Why Sylvester Stallone’s “Driven” Is One Of The Best Bad Movies Ever

Now I’m no movie critic, but I know a crappy film when I see one. Over the past few years, there have been terrible movies based on young adult novels (sparkling vampires), historical epics (Pearl Harbor), and comic book superheroes (post-Christopher Nolan DC). These are the bad movies. Every once in a while though, you come across a movie that’s so bad, it’s pretty enjoyable. My reference for this are the early Adam Sandler films. But there’s one movie in particular that spits on the spirit of my passion, which is Formula One, and yet still ends up hooking me terribly. That film is Sylvester Stallone’s Driven.

Image source: dvdplanetstore.pk

Unleashed upon the world in 2001, Driven was a film about three stereotypes: a phenomenal young American F1 driver (the hotshot rookie), a retired legend (the real hero), and the best driver in the world (the rude German). And between these three men, there were enough clichés to last an entire Formula 1 season. Then throw in Burt Reynold’s gum-chewing, wheelchair-riding, always-screaming pit manager, Estella Warren’s gorgeous ditz, and Gina Gershon’s less-than-desirable F1 groupie, and you have an extremely unforgettable movie, for all the wrong reasons.

Image source: rollingstone.com

Sure, the race sequences were thrilling, but hilariously ruined by woody dialogue. The music was generic for a high-speed chase. But man, you have to hand it to Stallone, it was gung-ho American to the end. Think of cheesy, horribly-written 90s popcorn action flicks that you’d watch with your friends so you guys would have something to laugh about, and add really fast cars. That’s “Driven”. It warrants a viewing party because it makes everyone happy, even as a crappy vehicle.

Hi! I’m Alexander Potoczak. I love Formula One, and cars in general. Check out this LinkedIn account if you have time.

Video Games Every F1 fan Should Try

What video game fan doesn’t love racing games? And what true fan of motor racing doesn’t love Formula 1? If you happen to love either racing games or Formula 1, you’re in for a treat, because here are three of the most beloved Formula 1 racing games in video game history.

Super Monaco Grand Prix (Sega Mega Drive/Genesis)
Being a 16-bit title, it’s a marvel that Super Monaco Grand Prix, was the F1 game of F1 games before more sophisticated disc-based games came along. It had a rivalry system that was simply exquisite, and way ahead of its time. The soundtrack was amazing, and it brought players back to the 80s era of F1.

Image source: emuparadise.me

Formula One: Championship Edition (Sony Playstation 3)
This was Studio Liverpool’s only F1 game on the PS3, and man, what a beauty it was. It ran at an amazing 60 frames per second. The QTF pitstops were also very well-made that you’d really feel the need to whip the pit crew into shape. The handling of the cars was very sharp, which makes for a more arcade than simulation feel. It was smooth, precise, and the damage sustained by the car was very realistic, probably the most realistic up to its time.

Image source: ps3home.co.uk

F1 2013 (Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony Playstation 3, PC)
Hands down, the best F1 racing game from Codemasters. It took four years to perfect (for reference, check out the ridiculously awesome Ego engine). F1 2013 is better than any F1 racing game out there today. The main content of the game is amazing as it is, but there more – a whole lot more. Great examples would be the vintage cars, circuits, and drivers from different decades.

Alexander Potoczak owns a Honda S2000. He is also a big fan of F1 racing. Read up more on motor racing by visiting this blog site.

NeuV: The new groundbreaking Honda concept car

Honda has a new car, called the NeuV, and what a car it is. The long name is New Electric Utility Vehicle, and it’s like it came straight out of a science-fiction movie. It is for all intents and purposes, an electric car that has all kinds of digital connectivity and can drive itself. The most impressive part though is what people call the Honda Automated Network Assistant or HANA.

Image source: autoblog.com

Remember when I said science fiction? HANA is the car’s “other controller.” It is an artificial intelligence system that operates from the car’s monitor dashboard. It assists as well as provides the car driver “company.” Let that simmer for a moment.

Since AI is fast becoming an integral part of society, NeuV designers have thought a special “relationship” cars can have with its owners. Has anyone seen Knight Rider from the ‘80s? One of its more ridiculous features is that it actually can get an idea of how the driver feels via heart rate monitor and facial recognition. If the driver feels down, HANA can even start a conversation. You see other people refer to their cars fondly by their names, and even talk to their vehicles. The NeuV takes this to a whole other level.

Image source: businessinsider.com

As if that weren’t enough, HANA can even help the owner save money by determining the best time to charge the car.

For more on the most mind-boggling cars, follow me on Twitter. Alexander Potoczak’s the name, and automobiles’ the game.

Michael Schumacher: The Greatest Of His Generation

Just like another Michael in basketball, Michael Schumacher is not only considered by many to be the greatest of his sport in his generation but to be the greatest and most dominant Formula One driver in history. His record is undeniable, and his feats, legendary.

 Image source: ibtimes.co.uk

He started in karting, winning German championships before moving on to Formula Three. After which, he joined Mercedes in the World Sportscar Championship. He made his debut in Formula One in 1991, joining the Benetton racing team. He quickly rose up the ranks and won his first Drivers’ Championship in 1994, over Damon Hill. He repeated that feat the following year. In 1996, he was acquired by Ferrari, wherein he won another five consecutive championships, from 2000 to 20004.

 Image source: masterherald.com

His driver records include most number of championships, race victories, fastest laps, pole positions, and won races in a season. The last is a record he shares with his countryman, Sebastian Vettel, who equaled Schumacher’s feat nearly a decade later. In Formula One history, no other driver has been able to finish in the top three in every race of the season. He also has the most podium finishes. In fact, based on his stats, Schumacher is the greatest Formula One driver in history.

He is also a two-time recipient of the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award.

Alexander Potoczak is a huge Formula One fan. For more on Formula One, follow this Facebook page.

Explaining the Addiction to Fast Cars

Addiction to something can easily be explained by the object’s ability to draw out some of the most interesting chemicals in the brain. That’s all there is to it most of the time. However, when it’s addiction to fast cars we’re talking about, there’s no denying that we’re facing an altogether different thing.

Science itself would attest that the dynamics of car addiction is no different from the dynamics observed in the use of illegal drugs. There are also chemicals at work in this. Let’s take a look at what really gets us hooked on fast cars.

Image source: popularycar.blogspot.com

Concentration: A high state of concentration cannot easily be shaken off once it gets you going. This is especially true when driving a fast car. The dangers on the road are so real that focus is pushed by the instinct to survive and the thrill of overcoming unexpected obstacles on the road.

Competition: The road not being exclusive for solo exhibition makes it an open playing field for other motorists. This is crucial to the road environment’s competitive vibe. Just anyone out there can rev on with his engine’s spiteful grumble at the stop light and signal a challenge without having to say a word.

Adrenaline: One of the most addictive substances on earth can be found in no less than the human brain. Driving fast cars initiates a fight or flight response. This is the ultimate natural high that most of us seem never to get enough of.

Image source: johnlesanche.com

When the racer fuses with the car and the craft of driving, time slows down as the world takes the form of a tunneling haze. If you’re hooked on that, it’s because you’re human, the kind who simply drives fast cars with a passion.

Alexander Potoczak here, and I am huge fan of fast cars. For more information on my fields of interest, please visit my page on Google+.