Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Trading Paint

Trading Paint is a 2019 American action drama film directed by Karzan Kader and co-written by Gary Gerani and Craig R. Welch, focusing on the world of dirt track racing. The story centers on veteran racer Sam Munroe (played by John Travolta), a small-town stock car driver whose life is upended when his son joins a rival team, forcing Sam to confront family tensions, ego clashes, and a longtime nemesis in pursuit of one final shot at glory on the dirt track. Featuring a supporting cast that includes Toby Sebastian as Sam's son, Shania Twain as Becca, Michael Madsen as a rival team owner, and others like Kevin Dunn and Rosabell Laurenti Sellers, the film explores themes of redemption, father-son rivalry, and the gritty camaraderie of grassroots motorsport. Produced by with a on March 22, 2019, following its digital release on February 22, 2019, and DVD and Blu-ray on May 21, 2019, Trading Paint runs for 88 minutes and was filmed primarily in to capture authentic Southern dirt track atmospheres. The screenplay draws inspiration from the high-stakes, contact-heavy nature of dirt oval , where drivers frequently "trade paint"—a for bumping fenders during intense side-by-side battles—highlighting the physical and emotional toll of the sport. With a modest budget emphasizing practical racing sequences over , the production aimed to evoke the and raw energy of local racing circuits, though it faced challenges in due to its niche appeal. Upon release, Trading Paint received largely negative critical reception, earning a 0% score on based on 13 reviews that criticized its predictable plot, wooden dialogue, and uneven performances, particularly from the supporting cast. Audience response was mixed, with a 30% approval rating on the same site from over 50 verified ratings, some praising Travolta's commitment to the role and the authentic racing action while others found the family drama clichéd. On , it holds a 4.5 out of 10 rating from approximately 2,800 users, reflecting its polarizing take on stock car but noting Shania Twain's charismatic screen presence as a highlight in her first major film role.

Synopsis and cast

Plot

Sam Munroe, a veteran dirt track racer and owner of a small racing team, partners with his son Cam to compete at the Talladega Short Track, where they initially enjoy success as a father-son duo in the high-stakes world of . Their close collaboration involves intense races filled with close-quarters maneuvering, including moments of "trading paint"—the term for when cars bump and scrape against each other during competition—highlighting the physical and emotional bonds that drive their performance. However, as their falters due to mechanical issues and financial strains on Sam's underfunded operation, tensions rise between the two, exacerbated by Sam's lingering guilt over a past accident that claimed the life of Cam's mother. Frustrated with the limitations of his father's , Cam defects to the rival outfit led by the ruthless Bob Linsky, a longtime adversary of Sam who runs a more professional and well-resourced program. This betrayal deepens the family rift, as Cam begins winning races under Linsky's banner, while Sam, determined to reclaim his glory, stages a dramatic comeback by returning to the track himself. Sam racks up several title wins in local circuits, reigniting his passion but also intensifying the professional with Linsky's , where aggressive tactics and on-track confrontations become commonplace. The peaks when Linsky, seeking to eliminate the threat, orchestrates a deliberate crash during a race; although Cam refuses to sabotage his father directly, Linsky arranges for another driver to cause a severe spin-out that injures Cam and draws Sam into the wreckage. In the aftermath, father and son reconcile amid the hospital bedside revelations, confronting their shared grief and the pressures of their competitive world, ultimately restoring their familial harmony. To support Cam's recovery and return to , Sam makes the heartfelt sacrifice of selling his prized vintage , using the proceeds to acquire a superior new car for his son. The story culminates in a climactic showdown at the track, where Cam, now driving independently with renewed purpose, defeats Linsky in a fierce of speed and , securing victory and symbolizing the triumph of redemption over rivalry.

