The most interesting thing about this crash-filled, smash-filled, ear-splittingly noisy Boys' Own yarn about motor racers and their women is the way writer-producer Stallone has cast himself not as the fearless hero but as the wiser older brother figure, dispensing sympathy and understanding.

All the lines and wrinkles of middle-age are there and he doesn't even show off his muscles.

Perhaps they went with youth. The story, such as it is, concerns the rivalry between German world driving champion Til Schweiger and brilliant all-American rookie Kip Pardue.

Pardue makes a great start to the season but then begins to fade and wheelchair-bound car owner Burt Reynolds recalls retired old champ Stallone to act as second driver and help the kid win again.

Matters are complicated by the fact that both Schweiger and Pardue are interested in pouty-lipped Estella Warren, while Stallone is involved with his ex-wife, the even poutier-lipped Gina Gershon, now married to another driver, and a reporter, Stacey Edwards, who obviously wasn't around when the pouty lips were being handed out.

It's all hugely predictable nonsense, full of racetrack action, spectacular stunts and (occasionally very obvious) special effects.

Reynolds looks as if he has had a face lift, Gershon hams away like an old-fashioned femme fatale and Stallone, well, he's clearly intent on yet another comeback as the avuncular older man.

Barry Norman