Parents' Guide to

Racing Dreams

By Renee Longstreet, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 11+

Tweens in go-karts race for glory in lively docu.

Movie PG 2010 95 minutes
Racing Dreams Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 8+

Based on 2 parent reviews

jacksond
jacksond Parent
July 29, 2015
age 10+

Amazing documentary on the dreams of three very different children

This documentary follows three extraordinary children with one dream- to be professional NASCAR drivers through jr. go-cart racing. Brandon is a boy who "has no fears."He comes from a troubled and broken home so he has grown up under the care of his lovely grandparents. Josh is a honor-role student who is also great at racing. He has gone on and is currently still racing and is poised to jump into the famed NASCAR league. Annabeth is also a great role-model. She defied the rest of her classmates beliefs and became a serious racer. This educational documentary teaches children morals and shows the lives of these children.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
elizmo
elizmo Parent
January 31, 2015
age 6+

Great movie for ALL ages, including little kids and adults

My son watched this movie when he was 5 years old and LOVED it. He loved the characters and especially the karts and racing. He and my then 7 year old were super excited by the graphics displaying where each racer was in the standings. My 7 year old girl adored Annabeth who is sweet and funny and a great racer. Older kids, of course, pick up more of the themes, but the difficult ones are presented in a way that goes over the little kids heads but doesn't confuse them or the movie. And, of course, it is great for adults as well. Basically, it is great for anyone who is or has been a kid with hopes and dreams! We love it and have watched it many times. Each time our kids pick up on more of the the more grown-up themes.

This title has:

Great role models
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What's the Story?

Filmmaker Marshall Curry takes his audience on a year-long odyssey with three young kids as they vie for championships in the World Karting Association's five-race national competition. RACING DREAMS introduces the three -- 11-year-old Annabeth, 12-year-old Josh, and 13-year-old Brandon -- and their families as they prepare, race, and then celebrate their many successes. Daily life in each of the three households is distinctive. Two live in southern states, one is from the Midwest. The kids and their families exhibit differing lifestyles, goals, and attitudes about their involvement. The unifying factors: commitment, sacrifice, passion, and hard work. Brandon, the "senior" member of the group, faces the most challenges; his family background has made racing a key element in his general behavior and survival. The director and his team make a concerted effort to provide full portraits of the children and their individual worlds, as well as providing exciting, suspenseful moments during the five races.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2):
Kids say (2):

It's rare to find a documentary that will appeal, hold the interest of, and inspire older kids and teens as well as adults. Racing Dreams, with its emphasis on the personalities as well as the sport, is a fine exception. It's not necessary to be a racing fan to appreciate the movie; the kids are fun to watch, and it's exciting to root for them. Their parents are candid, surprisingly willing to share their private thoughts and struggles and to let the audience in on what it takes to nurture these budding heroes. An honest depiction of Brandon's dad, who's battling his personal demons, provides the saddest moments in the film, but Mr. Curry simply lets it play and doesn't dwell on or show anything explicitly disturbing. It's a relatable film, which gives kids a chance to meet some exceptional junior racers and get acquainted with the small but devoted culture of the youngest NASCAR fans.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the takeaway from this movie. How did what you saw in Racing Dreams inspire or influence you? How did this documentary expand your understanding of a culture that may be different from your own?

  • Midway through the movie, Annabeth rethinks her commitment to racing. What factors do you think influenced her? Do you think the filmmakers showed both sides of the issue clearly? Did you agree with her decision?

  • Although Annabeth, Josh, and Brandon are unique, what qualities do they share? What qualities do their families share? Which of these qualities do you think are essential for success in sports or any other endeavor?

Movie Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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