If you have seen Gran Torino with Clint Eastwood, you have seen somewhat of a rip off. The original “Kowlaski” didn’t drive a Gran Torino but actually a 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T, with a 440 cubic-inch V-8. I say this because the movie Vanishing Point, came way before Gran Torino.

The story lines differ quite drastically in the two movies, because one actually has a plot. Vanishing Point is a movie about a car delivery guy that is trying to drive from Denver to San Francisco in less than two days. This might not be a feat now, but before air conditioning, radar detectors, and good roads, it was. Kowlaski, “the last beautiful free soul on this planet” is trying to get somewhere fast but during his trip pops some speed, does some soul searching, and learns the true meaning of his life. So if you are wanting to watch a movie that is an inspiration to Tarantino, with no plot, no explosions, but full of speed, watch Vanishing Point.