Biker Boyz Review
by Homer Yen (homer_yen AT yahoo DOT com)February 18th, 2003
"Biker Boyz" – The Fast and the Ludicrous by Homer Yen
(c) 2003
With a movie whose title sounds like something you'd only see on ESPN2, there are likely only two reasons that would tease you into seeing this film. Perhaps you're a motorcycle-racing fan and are looking forward to some insight into the world of this dangerous sport. Perhaps you liked a similarly themed film, "The Fast and the Furious," and hope that this offering will replicate that film's energy and entertainment. But to even spend 20 seconds on whether to see this or not is spending more energy than this film is worth.
"Biker Boyz" seems all revved up with no place to go. Zoom-zoom goes the powerful motorcycles that would probably violate noise ordinances in pretty much every suburban township. Sputter-sputter goes the story that lacks both impact and resonance about a young motorcyclist looking for his comeuppance amid the California biker gang scene.
That young lad is named Kid (Derek Luke), who has steadfastly grown up to hate everything that gang leader Smoke (Laurence Fishburne) seems to embody. Smoke is the longtime undefeated champion of motorcycle street racing. As such, he seems all-too self-important, one-dimensionally patriarchal, and projects the kind of hubris that makes all challengers a bit fearful of their chances of dethroning him. The invincibility that he wears has a similar effect of awe as when James Bond dons a tuxedo. But he respects Kid to a certain degree because of the young boy's quickly rising talent and their history together.
While Smoke may project a certain villainous quality, he's actually caring in many ways. Yes, he constantly puts down would-be challengers like long-time nemesis Dog (Kid Rock) and snarls at times like an angry Doberman. Yet, he comes across as something of a teddy bear rather than loathsome bad guy.
Meanwhile, there isn't much to endear us to Kid. We do feel sorry for a personal loss that he suffers. But for the entire film, he is unruly, obstreperous, and undisciplined. While his riding skills may attract dozens of fans, his persona doesn’t deserve the respect that his character so wants. As a result, there is a noticeable lack of conflict and there seems to be no one to root for.
Therefore, what we're really left with are a few fast and furious scenes of motorcycle riding that, unfortunately, won't be able to stir us awake from the lull of the story. There are a couple of scenes that feature hard-nosed racing at speeds well over 100MPH. It's interesting to see that street races involve lots of betting and your personal helmet, which is given by the loser to the winner. And there are a few acrobatic stunts that are neat to watch but kind of unnecessary to show.
I left this film with two distinct thoughts. First, while the look of the film is that of an edgy thriller, it plays like a family drama. The story could've been more palatable under a different setting away from leather jackets and engines with high decibel output. Second, "The Fast and Furious" (it's impossible not to draw a comparison) inspired me to rev my car in the parking lot. This film made me thankful that it was finally over.
Grade: D
S: 1 out of 3
L: 2 out of 3
V: 1 out of 3
Originally posted in the rec.arts.movies.reviews newsgroup. Copyright belongs to original author unless otherwise stated. We take no responsibilities nor do we endorse the contents of this review.
