need to do is find a copy of the first and second French movies featuring Sami Naceri and Marion Cotillard (The Dark Knight Rises). Our personal pick would be the second movie, which opens with the notorious supercharged 406 Taxi embarrassing a 306 rally car on a rally stage. But the highlight has to be the amazing stunt sequences featuring Lancer Evo 6’s and awesome chase scenes between the Evo’s and the 406 taxi, which happens to be driven by Group B Legend Jean Ragnotti. Which means lots of sideways action
Rush (2013)
You have Prost vs Senna, Gilles vs Rene Arnoux, then there was Lauda vs Hunt. The rivalry between clinical calculation vs passionate flamboyance was brought to life in a spectacular manner by the same man who brought us Appolo 13, Ron Howard. From period correct cars, replicating iconic moments from historical tracks, there are tonnes of things for motorsports geeks to lust after in each frame. Plus its priceless to watch Lauda brand his F1 Ferrari a ‘Shitbox’. His words not ours.
Ford v Ferrari (2019)
From the rivalry of two legendary racing drivers, we move to the rivalry of two legendary racing cars at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. One one side there was Ferrari with their brand built on motorsports and winning each time. Then there was Ford, a company known for making cars for the masses and nothing more. The rest, is cinematic gold which is best savored for the big screen. And yes, lots of Big Block, eardrum popping V8 soundtrack.
Fast and Furious 1 (2001)
This is a modern classic. Forget about the over the top, submarine chase of today, lets go back to a simpler time when the ‘Family’ was jacking DVD players from a moving truck. Every self respecting enthusiast with a little bit of knowledge in car culture will be able to quote countless tuning jargons that were mentioned in this movie. From MoTec exhausts, to the 100th shot of Nos, and the SR20 engines for Honda’s before race wars. Its worth reliving that all over again.
The Cannonball Run series (1981 – 1989)
Just as hilarious as the current Fast and Furious movies was this classic from the 80’s. Imagine whacky races, but in live action, and you’re not far off. You’ve got everyone from Burt Reynolds, Sammy Davis Jr, Roger Moore (James Bond) and even Jackie Chan taking part in it. Tonnes of car stunts, pop culture references of the day, its a period film with tonnes of motoring infused comedy. Plus there’s a Lamborghini Countach at full throttle too.
Ronin (1998)
Its a heist movie, but with a director who really knows cars, and some of the finest car stunts performed in live action cinema. In fact the iconic Audi S8 roundabout drift scene was done by former F1 driver Jean-Pierre Jarier (please watch Talledega Nights after reading this line). Listening to the drivers commentary of this movie is like listening to an audio book about cars from that era. Iconic cars, amazing chase scenes, and a really good movie with Robert DeNiro and Jean Reno at the helm. Its worth it.
Legend of Speed (1999)
We doubt many would know this, but this is one of the few, or perhaps the only movie to bring the Impreza / Evo rivalry on screen. There’s a love story, a mad genius mechanic, tuning spec jargons, driving theories and lots of Evo’s and Impreza’s speeding on screen. Maybe the mid part is a little dull, but still an entertaining flick, including the bike race in Thailand.
Initial D (2005)
We are talking about the live action movie since it cramps a couple of chapters into one movie. We highly recommend you go through the entire series eventually. But as a simple introduction to the legendary tofu delivering AE86 of Mt Akina, this would suffice. Be advised its not a 100% faithful adaptation of the source material.
Shuto Kousuoku Trial (Megalopolis Expressway Trial) (1988 – 1996)
This is where the Midnight Wangan gets its inspiration from, and where Keiichi Tsuchiya becomes a Japanese pop culture icon. There’s a total of 5 movies that were made in this series, featuring everything from R30 Skyline, R32 and R33 GTR’s, JZA80 and JZA70 Supra’s, Fairlady’s and RX-7’s. Lots of 80’s-90’s tuning, lots of Tsuchiya drift shots, and a whole lot of shoulder pads. This is a historic find if you can get your hands on them!
KL Menjerit (2002)
Of course we are gonna list a Malaysian entry! We could’ve gone with Evolusi KL Drift or Impak Maksima. But there’s something raw, edgy and very home grown about Datuk Rosyam Nor’s bike racing saga. That scene where they decide the course to run, which involves roads you drive on regularly, to the well choreographed racing sequence which takes place in downtown KL, its so satisfying to see. Aint no place like home.
These are the 15 that we would recommend to binge on during the lock down period. That should give you plenty of entertainment until the MCO is lifted, or even until the end of the year. Did we miss anything? What’s your favorite? Share in the comments and be safe and stay indoors guys!
