Taking a look at one of the most dangerous sports in the world, Rapid Response comes to the screen and it’s a stunner. The crushing documentary introduces you to some heroes who have made the sport of car racing safer with less loss of life. But it pulls no punches as it shows some of the most horrifying crashes along with heroism unrealized by most fans of the electrifying sport.
How many of you reading this article have gone to a car race, let’s say Daytona 500, Indianapolis 500, or even a local circle track event with possibly witnessing a crash in mind? Being truthful, most everyone. It’s inherent in those looking for thrills that they feel are part of going to the event. I know this sounds goulash and it is a fact of life when it comes to this high speed sport that can change the outcome in a fraction of a second.
Back in the day when there were very few safeguards and first respondents available at the tracks around the world, the chances for the drivers to come away from the race unharmed was questionable. But, in the background something was happening that changed the sport making it safer and lifesaving. And this documentary is the story of how a few men worked diligently to figure it all out and even save lives along the way.
Dr. Stephen Olvey, Dr. Terry Trammell and Steve Edwards CART director of safety turned the sport of car racing on its ear with groundbreaking ways to cheat death, lesson injuries and help the drivers continue in their chosen profession. From very little more than a pick-up truck responding to an accident to providing doctors at races and special apparatus brought quickly to the scene of a crash, the men you will meet in the film were selfless, heroic, and exceptionally talented.
As a lover of the sport, I came away from the film with a lot of respect for those that risked their own lives, worked hard to save a life and be first on the scene to lessen the damage. The actual films shot by cameramen that were at the races is emotional and amazing. The interviews with car drivers that were in accidents on the track, doctors who treated the victims, and the many pit crew members, fellow racing drivers and first responders are touching, heartfelt and credulous.
Rapid Response has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for some intense crash sequences. In this documentary you will witness the damage and horror of unbelievable car wrecks on the track. Some of the wrecks are so horrifying they will make you cringe. But, seeing most of the drivers survive the wrecks will make you cheer. If you are squeamish or the faint of heart, this film may not for you.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A very good eye opener involving the sport of car racing. (5 out of 5 Stars)
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Dr. Stephen Olvey, Dr. Terry Trammell, Steve Edwards
Co-Directed by: Roger Hinze and Michael William Miles
Genre: Sports, Racing, Documentary
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some intense crash sequences
Running Time: 1 hr. 39 min.
Opening Date: September 6, 2019
Distributed by:
Released in: Standard, Color
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
