Watch Greased Lightning

The movie Greased Lightning from 1977 is a biographical sports drama film starring Richard Pryor, Beau Bridges, and Pam Grier. The film tells the true story of Wendell Scott, an African American stock car racer from Danville, Virginia. Directed by Michael Schultz and written by Melvin Van Peebles, the movie is a heartfelt tribute to a man who defied prejudice and overcame several obstacles in pursuing his dream.

The film opens with Wendell Scott (played by Richard Pryor) working as a taxi driver and moonshiner in rural Virginia. He has a love for cars and dreams of becoming a race car driver, but faces opposition from his wife Mary (played by Pam Grier) who worries about the dangers of the sport. However, Wendell's passion is kindled when he is invited to a local race track by a white garage owner and fellow racer, Hutch (played by Beau Bridges), who is impressed by Wendell's mechanical skills.

Wendell begins racing and despite facing hostility and racism from the crowds and other drivers, he proves to be a competitive force. He slowly gains recognition and success on the track, but faces further obstacles when NASCAR officials discriminate against him due to his race. They deny him prize money, give him lower-quality equipment, and subject him to unfair penalties. However, Wendell perseveres and continues to race despite the difficulties, hoping to inspire and pave the way for other black drivers.

The movie is a poignant reflection on the themes of racism, perseverance, and determination. Wendell's character is portrayed as a strong and resilient individual who refuses to let bigotry and prejudice crush his spirit. The film effectively captures the era's racial tensions and the challenges black race car drivers faced, while also highlighting the bravery of those who pushed forward despite adversity.

Richard Pryor delivers an outstanding performance as Wendell Scott, showcasing his talent as a serious actor. His portrayal is subtle and nuanced, capturing the complexities of Scott's personality and the emotional impact of his journey. Beau Bridges also shines as Hutch, providing a great foil to Pryor's character with his affable personality and genuine interest in promoting Scott's success. Pam Grier also makes a noteworthy appearance as Mary, displaying her range as an actress and providing a moving counterpoint to Scott's story.

The film's racing scenes are thrilling and well-executed, with the cinematography capturing the speed and excitement of the sport. The soundtrack also features several iconic songs, such as "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Gimme Three Steps" by Lynyrd Skynyrd and "Kiss You All Over" by Exile, which add to the film's nostalgic and energetic vibe.

Overall, Greased Lightning is an entertaining and inspiring movie that explores important issues and celebrates a true American hero. It is a reminder of the obstacles that African Americans faced during this era and the brave individuals who fought to overcome them. The film strikes a perfect balance between drama and humor, making it a timeless classic that still resonates with audiences today.

Greased Lightning is a 1977 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 57.