Parents' Guide to

Shifting Gears

By Renee Longstreet, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Predictable racing dramedy explores father-son relationships

Movie NR 2018 101 minutes
Shifting Gears Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Though there are a few twists and surprises in store, the movie is still a routine tale that gets bogged down by dirt track racing, which isn't very compelling as a filmed spectator sport. Everyone tries hard. Coming off best is M.C. Gainey as "Dirty Harry Hawkins," a mentor-sidekick who energizes the proceedings whenever he appears. The filmmakers opt for diversity by making one of the automotive experts a female and the other an African American. Unfortunately, the bad guy is a stereotypical, buffoonish businessman who lacks both heart and smarts. M. Emmet Walsh is on hand, playing a crusty but benign old man who appears to be comic window dressing -- at least until he isn't. Other than Shifting Gears' heavy emphasis on Cheerwine Soda (featured in multiple scenes), there's nothing offensive or worrisome here. It's just not very good.

Movie Details

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