The BikeRiders: A Deep Dive into Motorcycle Culture
The BikeRiders Review
Introduction
Have I been looking forward to this movie? Absolutely.
You might have noticed a few clues, like the quad lock on the back of my phone.
I love riding my bike, and I'll tell you more about it later at the end of this
review. For now, let's dive into the movie, The Bike Riders.
The BikeRiders Trailer
Jacket Troubles and Initial Impressions
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, you might notice
something odd about my jacket in this video. The zipper is perfectly fine, but
it's hidden, which might drive you a bit mad. It now dawns on me that it's not
just your problem; I'll have to stare at that the entire time while editing.
So, to make you feel a little better, here's a close-up. Enjoy the dead bug
splattered on my jacket—I really need to clean this thing.
Overview of The Bike Riders
The Bike Riders stars Tom Hardy, Austin Butler, and
Jodie Comer. It's based on a book that is essentially a photo journal from the
60s to the early 70s, documenting a motorcycle club during its formation. This
movie focuses on a love triangle of sorts—though not in the way you might
expect.
Plot and Characters
Austin Butler plays a young, roguish hotshot member of
the club who meets Jodie Comer's character. Their romance and his love for
riding and the club are central themes, personified by Tom Hardy's character,
the club president. As the club expands, it starts attracting less desirable
personalities, losing the purity of its origins.
Performances
The performances are stellar. Tom Hardy delivers
another American accent, somewhat reminiscent of his role in Venom. Austin
Butler, with his post-Elvis voice, perfectly portrays an emotionally closed-off
person who finds freedom and catharsis in riding. Jodie Comer, as the audience
surrogate, gets drawn into the bike culture, genuinely understanding her
partner's passion.
A Closer Look at the Movie's Elements
Guest Appearances
The movie features notable guest appearances, like
Norman Reedus. It's like seeing a cross between Inside Out's Anxiety and Norman
Reedus himself.
Sound Design
Jeff Nichols, the writer and director, knows that sound
design is crucial in a film about motorcycle culture. The engine's roar and the
feel of the ride are perfectly captured, making the experience immersive.
Time Passage and Plot Clarity
The movie covers a significant time span, but this
isn't always clear. It often feels like the events take place over a month
rather than years, which can be confusing. However, the journey is emphasized
over the destination, much like the experience of riding a bike.
Not Over the Top
The Bike Riders isn't an action film using motorcycles
as props. Instead, it offers a grounded peek behind the curtain of motorcycle
culture. It's made for those with a love for or curiosity about this world. If
you're not interested in motorcycles, this movie might not resonate with you.
Final Thoughts
I enjoyed the culture and sound design, despite some
plot messiness and unclear time passage. The performances were solid, making it
an overall enjoyable experience. I rate it as an experience where no alcohol is
required.
My Ride
Now, about the bike I ride—I have a Kawasaki Ninja
1000SX. I learned on a 650 and upgraded to the 1000. I'm always looking for new
bikes, especially a long-distance cruiser for cross-state rides. The Yamaha
Raider, Harley Fatboy S, and Victory Vegas 8 Ball have caught my eye.
A Word on Safety
Summer is here, and with the nice weather, many of us
will be riding more. So, ride safely, my friends.
Conclusion
Have you seen The Bike Riders? What did you think about
it? Let me know in the comments below
Summery
The Bike Riders stars Tom Hardy, Austin Butler, and Jodie Comer, based on a 60s-70s photo journal of a motorcycle club's formation. The film explores a unique love triangle: Butler’s roguish club member, Comer’s outsider love interest, and Hardy’s club president. Their performances shine, with Butler portraying an emotionally closed-off rider and Comer representing the audience's perspective, getting drawn into bike culture. Directed by Jeff Nichols, the film excels in sound design, capturing the essence of motorcycle riding. Despite some plot messiness and unclear time passage, the movie offers an earnest look at motorcycle culture. It’s made for enthusiasts or those curious about the world of bikes. If uninterested in motorcycles, the film might not appeal. Overall, it's an enjoyable experience with strong performances and immersive sound design. As a rider of a Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX, I appreciate the film's authenticity and encourage fellow riders to watch it and ride safely this summer.
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