Cast

The principal cast of Trading Paint features an ensemble led by John Travolta. John Travolta portrays Sam Munroe, a veteran racer and widowed father who runs a family racing team, embodying a protective yet fiercely competitive spirit central to the film's exploration of legacy and rivalry. Toby Sebastian plays Cam Munroe, Sam's son and an aspiring driver navigating his own ambitions within the competitive racing circuit. Michael Madsen appears as Linsky, the cunning owner of a rival team who adds intensity to the interpersonal and on-track conflicts. Shania Twain stars as Becca, a divorced schoolteacher and Sam's love interest who provides emotional support within the close-knit racing community. Rosabell Laurenti Sellers depicts Cindy, Cam's wife, offering a grounding perspective on family dynamics amid the sport's pressures. Kevin Dunn rounds out the core group as Stumpy, Sam's loyal friend and fellow racing enthusiast whose background in the sport underscores themes of endurance and camaraderie. Notable supporting appearances include as a deputy involved in the racing scene and in a minor role, enhancing the authentic Southern racing atmosphere. Real-life racer cameos as Ray Miller, a track veteran whose presence highlights the film's ties to actual history.

Production

Development

The screenplay for Trading Paint was co-written by Gary Gerani and Craig R. Welch, centering on a father-son relationship amid the high-stakes world of , where a veteran driver mentors his aspiring son while grappling with personal and professional setbacks. Karzan Kader was attached as director, drawing from his background in dramatic features such as the award-winning Bekas (2012), which explored themes of resilience and family bonds, to helm this sports action drama. was an early key attachment, starring as the lead character Sam Munroe, a down-on-his-luck legend, providing significant star power to attract further talent and financing. The project was developed under AMBI Media Group, led by producers and Monika Bacardi, alongside Paradox Studios' Silvio Muraglia and Álvaro P. López, with initial announcements emerging in mid-2017 as casting expanded. AMBI Pictures and Paradox Studios fully financed the production, enabling the greenlight for , which commenced in August 2017 in .

Filming

Principal photography for Trading Paint commenced on August 14, 2017, in , and continued through mid-September of that year. The production wrapped later in 2017, capturing the film's high-stakes sequences during this period. This timeline allowed the crew to align shooting with optimal weather conditions for outdoor action filming in the American South. The movie was filmed entirely in to emphasize the authentic regional flavor of culture, with principal locations in Jefferson County including Hueytown, Bessemer, , , and Eastaboga. Key racing scenes were shot at real venues such as the Talladega Short Track, a historic dirt oval known for its challenging clay surface, as well as local spots like Hueytown High School, Golden Rule Bar-B-Q in , Town & Country Ford dealership, and Harry & Billie's Bar in Bessemer. These sites provided gritty, lived-in backdrops that mirrored the film's small-town Southern setting and enhanced the realism of the automotive and racing environments. Filming the high-speed dirt track races presented significant logistical challenges, particularly in coordinating car stunts and simulations to depict the intense "trading paint" contact between vehicles without compromising safety on unpredictable clay surfaces. The production relied heavily on practical effects, utilizing actual race cars and employing professional dirt track drivers to perform the high-risk maneuvers alongside the cast, minimizing the need for extensive . This approach ensured dynamic, visceral action sequences but required meticulous to manage the dust, speed, and potential for real collisions during night shoots at tracks like Talladega. On set, the integration of real racing professionals created memorable experiences for the cast and crew, with dirt track veterans remaining at locations post-shoot to share insights and even participate in informal runs. , portraying veteran racer Sam Munroe, spent time immersed in these environments, driving alongside the stunt drivers to capture authentic performances in the cockpit. Such hands-on involvement highlighted the production's commitment to realism, though it added to the demands of filming in Alabama's humid late-summer conditions.

