Racetrack: A dusty old drama that catches you off guard

Is it worth your time?

If you like movies that smell like old film stock and have that specific, grainy 1930s sentimentality, you’ll probably find something to love here. If you need your pacing fast and your dialogue snappy, keep walking. This is for the folks who want to sit with a character for an hour and watch them realize they’re actually a decent person deep down.

Joe Tomasso is the kind of guy who probably has a permanent scowl, but the moment he spots Jackie Curtis, the whole rhythm of the movie shifts. It’s a classic setup, right? The tough guy with the secret soft spot. I’ve seen it a thousand times, but there’s something about the way he looks at the kid that keeps it from feeling totally like a tired routine.

The little things

There’s a scene near the middle where they’re just sitting together, and for a second, I forgot they were acting. The silence in the room felt heavy, like they weren’t sure what to say next. It’s a rare moment in a film this old where the performance feels less like a stage play and more like a real, awkward Tuesday afternoon.

I couldn't help but think about how much we crave these kinds of stories in other places, like the quiet desperation in A Gutter Magdalene. It’s not that they’re the same movie, but they share this weird, dusty DNA. You can tell the filmmakers really wanted you to care, even when the budget or the lighting makes it hard.

The messy parts

Look, the plot is predictable. When the mom shows up, you already know the exact emotional beat they’re going to hit. It’s almost painful how much the movie telegraphs its own punches. Sometimes I wish it would just let a scene breathe without forcing the 'lesson' down your throat.

But then, Leo Carrillo does something with his eyebrows or a specific look, and I’m back in. It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s honest. It reminds me of the pacing in The Prodigal Son—you know where the train is going, but you don't mind the ride as much as you thought you would. 🐎

Also, does anyone else think the background extras in these old track scenes look like they’re just waiting for the craft services table to open? It’s distracting if you stare too long. Don't stare too long.

Final thoughts

It’s a movie that feels like it was made by people who actually liked the characters. That’s enough for me today. Just don't expect it to change your life. It’s just a nice, sad, hopeful little story about a bookie who gets caught by his own heart. 🚬