The Bikeriders

While I have a certain fondness for the movie BIKERIDERS, I still find it to be a rather mediocre title. There's undeniably something off about this film. Despite its fantastic cinematography, perfect locations, and meticulously designed decors, the movie fails to leave a lasting impression. It features a plethora of talented actors, making its failure seem implausible. Yet, by the time the credits rolled, I was left feeling utterly indifferent. Nothing from the supposed storyline stood out or stayed with me.

Even with Michael Shannon, who is one of my favorite actors, the impact was minimal. His brief appearance was so inconsequential that the film wouldn't suffer if it were entirely omitted. Sadly, the same can be said for the rest of the cast. They were equally underutilized and forgettable. This film, with all its potential, ultimately ended up being a colossal waste of talent and opportunity. Despite its visual excellence and strong cast, it fails to deliver a memorable or impactful experience, leaving audiences with a sense of squandered potential.

Brilliant acting, brilliantly shot, but where's the story? Having Jodie Comer's character as the erstwhile narrator was a brilliant deviation from tradition, but who's the hero and who's the villain? I know it's based on a book and therefore a true story, but you can bend a story to fit narrative arc. This film has no clear protagonist and the supposed antagonist is only in it briefly as a cardboard cut-out "victim of circumstance". Also, we never clearly establish any of the motives of the main characters. Why are they in the club? Why do they rebel? What are their goals? More importantly, why are any of them riding motorcycles and why don't they just drive cars? This is clearly a key point as I'm guessing the Chicago winters are not fun to ride in.

As a keen biker, I loved the characters and the motorcycles, but this was a series of vignettes rather than a cohesive story.

As "The Bikeriders" (2023 release; 116 min) opens, It is "Kathy interview 1965", and Kathy retells the story of how she met Benny, member of the (fictitious) Vandals motorcycle club in Chicago. We learn that Johnny, President of the Vandals, was inspired by watching "The Wild One" starring Marlon Brando. At that point we are 10 minutes into the movie.

Couple of comments: this is the latest from writer-director Jeff Nichols ("Mud", "Loving"). The movie's story line is inspire by a picture book of the same name by Danny Lyon, covering motorcycle clubs in the Midwest 1965-1973. The plot is thin, and this is more about evoking the spirit of motorcycle clubs found in "The Wild One" and "Easy Rider". The good news is that the lead performances are strong, and it is a pleasure watching Austin Butler (as Benny), fast rising British actress Jodie Comer (as Kathy) and Tom Hardy (as Johnny). The movie also features a quasi non-stop soundtrack of music from the late 60s-early 70s. Last but not least, you would never guess it, but the movie was shot entirely in and around Cincinnati (where I live), mostly its suburbs and exurbs. Kudos to Film Cincinnati for landing that production here!

"The Bikeriders" was shot in Cincinnati in Fall of 2022, and premiered at the 2023 Telluride film festival to positive claim. Alas, as a result of the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, the theatrical release was pushed back until June of 2024. The Saturday early evening showing where I saw this at here in Cincinnati was attended so-so (about 10 people). If you are in the mood for a motorcycle club movie evoking the 1960's, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

I left the theatre feeling pretty underwhelmed and non-plussed by this movie.

I had really high hopes with the cast and they all deliver good performances (with Butler doing his best James Dean impression) and the characters all showed initial promise. It just lacked a bit of heart for me and kind of drifted along with no real central story or jeopardy.

I got excited when I heard people comparing this to Goodfellas as it's one of my favorite films... but that comparison falls incredibly short. It was very style over substance and I'm starting to feel like Tom Hardy is getting so typecasted these days - bordering on Staham-esque. This could have been a brilliant movie, but sadly for me it missed the mark.

We were both looking forward to watching this. Great actors, and a seemingly engrossing story. Told from the view point of Jodie Comer initially we both thought it got off to a good start. It was atmospheric of the era, and there was nothing wrong with the clothes or cinematography.

But it was actually a dull story. Dull. A story of a biker gang in the late 50' early 60's. The gang and their colours were everything. They weren't particularly'bad', the bad ones come later, after returning from Vietnam- and the increasing drug culture. Austin Butler now appears to have one particular way of acting. He wants to look like James Dean (he does have a passing resemblance), and I find him stilted and too full of angst. Jodie was ok, although why you would hang around with these people - the life appears one of poverty and strife. Love Tom Hardy, but it was very much a brooding role. Burdened with the role of leader, it could only end one way. We stuck with it, but frankly, we won't ever watch it again.