Cast
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Matt Jones
as Bo Jackson
Jeff Fahey
as Phineus Davis
Noureen DeWulf
as Mandy
John Ducey
as Jason Wilmore
Christina Moore
as Chrissy Davis
Ali Afshar
as Eskandar
Gabriel Tigerman
as Oswarld Davis
Jessica Serfaty
as Vanessa
Tyler Jacob Moore
as Tommy
Matthew Cardarople
as Noodle
Manny Avina
as Young Bo
Tyler Dryden
as Young Noodle
Jianna Kumar
as Young Mandy
Chandler Mantione
as Young Tommy
Magen Mattox
as Shelby
Crew
Director
- Shaun Paul Piccinino
Writer
- John Ducey
Producer
- John Ducey
- Christina Moore
- Ali Afshar
- Ava Rettke
Reviews
Kamurai
Decent watch at best, probably won't watch again, and can't recommend people that watch this unless they're just into racing and have run out of movies to watch involving racing.
I have such mixed feelings about this movie. I honestly want to like it, having a sweet bundle of reconnection stories at its core, just presented in such an awful manner. I'm not saying that the "southern, poor, redneck" angle was a bad choice, but it could have been done in a more positive light. Having it be an idiot-redneck comedy was more painful than funny when it came down to it.
The cast was actually pretty well selected, everyone hitting their marks, but I'm still not over Noureen DeWulf not being Jasmine, and to she her and the rest of the cast in such narrow roles, odd roles just felt very forced. Enough so that the movie brings it to your attention as part of the intended humor, but it is more distracting: making me think more about the movie when I was actually trying to turn my brain off and enough the movie.
The story, the cast, the production, the general comedy are all fine, but for whatever reason, most of it just doesn't land.
Nov 6, 2020
Thematic Analysis
Wheels of Fortune represents a fascinating example of Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Shaun Paul Piccinino brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2020, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Wheels of Fortune took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 107 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 153 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2020, when this film is released:
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Wheels of Fortune shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Sporting Youth, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Wheels of Fortune subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle and Beverly Hills Cop explore similar territory, Wheels of Fortune stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 1, 2020
- Runtime: 1h 47m
Where to Watch
