Zac Efron, Dennis Quaid and Heather Graham star in this drama from acclaimed director Ramin Bahrani (Chop Shop, Goodbye Solo), about a rebellious son whose dreams of becoming a professional race-car driver are derailed when his father’s farming empire becomes the target of a high-stakes investigation.
Ramin Bahrani was born March 20, 1975 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina to Iranian parents. He received his BA from Columbia University in New York City. His first feature film, Man Push Cart (2005), premiered at the Venice Film Festival (2005) and screened at the Sundance Film Festival (2006). The film won over 10 international prizes, was released theatrically around the world, and was nominated for three Independent Spirit Awards.
Bahrani’s second film Chop Shop (2007) premiered at the 2007 Director’s Fortnight of the Cannes International Film Festival, and then screened at the Toronto International Film Festival (2007) and the Berlin International Film Festival (2008) before being released theatrically to wide and universal critical acclaim. Bahrani was awarded the prestigious 2007 Someone to Watch Independent Spirit Award. In 2008, he was nominated for Best Director Independent Spirit Award.
Goodbye Solo, Bahrani’s third feature film, premiered… read more
I can see why some would dislike it, but I was pleasantly surprised by Bahrani here. It’s not perfect but it’s got some amazing tonal shifts throughout its acts, a really dark sense of humor, tense and impressive editing, and an awesome performance from Dennis Quaid. There had to be a weak link though and that's definitely in Heather Graham's poorly scripted character.