When I first saw that this film was being made, I was quite skeptical. But I couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised! The camera work, editing, narration...all top notch! I've been a fan of watching videos of rally's (Fuel Run, Bull Rally, Goldrush, Gumball, etc) but the videos mostly out there are done by amateurs. This is a production done on a professional level and it truly shows! Hope that this production team comes out with more documentaries like this!
20 Reviews
More than Adrenaline, Speeding, and Bragging Rights -- A Race to the Finish...and Beyond
ric-4959027 December 2019
My 16-year-old son and I buckled in for this tire melting tour de force not knowing exactly what to expect. A child of the 80s, I knew the schtick of the Reynolds/DeLuise flick, but never knew much of the real story. That all changed in just a skosh over an hour and a half as a compelling story of the Secret Race unfolded. A child of the modern age, but lover of old cars, my son instantly went full-throttle with enthusiasm. His eyes popped with joy as legendary cars of the past rev'd and he glowed with wishful and wistful growls of what could have been if he would have been around to experience it in person. So fun.
Weaving past and present as deftly as Alex Roy and David Maher through traffic-laden interstates, Musial, Welles, and Spinelli craft a story that stirs the soul of those who love great stories, great cars, and great human attempts to find out what's achievable...what's alive and living just beyond the horizon.
The story isn't about Roy, per se, but he takes center stage in a compelling way, but without robbing the oxygen needed to fuel the staggering pace of the racing and storytelling. Watching the grainy videos and gritty ghosts of the 70s doing the unthinkable and watching Roy poring over spreadsheets, maps, and mechanisms that seem ancient by today's standards, reminds us how far we've come while simultaneously reminding us that we must not take our eyes off of where we must keep going.
If that last sentence seems hyperbolic, it is...and that's the point. Living in the comfort of the know is antithetical to the ambitions, actions, and accomplishments that are stirred to life when you have a wanderlust for what others are impassioned to dream about, but intimidated to chase. Roy had the passion and was ridiculously unencumbered by intimidation. Well done, Alex.
In this cinematic journey, there are two starting lines, two finish lines, and two teams separated by decades of desiccated inactivity. As the final credits roll, you realize, embrace, and perhaps even idolize the efforts of noble rule-breakers, past, present, and future. Sure, on some level it's just a car movie. But, if you dare to join the race, you'll find that you too have hidden goals, dreams, and ambitions that call out for you to rally your team, build your path, and haul down the road towards the finish line. In the end, it's no secret: let's race.
Weaving past and present as deftly as Alex Roy and David Maher through traffic-laden interstates, Musial, Welles, and Spinelli craft a story that stirs the soul of those who love great stories, great cars, and great human attempts to find out what's achievable...what's alive and living just beyond the horizon.
The story isn't about Roy, per se, but he takes center stage in a compelling way, but without robbing the oxygen needed to fuel the staggering pace of the racing and storytelling. Watching the grainy videos and gritty ghosts of the 70s doing the unthinkable and watching Roy poring over spreadsheets, maps, and mechanisms that seem ancient by today's standards, reminds us how far we've come while simultaneously reminding us that we must not take our eyes off of where we must keep going.
If that last sentence seems hyperbolic, it is...and that's the point. Living in the comfort of the know is antithetical to the ambitions, actions, and accomplishments that are stirred to life when you have a wanderlust for what others are impassioned to dream about, but intimidated to chase. Roy had the passion and was ridiculously unencumbered by intimidation. Well done, Alex.
In this cinematic journey, there are two starting lines, two finish lines, and two teams separated by decades of desiccated inactivity. As the final credits roll, you realize, embrace, and perhaps even idolize the efforts of noble rule-breakers, past, present, and future. Sure, on some level it's just a car movie. But, if you dare to join the race, you'll find that you too have hidden goals, dreams, and ambitions that call out for you to rally your team, build your path, and haul down the road towards the finish line. In the end, it's no secret: let's race.
Must see for fans of Cannon ball, gumball, racing and Alex Roy
sebastian-lindmark30 December 2019
Are you captivated by the tough of driving cross country? And perhaps making a race of it?
Well this is a time honored tradition and this movie gives us the background as well as the record attempt made by Alex Roy and Dave Maher. This movie was filmed during and after the attempt but have been waiting in the archives for the statues of limitations to expire. Previously we had the book "The Driver" by Ales and I have been waiting all this time for the movie.
This movie is all a racing fan can expect. Long roads, police, eccentric drivers, technology and skills.
The only thing I miss is some of the details in the book about the technology and modifications as well as the first failed attempt. The attention placed on the history of the cannonball run, US express and the drivers involved was an addition that made it all up.
Must see if you are a fan of racing, Gumball and Alex Roy. And for the rest of you. This is a well produced and cut movie that will give you 90 minutes of entertainment and pique your curiosity about the events and people behind it.
And also. If you liked the movie and haven't done it Read "The Driver".
This movie is all a racing fan can expect. Long roads, police, eccentric drivers, technology and skills.
The only thing I miss is some of the details in the book about the technology and modifications as well as the first failed attempt. The attention placed on the history of the cannonball run, US express and the drivers involved was an addition that made it all up.
Must see if you are a fan of racing, Gumball and Alex Roy. And for the rest of you. This is a well produced and cut movie that will give you 90 minutes of entertainment and pique your curiosity about the events and people behind it.
And also. If you liked the movie and haven't done it Read "The Driver".
If you love cars you will love this!
neil_hammacott26 December 2019
In the spirit that reality TV forgot or never knew. The finest kind of human story.
joinedtrill24 December 2019
...and well worth watching. Massive preparation, no rehearsal. No script, just humans being humans and examining the limits of our existence. Thanks for the lovely post production. It was fantastic to ride along with you! This is one of those rare things that combines something exciting with something, two things, well executed. Nicely done.
