Wheels of Fortune

In the 2020 film Wheels of Fortune, directed by Shaun Paul Piccinino, viewers are introduced to a blue-collar world of speed, glamour, and larger-than-life characters. This fun romp through the world of low-level professional car racing, in all its chaos and absurdity, features a star-studded cast led by Matt Jones, Jeff Fahey, and Noureen DeWulf.

Matt Jones plays the kind-hearted yet rough-around-the-edges Bo Jackson, a small town auto mechanic who is also an incredible self-taught car racer—though unrecognized and uncredited. He is living his low-key life but dreams of a successful car racing career. On the other hand, Jeff Fahey portrays Crawford, a wealthy and corrupt businessman who operated under the facade of a benefactor, offering to aid Bo in achieving his dreams.

Noureen DeWulf, known for her role in Anger Management, plays the role of Jessica, a well-meaning yet unorthodox attorney. Amid the chaos, her character provides a grounding presence, offering Bo legal advice and assistance as he navigates the treacherous waters of 'arranged' professional car racing.

The plot begins to thicken when it turns out Bo's estranged father is a multi-millionaire, and Bo stands to inherit his massive fortune. But, the twist here is that, in order to inherit the wealth, Bo must first partake in a series of high-stakes car racing events. This strange stipulation made by his father sets Bo on a journey he never expected.

Crawford, the businessman with sinister motives, comes into play here, exploiting the situation to his advantage. He entices Bo, offering him an opportunity to step into the world of pro-car racing, which Bo always aspired to. However, Crawford, with his ulterior motives, brings in a level of deceit, making Bo's journey to his inheritance a high-octane car racing adventure filled with thrilling twisty roads of intrigue, betrayal, and friendships.

On this adventure to claim his inheritance, Bo is joined by a team of eccentrics and outsiders, including Jessica, his old high school friend Rob (played by Matty Cardarople), and his loyal mechanic Shelly (played by D.C. Douglas). Together, they make a motley crew, rallying around our unlikely hero, supporting him in unexpected ways as he faces challenges on and off the racetrack.

Wheels of Fortune uses a classic underdog story formula, filled with rivalries, friendships, deceit, and automobile racing. The movie showcases the personal growth and transformation of its lead character, Bo, from a humble mechanic to a proficient car racer, underlining the theme of possibilities, even in the unlikeliest scenarios.

As a backdrop, Wheels of Fortune presents professional car racing in a unique light, with a mix of seriousness and humor synonymous with the genre. Additionally, it highlights the striking contrast between the small town auto racing circuits' world and the corporate, profit-driven realm of professional car racing, highlighting often overlooked differences.

The film successfully combines humor, thrilling car races, and enough emotional depth to keep the audience interested. Additionally, it delves into social themes such as class differences, corporate greed, friendship, and loyalty, which add depth to the narrative.

Moreover, the performances are commendable and convey the characters' nuance effectively. Matt Jones particularly shines as the down-to-earth, earnest Bo, trying to navigate the glitzy and often deceiving world of professional car racing.

The direction by Shaun Paul Piccinino is crisp and engaging. Whether he is showcasing high-risk, high-speed car races or providing insights into the characters' emotional journey, the scenes blend seamlessly into each other. Touches of comedy, drama, and unexpected plot twists add flavor to the entire narrative.

In conclusion, Wheels of Fortune captures the drama, heartache, camaraderie, and excitement prevalent in the world of auto-racing along with added doses of humor and entertaining characters. The film is a must-watch for those seeking a heartfelt tale of blazing races, unlikely friendships, personal growth, and exciting plot twists.