Driven

Updated June 26, 2020 | Infoplease Staff

Driven resuscitates battered action-hero Sly Stallone, placing him in the high octane world of auto racing. He plays Joe Tanto, a washed-up racer called back into duty by his former manager (a wheelchair bound Burt Reynolds). Reckless rookie Jimmy Bly (Kip Pardue) requires seasoned help in his bid for the international championship. A shifting cast of women accompany these variously injured men and add a layer of drama to the tale. Joe's ex-wife (Gina Gershon) is on the scene, although he's got his sights set on a reporter (Stacy Edwards) while Bly prefers to steal the girl of his racing rival.

There is a direct effort to show the world of auto racing, although in director Renny Harlin's hands, this turns into a bunch of gratuitous shots of female fans. It's not quite the XFL, but it does cater to some obvious male fantasies. Driven wants drama but doesn't know how to get it. True, Stallone's script gives them little to work with. Computer generated imagery detracts from the adrenaline potential of the racing scenes. In a style reminiscent of Jerry Bruckheimer's films, volume and bombast results in a big movie with no real kick.