The Bikeriders

6/26/2024

Danny (Mike Faist) is a would-be journalist who is interviewing Kathy (Jodie Comer) who is married to Benny (Austin Butler) who is a member of the "Valdals". They are a motor cycle club run by Johnny (Tom Hardy) with an almost masonic approach to looking out for each other. She takes us back to how they met, and of her nervousness about mixing with this outwardly aggressive fraternity, but as she gets to know them and they her, she begins to understand they are no threat, and that in many ways are all the family the others will have/need. As time moves on, though, the "Vandals" become a victim of their own success and a proliferation of chapels emerges, introducing a younger more venal and violent element to challenge the existing status quo. Using the stresses and strains of their relatio

7/4/2024

It’s a bit light on story, but <i>‘The Bikeriders’</i> is a film I enjoyed. The stellar cast list is probably the main reason, because everyone onscreen do great work. Austin Butler and Jodie Comer are the obvious standouts as leads, both are good value throughout; even if the latter’s accent is slightly grating at a few moments. Tom Hardy is, as always, terrific too, while it was awesome to see Norman Reedus appear. As noted, I do think there’s just barely enough there for a movie - it is a plot that is stretched as far as it could possibly be. It is all shot well and all that, the bikes look and sound ace. I also like how the film wraps up. All in all, it’s very good and most certainly worth a watch.

7/9/2024

The Bikeriders presents an interesting Shakespearean kind of tale, depicting the story of 'The Vandals' Motorcycle Club. The narrative captures the essence of motorcycle club culture, showcasing moments that resonate as authentic and familiar. Each scene featuring the club members is compelling, particularly those with Tom Hardy's Johnny and Austin Butler's Benny, whose performances are truly fantastic. Tom Hardy and Austin Butler deliver standout performances that elevate the film. Hardy brings a raw intensity to Johnny, capturing the character's complexity and inner turmoil. For instance, scenes where Johnny grapples with leadership decisions reveal Hardy's ability to convey vulnerability beneath a tough exterior. Butler, on the other hand, exudes charisma as Benny, making his charact

7/12/2024

When I first saw the media for this show, I wondered why they were remaking Outsiders. Ponyboy is more of a stone cold killer in this. Nostalgia...for a better time! When men could just hang out with men, wear leather, drink beer, do meth, rape women...technically not rape as the women consented by hanging out with the men, and ride bikes. Simpler times. This is the world of Bikeriders. Classic America. It's well done. Acted. Good to see Michael Shannon. I enjoyed it but I don't know if I recommend it. Seems pointless. Maybe: Accept and don't be mean to the youth else they'll murder you when they take over. Bikes are cool.

7/17/2024

“The Bikeriders” offers a gritty and atmospheric portrayal of a Midwestern motorcycle club’s transformation over a decade, capturing both the allure and peril of a subculture defined by rebellion and camaraderie. Written and directed by Jeff Nichols, the film delves into themes of loyalty, brotherhood, and the evolution of identity amidst a changing America, and features terrific performances from Jodie Comer, Austin Butler, and Tom Hardy. While not a true story, the movie is inspired by a 1963 photo essay and book by Danny Lyon, a photographer who spent time with the Chicago Outlaws riding club in an effort to document the life and times of the American biker. Nichols creates a fictional world inspired by a culture that was a very real part of the Sixties. Set against the backdrop o

3/28/2025

Unwatchable. This is one of those new Hollywood movies where they've hired a blind person to shoot and/or edit the footage. Some kind of "equity" thing. Or "inclusion." Either way, you can't see a thing. It's dark as a nursery. I think there's a guy in the beginning in a bar, but it might be a church or a forest with some kind of table. He or she gets into a brawl and I think they take it outside, because it's like there's sunshine, except it's a 5-watt sun. Could be the basement actually. Not sure. Bottom line. Save your money. It's just two hours in an unlit basement. Literally nothing to see here, folks.