Release

Distribution

Trading Paint had its initial release in the United States through a video on demand (VOD) platform on February 22, 2019, distributed by Saban Films, emphasizing a digital-first strategy over a traditional wide theatrical rollout. This approach catered to limited theatrical appeal for the independent sports drama, with no wide release planned, allowing accessibility via major streaming services such as iTunes and Amazon Prime Video from the outset. A limited theatrical engagement followed in select North American theaters on March 22, 2019, also handled by Saban Films. Internationally, the film rolled out in select markets beginning in late February 2019, with VOD and theatrical releases in territories including on February 22. Further expansions occurred in and , such as on June 1, 2019, the on May 27, 2019 (primarily via DVD), on July 14, 2019, and on September 10, 2019. In some and markets, it was released under the alternative title Burning Rubber to appeal to local audiences. Physical home media formats became available later, with DVD and Blu-ray editions distributed by Home Entertainment in on May 21, 2019, providing additional options for viewers beyond digital platforms. This phased distribution underscored a focus on on-demand and home viewing to maximize reach for the low-budget production, completed in 2017.

Marketing and promotion

The promotional campaign for Trading Paint centered on leveraging the star power of and to appeal to both racing enthusiasts and general audiences, with a focus on the film's high-stakes action and family drama. , the distributor, initiated efforts with the release of the official trailer on on January 21, 2019, which highlighted intense sequences, Travolta's portrayal of veteran driver Sam Munroe, and the father-son rivalry at the core of the story. A subsequent clip featuring a romantic scene between Travolta's character and Twain's Becca was shared on February 26, 2019, to build anticipation ahead of the VOD debut. Publicity efforts included on-set interviews that emphasized the film's authentic depiction of dirt track racing, filmed on location at Alabama's Talladega Short Track to capture real racing dynamics and Southern culture. In a 2017 ET Canada , Travolta discussed his character's passion for the , describing it as a "beautiful role" that explored family traditions in racing, while Twain highlighted her comfort in the role as a schoolteacher and love interest, marking her debut. These discussions, along with local media coverage during filming, such as CBS 42's interviews with cast and crew at the track, positioned the movie as a tribute to grassroots motorsport. Twain's involvement was particularly promoted for its crossover appeal, with her sharing the trailer on her official page on January 24, 2019, to reach her music fanbase. The overall strategy was low-key and aligned with the film's initial ultra VOD release on February 22, 2019, followed by limited theatrical rollout on March 22, targeting niche racing and action-drama audiences through social media platforms rather than large-scale advertising. Saban Films utilized their YouTube channel and Facebook for trailer distribution, including a promotional post on February 22, 2019, that teased the "high stakes race" between father and son. This digital-first approach, combined with Travolta's personal social media endorsement of the project on January 22, 2019, helped generate buzz within motorsport communities without extensive traditional media buys.

Reception

Box office

Trading Paint achieved minimal box office success, grossing a total of $6,898 worldwide, entirely from its international release in . The film had no reported domestic theatrical earnings in the United States and , reflecting its strategy emphasizing video-on-demand (VOD) distribution over wide theatrical rollout. Produced as a low-budget feature fully financed by AMBI Pictures and Paradox Studios, Trading Paint featured a limited theatrical run in select U.S. markets starting March 22, 2019, distributed by AMBI Media Group. However, the majority of its revenue stemmed from VOD platforms and subsequent home media sales, including a release on February 22, 2019, and a DVD and Blu-ray release on May 21, 2019. In comparative terms, the film's performance lagged behind John Travolta's other 2019 release, The Fanatic, which earned $3,153 domestically despite similar limited exposure, with Trading Paint's niche focus on likely contributing to its subdued commercial reception.

