Outlaws

I suspect this film came about after the creators watched Bikie Wars: Brothers in Arms, which also has Matt Nable cast as a biker, and thought it would work again. It didn't. While the series was good, and Matt is again good, this movie lacks a strong solid plot. The first 3/4 is mostly drama caused by the lead character's mentally challenged brother. Last quarter things finally escalate and the ending is pretty good but it's a lot to sit through.

Paddo is the stand in president of a 1% outlaw motorcycle gang. His has earnt the respect of the members, and is moving the club up in the world. Paddo has a vision and he has also increased the clubs earnings. The only problem is the real president is soon to be released from jail.

When the rightful president Knucks comes back to the club, he doesn't like the changes he see's in the club. He soon puts the brakes on, and starts changing the direction of the club back to the more traditional bikie stuff. Knucks gets the impression that Paddo's input is harming his leadership of the club, and undermining his authority as the president. A tension soon builds between the two. Paddo is a bit laid back and a thinker, while Knucks is old school, brutal and not very sympathetic (sound familiar Sons Of Anarchy's fans). Both Paddo and Knucks have strong women behind them that adds to the drama. Paddo also has slow brother that causes some dramas for Paddo and himself.

Matt Nable stars as the unlikable Knucks and also wrote this movie. Its about the third time Nable has played an outlaw bikie, so he has had some practice and does Ok. The rest of the cast is forgettable, the sets are ordinary and the movie never really hits any great heights. There is a strong dose of violence and the outlaw bikie lifestyle is laid out. The outlaw bikie stuff you see, is pretty much what you would see in most outlaw bikie documentaries. Obviously this movie is trying to ride the success of the TV series - Sons of Anarchy. Outlaws is a very poor mans Sons OF Anarchy. Outlaw just doesn't have the actors, charisma, characters or story to come anywhere near Sons of Anarchy.

As far as outlaw bikie movies go its just Ok, overall as far as being a decent movie its very average - poor movie.

No pun intended and you could also say Siblings of Anarchy, but of course in this case it is about brothers (in arms). The German title even going that route too and making it easy for people to associate it with Sons of Anarchy - very smart marketing wise.

Of course anything with biker gangs stands to be compared with the really amazing and succesful tv show. For those who haven't seen it, the movies might work a bit better. For those who have ... well they have seen in fights and other stuff in a broader and better fashion alltogether.

That being said and while this is rather male dominated, it has its standout females too. And they play a major role - like Abby Lee. As beautiful as ever, as dangerous as always. One may call her trouble - and one may not be too wrong. On the other hand, everyne has their motivation and moral anchor, so there is that. Which one will you attach yourself to?

Probably one of the best Aussie films displaying acting talent by all leads in this highly character driven B-grade low budget film. Matt Nable, Abbey Lee and Simone Kessell played their characters great, but the stand-out performance for me was Josh McConville as Knuck's brother.

Director Stephen McCallum did a fine job in his first full length feature film. Actor Matt Nable's 2nd writing credit was a great story (aside from a few minor plot issues), but the screenplay certainly needed some tweaking, but still well done for his 2nd attempt. The 92 min length was perfect and the pace was on point.

There certainly was room for improvement in this production, but for a low budget film, it showed really well, and held my attention throughout the entire film.

A well deserved 8/10 from me.

*Warning, made with real bikers*

Very interesting film from this 2017 Tiff

Nice to see adventurous material like this at the festival and especially nice to have the writer/star at the screenings.

One of the truly innovative films that was also very worthwhile seeing. Low budget but made in the hometowns of the filmmakers.

Very pretty girl Abbey Lee, formerly Victoria's Secret cover girl, steals the show as a biker chic propelling her man into leadership of the gang (hence lady MacBeth).

6 is an good rating when compared to the truly masterful films at 2017 Tiff - I don't give 10s.