User Reviews

I found out about this movie in a book about VW bugs that I picked up at a used bookstore having recently started to drive a new beetle (the book came out at about the time of NBs introduction so it's in there). The book whatever it was called, was really delightful. This movie is a very retro style documentary with a lot of annoying "documentary" hick music used ironically/humorously I mean stylistically this was not a movie after my own heart, but basically the filmmaker showed off these peoples' art cars very well and gave them each a bit of time to say what they're about (the cars and the people) and... the result is by no means without lots of surprises and a sort of strange mixture of happy/sad throughout...

highly highly highly highly I do say do see it....

I watched this film in my art appreciation class and it was so amazing. Buttons! Buttons all over your car! I can't even imagine. The people in this film were creative. I never would have thought to grow grass on my car. Anyone interested in art should see this because it gives you a whole new insight on what art is. It was just amazing to see another man's trash could be someone else's treasure. People do strange things and sometimes those strange things turn out to be amazing pieces of art. One good thing about this kind of art is that its not in a museum. It can just be passing you on the side of the road. The people in the movie each have their own story as to why their car is the way it is. This film shares the stories and lets the world know why there are thousands of buttons on someone's car. Watch it! Its great!

My review was written in August 1992 after watching the movie on video cassette.

A celebration of the work and personalities of those zanies who decorate their cars, "Wild Wheels" is a funny, deadpan documentary. Film, filmmaker and his decorated VW beetle will tour the country beginning August 21.

Director Harrod Blank is a chip off the block of dad Les Blank, contriving a film that matches its subject matter. Decrying mass production, pic is strictly handmade like the 45 weird cars it displays.

Blank traveled across the country to find and interview the owners. They emerge as free spirits, some flaky, some certifiable, but all exuding a '60s individualism. Nearly all are amateurs with the designation "car art" stressed by the more pretentious ones a hard concept to swallow. Most viewers will conclude that Blank and his soulmates are exhibitionists and/or entertainers.

Foremost in the latter category are Jon Barnes, who sings and plays along in his "UltimateTaxi" with an interior boasting a keyboard and nightclub lighting; and Dalton Stevens who plays guitar and obsessively covers his car and clothing with buttons.

A unique concept is presented by Gene Pool, whose "Grass Car" literally sprouts a lawn of grass to amuse and stimulate gawkers. Several of the owners make environmental statements with their autos, others are religious fanatics, and the many nutcases include inevitable UFO spotters.

Blank doesn't push the film's message, but cumulatively a picture of Middle America emerges with its pop/trash culture built around swap meets and flea markets (where the protagonists find their decorative materials).