Critical reception

"Trading Paint" received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics, earning a 0% approval rating on based on 13 reviews, with an average score of 3.8/10. On , the film holds a score of 34 out of 100, based on five critics, indicating "generally unfavorable" reception. John Travolta's performance as the aging racer Sam Munroe was frequently highlighted as a committed effort, conveying and decency amid the weak material, with his subtle Southern adding a layer of respectability. The supporting cast, including , was noted for keeping scenes grounded despite the script's limitations. However, the film faced sharp for its predictable , which relied heavily on familiar tropes of and without . Weak , often awkward and expository, contributed to lackluster pacing that felt monotonous, especially in the sequences, which lacked suspense and excitement akin to a routine maneuver. Reviewers compared it unfavorably to superior films, noting its failure to elevate beyond a pedestrian sports drama. Thematically, "Trading Paint" explores redemption through Sam's return to the track and the strained father-son bond between Sam and Munroe, themes rooted in legacy and personal ambition but undermined by clichéd execution and contrived conflicts. In the Los Angeles Times, described it as a "blandly earnest redemptive " that plods along a "mighty fine line between trading paint—and watching it dry." RogerEbert.com's called it a "decidedly undistinguished dirt-racing ," criticizing its soap-opera elements and disjointed flashbacks that fail to build emotional depth. Audience response was mixed, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 10 on from 2,760 users, where some appreciated the realism of the racing elements and family tensions, while others echoed critics' complaints about the uninspired storytelling.

Accolades

Trading Paint received limited recognition in the form of satirical awards, most notably at the held on March 14, 2020, honoring the worst films of 2019. won the Worst Actor award for his performances in both Trading Paint and The Fanatic, marking his second Razzie in that category after Battlefield Earth in 2000. No major positive awards or nominations were bestowed upon Trading Paint, reflecting its critical panning, with the Razzie underscoring critiques of Travolta's lead role as a washed-up race car driver.

