"'Driven' Yields a Rocky Ride"
by Scott Mantz

"Driven"
Sylvester Stallone, Kip Pardue
Directed by Renny Harlin

Road Rage! Sylvester Stallone and Kip Pardue put the pedal to the metal in "Driven"

If there's any actor whose career could use a tune up, it's Sylvester Stallone. Let's face it, the 80's are over, and Stallone's macho depiction of action hero excessiveness just doesn't get the same mileage out of the box office that it used to (a fact that fellow 80's pin-up boy Arnold Schwarzenegger is also learning the hard way). He hasn't had a decent movie since 1994's "The Specialist," and with a box office take of only $57 million, that hardly qualifies as a hit compared to the very same standards that he helped create.

In light of his need to get his career back on track and maybe even strike box office gold in the process, who can blame Stallone for writing the screenplay for his next high-profile movie? Heck, it worked 25 years ago with a little film called "Rocky," and in some ways, "Driven" feels like "Rocky" on wheels (or at the very least, "Rocky V" on wheels). Unfortunately, thanks to an abundance of bad dialogue, shallow characterization, and shamelessly corny direction, the film is nothing more than a quick ride around the cineplex that begs the question, "Was this trip really necessary?"

Stallone plays Joe Tanto, a former racing great who's blown every chance he's ever had at career success and emotional fulfillment. He gets a chance to redeem himself when he is asked to help steer the career of a promising young racer (Kip Pardue) who's too distracted by fame, fortune, and pressure to keep his eyes on the road. As if raging egos and speeds of over 250 miles per hour weren't dangerous enough, Tanto and his protege must overcome superficial lovers, self-absorbed teammates, and corporate sponsorships if they are going to put the pedal to the metal and cross the finish line with their souls intact.

OK, so "Driven" is no "Rocky," but Stallone deserves some credit for at least trying to make his character so humble and sensitive. Considering that he--like his character in the film--has become something of a joke in the business, everything about his screenplay feels like a way for him to exorcise his own demons. It's obvious that his advice is coming from the heart, and as a result, he's so sympathetic that you can't help but root for him.

Unfortunately, the same can't be said about the rest of the characters. Burt Reynolds tries to get more mileage out of his mercifully under-written role, but by going over the top with his performance, he ends up being more of an embarrassment. Gina Gershon plays Stallone's ex-wife in a role that is ridden with bitch-on-wheels cliches, and while newcomer Estella Warren certainly looks good on screen, she's nothing more than a pit stop whore who jumps in the sack with whoever's on top (of the race, that is).

When it comes to displaying his skill for fancy camerawork and edge-of-your-seat excitement, director Renny Harlin ("Die Hard 2: Die Harder," "Cliffhanger," and "Deep Blue Sea") takes pole position, but when it comes to giving an emotional core and dramatic conflict to his characters, he never makes it out of the pit stop. Of course, it doesn't help that Stallone's screenplay is running on empty. Sure, the auto racing scenes are exciting in a "guilty pleasure" kind of way, but as soon as the characters have something to say, that's when "Driven" turns to drivel.

In light of the recent death of NASCAR great Dale Earnhardt, it's surprising that the release date for "Driven" wasn't pushed back. Had the movie been more of a tribute to the racers who put their lives on the line, then it would have made more sense, but as it is, the film's flashy style is more of an insult. As for Stallone, maybe he should have given his screenplay another test drive around the track before taking moviegoers on such a rocky ride.

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