Watch Blink of an Eye

Blink of an Eye is a documentary movie that traces the career of NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip, and his long struggle to win a NASCAR race. Directed by Paul Taublieb, the film features interviews with Michael Waltrip himself, along with his family, friends, and competitors, as well as NASCAR legends like Richard Petty and Darrell Waltrip.

The movie begins by covering Michael Waltrip's early years, growing up in Kentucky and following in the footsteps of his older brother Darrell Waltrip, who was already carving out a successful career in NASCAR. Michael was constantly aiming to win his first NASCAR race, but despite many attempts, he found himself struggling for years to even finish a race, let alone win one.

Throughout the movie, Taublieb shows how Michael Waltrip's career was shaped by the deaths of two of his closest friends and NASCAR heroes: Dale Earnhardt Sr. and J.D. McDuffie. The shocking death of Earnhardt in the 2001 Daytona 500 race was a turning point in Michael's life, shaking him to the core and leaving him questioning whether he wanted to continue racing at all. However, with the encouragement of his team and friends, Michael rallied back, determined to win the race that he had always wanted to win.

The movie also explores the relationship between Michael and Dale Earnhardt, which was complicated by their competitive nature on the racetrack. Through interviews with Michael's wife, Buffy Waltrip, and his current and former team members, the movie shows how Michael struggled to come to terms with the death of his friend and mentor, and how he eventually found the strength to move forward.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the movie is its behind-the-scenes look at NASCAR culture and the world of professional racing. Taublieb captures the intensity of the sport, the passion of the fans, and the challenges that drivers and their teams face every day. The movie also touches on the role of technology in NASCAR racing, with a brief discussion of how advances in safety measures have improved the sport over the years.

Throughout the movie, Taublieb does an excellent job of conveying the emotions of his subjects through well-chosen interviews and archival footage. Michael Waltrip is portrayed as a likable and sympathetic figure, who is driven by a deep-seated desire to prove himself on the racetrack. Petty and Darrell Waltrip also make memorable appearances in the movie, offering their own insights into the challenges facing NASCAR drivers.

Blink of an Eye is a fascinating and engaging documentary that offers a unique perspective on the world of professional racing. It is a testament to the hard work and determination of one man, Michael Waltrip, who overcame tremendous obstacles to achieve his dream. The movie will appeal to NASCAR fans, sports enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys a good story of perseverance and triumph.

Blink of an Eye is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 58.