References

  1. [1]
    Trading Paint - Rotten Tomatoes
    Rating 0% (13) Discover reviews, ratings, and trailers for Trading Paint on Rotten Tomatoes. Stay updated with critic and audience scores today!
  2. [2]
    Trading Paint (2019) - IMDb
    Rating 4.5/10 (2,760) Trading Paint: Directed by Karzan Kader. With John Travolta, Shania Twain, Toby Sebastian, Rosabell Laurenti Sellers. Veteran race car driver Sam Munroe and ...
  3. [3]
    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7052494/plotsummary
  4. [4]
    Trading Paint Movie Review | Common Sense Media
    Rating 2.0 · Review by Brian CostelloSep 29, 2025 · Trading Paint is a 2019 action drama in which John Travolta plays a legendary stock car driver going on one last race on the dirt track.
  5. [5]
    Trading Paint movie review & film summary (2019) - Roger Ebert
    Rating 1.5/4 · Review by Glenn KennyMar 22, 2019 · This movie begins on the Talladega track, as young Cam Munroe (Toby Sebastian) goes up against Bob Linsky (Madsen).
  6. [6]
    Trading Paint Reviews - Metacritic
    Rating 34% (5) Summary When their winning streak begins to fail, legendary father and son racing duo Sam (John Travolta) and Cam (Toby Sebastian) have a falling out.<|control11|><|separator|>
  7. [7]
    Trading Paint (2019) - Plot - IMDb
    Veteran race car driver Sam Munroe and his son, a fellow driver from a small town overcome family and professional conflicts, balancing competition, ego, ...
  8. [8]
    Trading Paint Cast: Every Performer and Character in the Movie
    Jul 27, 2022 · The Trading Paint cast features John Travolta, Shania Twain and Toby Sebastian. This info article contains minor spoilers and character details.
  9. [9]
    Trading Paint (2019) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
    Cast ; John Flanagan · Race Car Driver ; Aaliyah Lane · Student ; Mohamed Hadid · Rich Client ; Hassel Kromer · Spectator at Track ; Leslie Sides · Race Fan.
  10. [10]
    https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/474214-trading-paint/cast
  11. [11]
    Trading Paint - Full Cast & Crew - TV Guide
    Actor ; John Travolta. Sam Munroe ; Shania Twain. Becca ; Toby Sebastian. Cam ; Rosabell Laurenti Sellers. Cindy ; Kevin Dunn. Stumpy.Missing: film | Show results with:film
  12. [12]
    Shania Twain, Michael Madsen Join John Travolta's 'Trading Paint'
    Aug 14, 2017 · ... Trading Paint” from a script by Craig Welch and Gary Gerani. Travolta portrays a down-and-out dirt track racing legend who is drawn back ...
  13. [13]
    John Travolta drama 'Trading Paint' begins filming - Screen Daily
    Aug 14, 2017 · ... Trading Paint directed by Karzan Kader. The film will shoot through ... AMBI and Paradox Studios are fully financing and producing the film.
  14. [14]
    Karzan Kader - IMDb
    Director ; John Travolta, Michael Madsen, Shania Twain, Kevin Dunn, and Toby Sebastian in. Trading Paint. 4.5 · 2019 ; Marie Richardson, Adam Pålsson, and Alexej ...
  15. [15]
    Trading Paint - Wikipedia
    Trading Paint is a 2019 American sport action drama film directed by Karzan Kader, with a script co-written by Craig Welch and Gary Gerani.
  16. [16]
    Where Was Trading Paint (2019) Filmed? - The Cinemaholic
    Jul 20, 2022 · 'Trading Paint' was filmed entirely in Alabama, specifically in Jefferson County and Eastaboga. The principal photography for the John Travolta-starrer ...Missing: timeline challenges
  17. [17]
    Trading Paint (2018) - Film Birmingham
    Trading Paint (2018). This 2018 racing film starring John Travolta, Shania ... Sam Munroe in 2019, making him a two-time winner based on characters he ...Missing: plot summary
  18. [18]
    “Trading Paint” Filmed Around Hueytown, Bessemer and Other ...
    Feb 22, 2019 · “Trading Paint” Filmed Around Hueytown, Bessemer and Other Places In ... AMBI Pictures and Paradox studios fully financed and produced the film.
  19. [19]
    'Trading Paint' review: John Travolta's latest bomb - New York Post
    Mar 21, 2019 · But what really pumps the brakes are the racing scenes. Replicating the perils of live NASCAR is always a challenge for filmmakers, not to ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  20. [20]
    Dirt track drivers race alongside Travolta in Trading Paint - CBS 42
    Aug 31, 2017 · A few dirt track race car drivers were still hanging out at the track. They've been driving alongside Travolta for the film.
  21. [21]
    Want to see 'Trading Paint'? Head to iTunes on Friday - AL.com
    Feb 21, 2019 · John Travolta on set of "Trading Paint" John Travolta, left, confers with director Karzan Kader on the set of "Trading Paint" on Sept. 1, 2017.Missing: announced 2016
  22. [22]
    Trading Paint (2019) - Box Office and Financial Information
