Libramedi
Intense, gripping, stylish and poignant
Borgarkeri
A bit overrated, but still an amazing film
Edwin
The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.
Roxie
The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;
Dan Uribe
Unbelievable race footage from all perspectives. All the race vehicles are covered from the Motorcycles (my favorite), Trophy trucks and buggies to the Class 11 VW beetle Dana Brown more than captured the essence of the Baja race. You will feel as though you are there. The interviews only add to this great film by getting into the heads of those who have actually raced the Baja 1000. There is also some excellent bonus footage that MUST be watched! I bought the movie and watched it at least 4 times. This movie can be watched by just about any person, I would imagine even non race fans would like it. I say buy this movie and watch it, then tell everyone you know to do the same! I wish the movie was twice as long because you just don't want it to end!
Michael DeZubiria
Dana Brown follows up his spectacular surfing documentary Step Into Liquid with the spectacular race documentary Dust to Glory. I just read the unemployed critic's review in which he asserts that Dana Brown had some kind of ulterior motive in imposing meaning onto the race itself which was never there to begin with and doesn't fit with the material anyway, which is outstandingly wrong. Then again, he also called Step Into Liquid "lukewarm," so the fact that Brown's next film blew over his head as well is hardly lightning out of a clear sky for unexpectedness.Brown highlights the human aspect of the Baja 1000, a grueling, 24 hour race down the length of Baja California, but the movie is only peppered with scenes about the race, because it's not about winning, it's about being out there with so many other like-minded people, and the people you meet and the adventures you have along the way. It's amazing to see people in million dollar trucks racing on the same course as people driving un-modified Volkswagen Beetles, and the film manages to overcome the tendency to identify other drivers as cars rather then people.Brown's narration is just as effective as it was in Step Into Liquid, and it is clear in both films that he is fascinated with the subject material and is not simply reporting it. Interestingly, he describes the Baja 1000 at one point as the longest nonstop endurance race in the world, which is not even remotely true. The Race Across America has taken place every year since 1982, and is a 3000 mile transcontinental endurance race on BICYCLES, no less. Let's put it this way. By the time the Baja 1000 is over, most riders have not taken a single break from riding in the Race Across America. They generally ride for about the first 40-50 hours literally without getting off the bicycle, then they stop and sleep for 90 minutes, then get up and get back on the bike and ride 22 1/2 hours a day until they get to the East Coast. The Baja 1000 is truly an impressive event, but as an endurance race it doesn't even compare to Race Across America.Nonetheless, Brown again displays his skill in bringing the wonder and excitement of such an unusual event to the screen, telling the story thoroughly and entertainingly, and certainly leaving me wondering what marvels he'll focus on next.
bobbower
Wow. They nailed it. It was about us. All of us. It could be called a physical experience of a movie. It tugged your heart. It made you lean into the turns, and lean away from the bushes. There were more than enough sphincter clenches. There were knee slapping laughs, and head shaking sights. There was eye strain from trying to see through the silt. There were near misses, and solid hits. They touched everybody with this movie. Racers, chasers, sponsors, Mom's & Dads, locals, kids, dogs and a few ostriches. It's just great!Understand, I was looking forward to it from the get go. I had expectations, concerns, and a lot of curiosity. So as I sat down in the theater seat, I was hoping to be reminded of the experiences all my race car seats delivered. My biggest concern was that the producers would some how "Hollywood Up" the Baja 1000 and botch the thing.Now, as to the opposing views? Well, my guess is that others went into the theater with their own expectations, concerns and curiosity. Who in the race community would do otherwise? Their criticisms are quite valid. As are the opinions on what the movie contained and why. Anyone who has experienced their own Baja 1000, and then experiences this movie will compare the two. I did. And everyone else did. We all take it very personally.I believe that was one of the major challenges facing Dana Brown. He is not a racer, and knows it. He does understand the visceral element of being involved in an endeavor beyond the casual participant level. Our Baja 1000 is to us what surfing is to him. It is clear to me that he respects the importance of what we all do when we are involved in the Baja 1000. Naturally, he had other challenges to address. He and his group were making a film. Not a class project, but an investment. One that they hope will return profit. And, they had to capture it live. In real time. No "take two!". While we represent an important audience to them, we are but one of many audiences they must consider for this movie. They too are important. Just not as well informed. Not as experienced in the Baja 1000. Not personally involved.I choose to accept Dust To Glory as delivered. It's not as perfect as it would be if I were in charge of course. But then again, I'm one of the inmates. BB "Life Is A One Lap Race"
redleader-1
I am normally not a big documentary fan, but Dust to Glory really impressed me. First off, the Baja 1000 is the coolest race ever. I imagine that if you were able to read minds, you would find that everyone leaving the theater would be thinking 'Baja 1000... wow. I wonder if I could do that'. Now I dream of one day competing in the Baja 1000. Dust to Glory will convert everyone in the audience into a Baja 1000 addict and you will leave in awe of the competitors and the race itself. Tons of energy, emotion and dirt. Great stories, characters and beautiful locations. Dana, we won't be staging any interventions for a long time.