A fondo

We haven't had a half decent bike movie since Biker Boyz and so I was rather excited for this one but 5 minutes into it and I was already disappointed, the bike scenes were lacklustre to say the most. The riding was slow and not all that exciting. I can understand the struggles to film a bike race and I can't imagine how hard it is to make it look good but with the technology we have no a days I would have thought it was going to be better than this. The story was 5/10 but was more geared towards the love interest rather than the racing. The filming was ok but couldn't really get you all that interested or invested.

This movie is made for bikers who love racing and excitement around the track. And then of course it's a romance to try saving the boring never-ending racing.

I'm a biker myself but this was unreal and a stupid plot. Overall, the acting contributes to the failure & it makes it difficult to watch past 20 minutes as the acting/performances are utterly embarrassingly terrible. The end had a decent twist but nothing of note. Very dissatisfied with this movie as I was really looking forward to this.

I think the best part of the movie were the last five minutes and I was so excited when the credits finally scrolled.

Greetings again from the darkness. One result from the expansion of the movie streaming universe is that independent films with specific topics can find a home for niche audiences. Actor-turned-director Kelly Blatz (he was a co-lead in LOREN & ROSE, 2022) turns in a rare motorcycle racing movie, although to enhance the odds, it also features the familiar tropes of an angry young man, an estranged father-son reunion, and a love story.

KJ Apa ("Riverdale" heartthrob) plays Wes, the angry young man who displays poor judgment in the opening motorcycle race on a military base. After a stint in Fort Leavenworth and his discharge, Wes and his bike head out to find long-lost (by design) dad. Dean (Eric Dane, "Euphoria", Grey's Anatomy") is a racer who had some success in the past, though his best days are far behind him. He's a party boy who never grew up - one still trying to live life on the wild side through motorcycles, alcohol, and women. Wes just wants his old deserting dad to coach him on the track so he can make something of himself. Wrangling these two cats is bike shop owner Abel (Edward James Olmos). Think of him as the Mr. Miyagi for these two emotionally stunted polar opposites.

And yes, we do get a budding romance for Wes with the stunning smile of Camilia (Maia Reficco, "Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin"). She's a charming waitress at the local diner and studying to be a nurse. The two hit it off while also keeping secrets from each other. Where Eric Dane overplays his part, Edward James Olmos and his reserved manner and screen presence brings a needed depth to the ongoings. Olmos has had quite a career, appearing in both BLADE RUNNER (1982) and BLADE RUNNER 2049 (2017), as well as "Miami Vice" and "Dexter", and receiving an Oscar nomination for STAND AND DELIVER (1988). "Riverdale" fans will be pleased to note that KJ Apa does find reasons to lose his shirt. Motorcycle fans will be happy with the motor-revving and racetrack shots.

Releases on Prime Video August 8, 2024.

In the world of cinematic storytelling, where cars often take the spotlight in action-packed sequences and adrenaline-fueled chases, it's refreshing to come across a film that shifts the focus to motorcycles. For motorcycle enthusiasts like me, it's a rare treat to see a movie where the plot, characters, and emotions revolve around the world of bikes. This film captures that essence perfectly, creating an experience that resonates deeply with anyone who shares a love for motorcycles.

Motorcycle movies are few and far between, which makes this film all the more special. While car movies have carved out their niche with franchises like *Fast and Furious* or classics like *Bullitt*, the world of bikes has often been relegated to the sidelines. However, this movie proves that motorcycles can carry a film with as much, if not more, intensity and passion as any car-based narrative. The movie doesn't just use bikes as props for chase sequences or flashy stunts; instead, it places them at the heart of the story, making them integral to the characters' identities and the unfolding drama.

From the opening scene, you can feel the filmmakers' respect and admiration for motorcycles. The cinematography captures the raw power and grace of the bikes, with sweeping shots that highlight their design and engineering beauty. The sound design is another aspect where the movie excels; the roar of the engines, the screech of tires on asphalt, and even the subtle purring of a finely tuned machine are all treated with the reverence they deserve. This attention to detail creates an immersive experience that pulls you into the world of the characters and their beloved motorcycles.

What truly sets this film apart is how it portrays the relationship between the riders and their bikes. For many of us, motorcycles are more than just vehicles; they are extensions of ourselves, reflecting our personalities and our sense of freedom. The film understands this deeply. The characters' connection to their bikes is portrayed with a sincerity that is rarely seen in mainstream cinema. The thrill of a race, or the simple act of working on the bike in the garage, these moments are depicted with an authenticity that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt the wind in their hair while riding.

The plot of the movie is tightly woven around the world of motorcycles, making it more than just an action flick. It explores themes of fatherhood, love, and the pursuit of passion, all of which are universal, but they are given a unique twist through the lens of motorcycle culture. The characters are well developed. This adds a layer of depth to the narrative, making it more than just a series of high-octane sequences.

One of the highlights of the movie is how it showcases different aspects of motorcycle culture. From racing scenes that will have you on the edge of your seat to more serene moments that capture the meditative nature of a couple ride through the riverside, the film offers a comprehensive look at what it means to be a motorcycle enthusiast.

Despite the film's strengths, it seems that not everyone appreciated its focus on motorcycles. Some reviews have criticized it for being too niche or for not having enough broad appeal. But for those of us who live and breathe motorcycles, this is precisely what makes the movie so special. It's not trying to cater to everyone; it's a film made for us, the motorcycle enthusiasts. And in doing so, it creates a more authentic and heartfelt experience.

In a landscape dominated by car movies, this film stands out as a beacon for motorcycle lovers. It's a celebration of everything we love about bikes-the speed, the freedom, the camaraderie, and the passion. Watching it, you can't help but feel a sense of pride and excitement, seeing your own experiences and emotions reflected on the screen.

I can only hope that the success of this film leads to more motorcycle-centric movies in the future. There is a wealth of stories waiting to be told, and if done with the same level of care and respect as this film, they could easily captivate audiences around the world. Whether or not the filmmakers listen to the critics and decide to tone down the bike-centric focus in future projects, I sincerely hope they continue to explore the rich and vibrant world of motorcycles.

So, if you're a motorcycle enthusiast-or even if you're just curious about what makes us love these machines so much-this movie is a must-watch. It's more than just entertainment; it's an experience that celebrates the passion and spirit of motorcycle culture. And who knows, it might just inspire more films that put bikes front and center, where they truly belong.

What's good: some of the concepts around grassroots racing, some of the lingo

What's bad: everything else. This movie failed to achieve anything well.

I suppose this movie isn't unique in its failure to deliver on all fronts when compared to other motorcycle, go-kart, or car racing movies but with every bad example produced, there is evidence of what not to do and the bar for bare minimum should get higher each time, automatically so my expectations, maybe hope, is that it will get better.

Maybe the subject matter experts bounce around from one project to another and that's where the potential is limited.