    Financial analysis of Trading Paint (2019) including production budget, domestic and international box office gross, DVD and Blu-ray sales reports.
  23. [23]
    Trading Paint DVD Release Date May 21, 2019
    Trading Paint DVD and Blu-ray release date was set for May 21, 2019 and available on Digital HD from Amazon Video and iTunes on February 22, 2019.Missing: film VOD Saban<|control11|><|separator|>
  24. [24]
    'Trading Paint': Film Review - The Hollywood Reporter
    Mar 21, 2019 · John Travolta plays a legendary dirt track racer who comes into conflict with his son in Karzan Kader's Southern-set drama 'Trading Paint.'Missing: summary | Show results with:summary
  25. [25]
    Trading Paint (2019) directed by Karzan Kader - Letterboxd
    Rating 2.2 (1,108) Director Director. Karzan Kader ; Producers Producers. Autumn Bailey Trevor Osmond John Travolta Alexandra Klim Alberto Burgueño Andrea Iervolino Silvio Muraglia ...
  26. [26]
    Trading Paint (2019) - Blu-ray.com
    Rating 5/10 · Review by Brian OrndorfWelch, Gary Gerani Starring: John Travolta, Shania Twain, Toby Sebastian ... “Trading Paint” has the distinction of being the best film he's made in a ...
  27. [27]
    New Trailer Released for John Travolta's Burning Rubber
    Apr 2, 2019 · ... BURNING RUBBER (aka Trading Paint), a gripping story rooted in highspeed danger directed by Karzan Kadar and written by Gary Gerani ...
  28. [28]
    John Travolta and Shania Twain Star In Racing Flick BURNING ...
    Apr 22, 2019 · John Travolta and Shania Twain (yes, THAT Shania Twain) star in racing action flick Burning Rubber (aka Trading Paint) which is coming to DVD ...
  29. [29]
    TRADING PAINT Official Trailer (2019) John Travolta ... - YouTube
    Jan 21, 2019 · TRADING PAINT Official Trailer (2019) John Travolta, Michael Madsen Movie HD Subscribe to Rapid Trailer For All The Latest Movie Trailers!
  30. [30]
    John Travolta Romances Shania Twain in Scene from Trading Paint
    Feb 26, 2019 · The 65-year-old actor stars as Sam Munroe, a veteran race car driver, who romances Twain's Becca as they discuss his passion for racing.
  31. [31]
    John Travolta and Shania Twain talk Trading Paint - Racing News
    Nov 5, 2017 · Trading Paint is a new dirt late model racing movie coming to theaters. John Travolta and Shania Twain talk about the dirt racing movie.
  32. [32]
    Shania Twain and John Travolta - On "Trading Paint" - YouTube
    Oct 26, 2017 · "In this exclusive, ET Canada sits down on set with Shania Twain and John Travolta to talk about their upcoming film, “Trading Paint”.
  33. [33]
    I can't wait for you all to see this Trading Paint. In theaters February ...
    Jan 24, 2019 · Trading Paint (Official Trailer). I can't wait for you all to see ... Shania Twain at Festival d'été de Québec 2025. Jul 13, 2025 · 333K ...
  34. [34]
    Trading Paint (2019) - Box Office and Financial Information
    ### Summary of Trading Paint (2019) - Production Budget, Marketing Budget, Release Strategy
  35. [35]
    Trading Paint - Official Trailer - Facebook
    Feb 22, 2019 · Engines rev and sparks fly as father and son are set against each other in the ultimate high stakes race! TRADING PAINT starring John ...Missing: marketing promotion publicity events tie-<|control11|><|separator|>
  36. [36]
    I had fun doing this one. Trading Paint. In theaters Friday, February ...
    Jan 22, 2019 · John Travolta 󱢏. Jan 22, 2019󰞋󱟠. 󰟝. Trading Paint. I had fun doing ... I'm not going to race for you anymore. He's a snake. You get ...
  37. [37]
    Box Office: John Travolta Hits Career Low As 'The Fanatic' Bombs
    starring ...
  38. [38]
    Trading Paint - Film Threat
    Apr 7, 2019 · Trading Paint. By Matthew Roe | April 7, 2019. Share. John Travolta ... Sam Munroe (Travolta) is a semi-retired local legend of the local ...Missing: summary | Show results with:summary
  39. [39]
    Review: John Travolta goes racing in pedestrian 'Trading Paint'
    Mar 21, 2019 · Set against a Talladega dirt-racing backdrop, “Trading Paint” (jargon for car collisions) is a blandly earnest redemptive drama that has a ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  40. [40]
    'Cats' Wins Razzie Award for Worst Picture, John Travolta ... - TheWrap
    Mar 16, 2020 · Travolta won for both his work in “The Fanatic” and “Trading Paint,” and Duff won for her film “The Haunting of Sharon Tate,” in which she ...
  41. [41]
    Cats Crowned Worst Picture at 2020 Razzies; John Travolta Wins ...
    Mar 17, 2020 · John Travolta was named worst actor for two separate projects, The Fanatic and Trading Paint, while the Worst Actress award went to Hilary Duff ...
  42. [42]
    Razzie Award Nominations 2020: Complete List of Nominees
    Feb 7, 2020 · A complete list of nominations for the 2020 Razzies or Golden Raspberry Awards, celebrating the worst movies of the past year.