As somebody who has spent over 5 a long time immersed on the planet of motorsports — and as a devoted Supercross fan because the mid-Nineteen Seventies — it’s uncommon for a movie to genuinely cease me in my tracks. However Pay Grime, Paul Taublieb’s newest cinematic triumph, did precisely that. This movie isn’t only a documentary — it’s a deeply human exploration of the uncooked, unfiltered realities behind the intoxicating, adrenaline-fueled world of Monster Vitality Supercross.
From the opening moments, Pay Grime pulls you in with an unflinching honesty that mirrors the game itself — there’s nowhere to cover. The movie looks like a confessional, the place legends and unsung heroes alike share their triumphs, fears, and failures with outstanding vulnerability. These are individuals I’ve identified — some as mates, some as villains, others as acquaintances, a number of at the same time as purchasers — however the depth of their tales, revealed by Taublieb’s lens, took me without warning.
Supercross racers are my heroes as a result of their uncooked expertise is so brazenly obvious, and the dangers they embrace are so excessive. It’s inconceivable to not admire their superhuman braveness, gritty dedication and absolute dedication to realize greatness — which can also be an ideal manner describe these concerned in making Pay Grime. They clearly perceive that racing isn’t simply an entertainment-driven sport. Above all, it’s an inspiration-driven tradition powered by inconceivable goals and boundless ambition to simply go for it.
The section that includes Ricky and Stephanie Johnson struck a private chord. I knew them effectively within the Nineties and seeing their full-spectrum story informed with such honesty, tenderness and respect introduced a tear to my eye. Ricky’s fierce aggressive spirit paired with Stephanie’s robust and loving steering paints an image of a partnership that transcends racing. This, together with each shifting chapter of this superb movie, represents storytelling at its most interesting.
Equally highly effective — and much more unsettling — was the opening scene look of Supercross founder, Mike Goodwin whereas incarcerated in a California jail. His presence on display evoked a visceral response in me, taking me again to moments of concern and unease from a long time in the past. I used to be round Mike Goodwin in 1974 when he was a System Ford buyer of the racing enterprise I labored for, Pacific System, which additionally printed FORMULA journal — a publication I used to be deeply concerned with at first of my profession.
These early encounters left an indelible mark on me, and seeing his aged face and listening to his unmistakable voice once more in Pay Grime introduced these primal reactions flooding again. Goodwin, after all, was later convicted of the brutal murders of Mickey Thompson and his spouse, Trudy — a tragedy that shook the motorsports neighborhood to its core. Including one other layer of non-public connection, Mickey’s son, Danny Thompson, has been a longtime pal of mine.
Taublieb doesn’t shrink back from the darker corners of Supercross historical past, and it’s this willingness to confront uncomfortable truths that elevates Pay Grime past typical sports activities documentaries. For me, this film is as actual because it will get.
The movie’s narrative script by Stuart Acher and Taublieb is masterfully written — every phrase purposeful, every story arc meticulously crafted. This isn’t a chronological recounting of occasions, however relatively a story pushed by emotional distinction. Like the game itself, the storytelling makes you are feeling one thing profound and, extra importantly, makes you care about these individuals and their journeys. Josh Brolin’s courageous voice serves as the right storytelling car, bringing weight and sincerity to each second. The movie’s enhancing is just good, and the music mattress deserves its personal point out, subtly dignifying the movie’s emotional highs and lows with out overpowering the beautiful visuals.
Revered racing journalist Eric Johnson’s on-camera presence additionally deserves reward. As a valued contributor to RACER journal and RACER.com for over 25 years, and one of many founding editors of RACER X Illustrated, Eric brings not solely deep perception but in addition a profound understanding of the game. His insights are sharp, his supply assured, and he provides yet one more layer of authenticity to an already real piece of filmmaking. I, for one, hope to see extra of Eric in future initiatives.
What Pay Grime achieves, above all, is connection. It reawakens the eagerness and reverence I’ve at all times felt for this sport. It jogged my memory why I fell in love with motorsport within the first place and why Supercross holds such a particular place in my coronary heart.
Supercross legend Jeremy McGrath with filmmaker Paul Taublieb.
Taublieb and his crew have created greater than only a documentary — they’ve given us a love letter to Supercross, and the courageous performance-driven tradition it represents. This movie will function rocket gas for the game, igniting ardour in followers previous and new. Monster Vitality made an excellent funding not simply in Supercross, however in Taublieb’s extraordinary storytelling capability.
Pay Grime isn’t simply value watching — it’s important viewing for anybody who has ever felt the seductive sound of a racing engine stir one thing deep inside their soul.
Bravo, Paul. Bravo to everybody concerned. That is cinema at its strongest, and it’s worthy of the heroic sport it so superbly defines.
Pay Grime could have a particular theatrical screening tied to the opening of the 2025 Monster Vitality Supercross Championship at Anaheim 1 on January 11. It should then be launched in 500 theaters throughout the US – click on right here to discover a cinema close to you. Following that, PayDirt will probably be accessible on widespread streaming platforms.
