Biker Boyz (2003)
Survival of the fastest
Starring: Laurence Fishburne, Derek Luke, Orlando Jones, Djimon Hounsou, Lisa Bonet, Brendan Fehr, Larenz Tate, Kid Rock, Rick Gonzalez, Meagan Good, Salli Richardson, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Dante Basco, Dion Basco, Eriq La Salle
Director: Reggie Rock Blythewood
Running Time: 110 minutes
US MPAA rating: N/AUK BBFC rating: 12A
Action, Crime, Drama
On DVD There's something strangely exhilarating and almost heart-warming about reaching the end of a movie as brain-suckingly bad as this one. In fact, I'm yet to find a feeling to match the sheer sense of accomplishment that washed over me when I finally reached the end credits of this monstrosity of a film. Sure, it only lasts 110 minutes, but let me tell you, friends - there are plenty who'll never make it. Plenty who'll reach for the stop button on their DVD remote long before the full unbearable mix of melodrama and exhaust fumes has reached its unbearable climax. 'Biker Boyz' is my Everest. It's my South Pole. It's my Everest ON the South Pole. It's the bloody nightmare that would have Freddy Krueger quivering under his sheets in fear. It's so terrible, even Vin Diesel pretended not to be in when they came round his house with the screenplay. I just… don't… like… it.
Derek Luke, so hugely impressive in 'Antwone Fisher', is reduced to whining numbskull as mono-named teenager Kid, a biker who forms his own motorcycle club to race against local hotshot Smoke (Laurence Fishburne). Kid wants a shot at Smoke because: (a) he blames him for the death of his dad (Eriq LaSalle, understandably asking for his name to be left out of the credits) (b) Smoke's got a rubbish handlebar 'tache, and (c) he wants to get his hands on his helmet (ooh-er!).
The only trouble is, in order to get a shot at the big guy, Kid has to work his way up the pecking order, racing against all and sundry (including lank-haired trash-rapper Kid Rock) and incurring the wrath of his maw (Vanessa Bell Calloway) in the process.
Despite the incessant vroom-vrooming in the background, the storyline's curiously soap opera-esque, and contains several supposedly-touching moments that'll have you laughing out louder than many of this year's comedies. In fact, the unintentional hilarity of it all is about the only positive thing I can say about it.
The script is completely devoid of all wit and irony, and seemingly wholly unaware of its own ridiculousness - something I find absolutely incredible. The bikers go about saying their daft slogan "burn rubber, not your soul", with STRAIGHT FACES, and Kid even goes as far as to have this moronic catchphrase tattooed on his chest, like some sort of idiotic branding of his own complete ignorance.
Not only is 'Biker Boyz' one of the worst film experiences I've ever had to endure, it's one of the worst experiences I've ever had to endure full-stop. If anyone ever tells you they like this film, kill them. Seriously.
DVD Extras: Deleted scenes, background featurette, and a stills gallery.
It's Got: A title that sounds a bit gay.
It Needs: To be recognised with the inception of a new Oscar for highest number of superfluous side-characters.
Alternatives: The Fast and the Furious, 2 Fast 2 Furious
Summary: A film with no more right to public consumption than a four-year-old steak pie. And it's twice as stinky.
Review by Gary Panton
Review Date: 11th November 2003
External Links
Official Web Site
Biker Boyz at the IMDB