Didn't want it to end
lachlanholswich23 December 2019
As a person with a growing interest in the Cannonball my jaw was on the ground the entire time. The mixture of footage from Alex and the older runs was amazing. Showing the preparation and skill involved was eye opening and has made my interest in the record even bigger.
If you haven't watched this already, you absolutely must.
Epic story of the Secret Race...
celianyc25 December 2019
APEX is THE tribute to all of us that love to drive...
With tremendous wit and incredible attention to detail that aficionados and even "non-racers" will love APEX spellbindes us and tempts us to think that maybe, just maybe we might have dared to take this drive ourselves as well...
APEX is THE epic ode to driving and lovers thereof!
If only I could take that Drive today...
:)
Absolutely amazing!!!!
carlbalzer-9990227 December 2019
A Documentary I Didn't Think Would Ever Happen.
mickyhetherington25 December 2019
I've read Alex's book (if you haven't go find it and give it a read). I've read various articles about Cannonball/US Express and cross country runs. To finally see a documentary with footage and interviews with the old drivers interspliced with the Roy/Maher run was brilliant.
If you any interest in things automotive then this is well worth watching. If you have an interest in Cannonball this is certainly worth watching and, like me, you'll probably wish the film was longer.
To everyone involved congratulations on a cracking job and I'll look forward to the next Apex: documentary.
Great documentary for car enthusiasts!
taulpaul8527 December 2019
An extraordinary insight into a feat of legend, almost lost to esoterica.
osanda-2382026 December 2019
I have been a follower of the cannonball and Gumball 3000 races since I was a boy racer in my first car, a Nissan Pulsar GTI-R. The fascination with Alex's record has only grown stronger over the years. Then the announcement of this documentary being made changed everything for me. I've been waiting for this documentary's release with anticipation. It was well worth the wait. Bravo!
Loved every second of it! Interesting watch and well done!
ddawg45814 January 2020
Bought it off Amazon and had high hopes after reading his book! Sometimes in the book I got confused on names and the general flow because of my reading style. However, the movie really helped me get a perfect of image of the events in the book and was surprised at how much info there was on the cannonball and US Express. Really cool to hear the interviews from the drivers from these past rallies!
My girlfriend and I loved watching it! I highly recommend it! 10 out of 10!
My girlfriend and I loved watching it! I highly recommend it! 10 out of 10!
I enjoyed every minute of this. Enthusiast or not, you will too.
jean_serge_b25 December 2019
Just when I though I couldn't love my E39 M5 more, you guys come out with this! What a great way to spend Christmas night! You're right there, in the action. You feel like a passenger in the car. I loved that they sorted trough all these old Cannonball videos and tied them to more recent footage and interviews. My adrenaline was pumping and it puts into perspective what these guys have accomplished. It's quite impressive. Awesome job and well worth watching!
A Petrolhead's wet dream.
harleybaweja24 December 2019
WARNING: Its fast paced, exciting, real events, real footage...there will be none other. I watched it 6 hours ago...my heart is still racing. If you know Alex or know of Alex then you have some clue whats about to happen...WRONG! You'll sit on the edge of your seat. Forget to breathe for the whole time. The historic interviews were a brilliant touch of class. I've been ironbutting on motorcycles for two and a half decades. Then, I had an idea...a transcontinental ironbutt with a saddle sore added to it. But! I am scientist. Always go do some research, has someone else done it? How did they do it? Thats when I found Sir Alex Freaking Roy. The man is the myth and the legend. Did all my homework for a cannonball...you'll never know when I do/did it anyways! And then came the announcement of APEX! Waiting was the hardest part (Tom Petty and the Heart Breakers). FIlm drops days before Christmas. I dont have patience for Santa anyways. But Santa Roy Clause delivered just about when depression was about to set in. Bloody hell. Hats off to the whole team for a job well done. The foresight to film it all! The mindset to make it happen. The movie was FAN.DAMN.TASTIC. Parental advisory: Watching this film can invigorate the need for speeeeeed leading to a speeding ticket. You'll also feel the strong urge to shave your head, wear aviators and a bomber jacket while getting said speeding ticket. Either-ways, dont forget to film it all and tag Alex to it! Brilliant movie mate.
Different, but same
aclarsen27 July 2021
I am a huge fan of the original Cory Welles 32 Hours 7 Minutes edit of this movie. I live in Europe, and still I ordered the DVD and a poster from her US website after watching a 'less than legal' version that was obtained .. in some other way.
Apex... Is a slicker production featuring much of the same footage.
27 Hours 7 Minutes 9/10 Apex..... 9/10
They are both well made automotive documentaries - to decide which one is your favourite: watch them both - neither will disappoint you.
Apex... Is a slicker production featuring much of the same footage.
27 Hours 7 Minutes 9/10 Apex..... 9/10
They are both well made automotive documentaries - to decide which one is your favourite: watch them both - neither will disappoint you.
Great movie about an incredible feat!
blfnna26 December 2019
A must for all car lovers, don't miss this!
neil_hammacott26 December 2019
Amazing Doc!
kwmikedmoore7 January 2020
What a red line thrill ride this Documentary was! Loved the old clips and interviews that tied in the narrative. Have known about these "races" and attempts for the Cannonball run for years now, and was excited to learn of this Documentary and it did not dissapoint! Only issue I had was after watching this I wanted to make my own speed run attempt, lol
Worth The Wait!
puffead24 December 2019
To finally be able to watch Roy and Maher's record run in it's full cinematic glory is beyond amazing. The intierviews with some of the old Cannonballer's added much needed context to the main event. Fantastic job to all of those involved!
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