Tag: The Devil at Your Heels

  • Jay Baruchel performs a death-defying leap of faith that could make Evel Knievel flinch in the teaser trailer for The Stunt Driver

    In an era where reality often feels too predictable, there remains a persistent fascination with those who choose to defy gravity and settle for applause. From the legendary risk-takers of yesteryear to modern stunt enthusiasts, the human desire to attempt the impossible is timeless. And now, that spirit finds a hilarious, high-octane reboot in the upcoming comedy, The Stunt Driver.

    This feature chronicles the improbable quest of “The Mad Canadian,” Ken Carter, as he attempts to execute one of the boldest maneuvers of his career during the 1970s: launching a rocket car off a 90-foot ramp across the St. Lawrence River. It is a story not just of physics-defying stunts, but of raw determination and the absurd challenges that come along the way as Carter strives to make his seemingly impossible dream a reality.

    The film draws its inspirational heart from the National Film Board of Canada’s 1981 documentary, The Devil at Your Heels. This foundation ensures that while the narrative is steeped in adventure, it balances the high stakes with genuine, compelling drama.

    Bringing this vision to the screen are established talents Jay Baruchel and Michael Dowse, who reunite for what promises to be a dynamic blend of comedy and dramatic tension. Dowse, known for his incredible comedic timing, noted that Carter’s story speaks to anyone who has dreamed big and faced the resistance along the way. He expressed excitement about collaborating with Baruchel, noting that Baruchel brings the perfect mix of humor and depth to the complex showman.

    Baruchel himself has already lent his talent to the role of Carter in the action-comedy series Fubar, demonstrating a knack for playing characters caught between adrenaline and absurdity. Now, as we look at the latest teaser for The Stunt Driver, Baruchel prepares to take the impossible further. The visual promise is staggering: Ken Carter is set to leap a full mile across the river in a rocket-powered car, requiring him to achieve speeds of 280 mph before gaining the necessary momentum.

    The tension builds as the narrative zeroes in on the sheer, ridiculous mechanics required for this feat. The question hanging in the air is not whether Carter can make the jump, but how he intends to manage the physics—a stunt demanding incredible nerve and an absurd amount of ingenuity. It’s a spectacular journey where the pursuit of the dream collides head-on with the rules of reality.

    Ultimately, The Stunt Driver is more than just a collection of stunts; it’s a reflection on the human spirit’s relentless desire to push boundaries. It reminds us that whether you are a daredevil or just dreaming about the impossible, the thrill lies in the attempt.

  • Ben Foster & Jay Baruchel in ‘The Stunt Driver’ Comedy Teaser Trailer

    Get ready for some high-octane absurdity, because Canadian filmmaking is gearing up to throw a wild ride back into history with a new biopic comedy: The Stunt Driver. This latest venture by director Michael Dowse promises to celebrate the era of daredevil stunts while delivering laughs, all centered around the legendary exploits of stuntman Ken Carter.

    The film takes us back to the 1970s when a Canadian stuntman faced some seriously impossible challenges. The story follows Ken Carter’s audacious quest: executing a monumental stunt involving launching a rocket car across the St. Lawrence River from Canada into the United States. The narrative dives deep into the absurd obstacles and sheer grit required to pull off this legendary feat.

    The project is stacked with talent, bringing together a cast of comedic heavyweights. Jay Baruchel steps into the role of Ken Carter, sharing the screen with Ben Foster, who portrays his American rival Evel Knievel. The ensemble also includes Ed Helms as Dick Keller, alongside supporting performances from Laurence Leboeuf, Dan Bakkedahl, Joe Cobden, and Marc Beaupré.

    What makes this story particularly compelling is the authentic foundation of the production. The filmmakers didn’t just tell a tale; they recreated the action on location, shooting the actual jump at the real St. Lawrence River jump point. This commitment to reality adds an undeniable layer of authenticity to the high-flying adventure.

    The vision behind The Stunt Driver is rooted in history and inspiration. It draws heavily from the 1981 documentary film The Devil at Your Heels, ensuring that the historical context of Ken Carter’s life shines through with both humor and heart.

    Beyond the screen, the legacy of stuntman Ken Carter has transcended cinema. His incredible story has even found a place in popular culture, inspiring the character of “Duke Caboom” in Toy Story 4. This reminder that real-life daredevils shape our imagination only adds to the film’s inherently exciting premise.

    Wrapped up in an amusing old school documentary format and seasoned with a hilarious voiceover, the teaser trailer perfectly captures the mix of high stakes and sheer entertainment. It looks like a genuine blast waiting to happen for anyone who loves an adventure full of adrenaline and laughs.