Trading Paint

This underwhelming racing drama stars John Travolta as Sam Munroe, the boss of a two-bit dirt-racing team. After the team hits the skids, Munroe's star driver - and son - Cam (Toby Sebastian) defects to a rival crew, led by the rich, hissable Bob "Lead Foot" Linsky (Michael Madsen). Also known as Burning Rubber, the film won Travolta a worst actor Golden Raspberry award for his performance. The accolade is unfair, though, as he's not particularly bad, just a touch folksy. What brings the film down is its lack of real drama. Personal and professional problems are easily resolved, and the races lack excitement or any sense of jeopardy. Meanwhile, neither the talented Shania Twain (as Munroe's second-time-around love interest) nor Rosabell Laurenti (as Cam's supportive wife) are given much to do. Madsen comes out of it best, though even he phones it in a touch. Considering the pedigree of the cast, this should have delivered far higher on the excitement scale.