Remember the thrill of classic Bike Riders Movies? Films that plunged into the heart of motorcycle culture, capturing the freedom of the open road and the camaraderie of the biker brotherhood. “The Bikeriders” movie attempts to rev up that spirit, promising a deep dive into a 1960s motorcycle club. However, much like a sputtering engine, it ultimately fails to deliver a truly powerful ride. While boasting strong performances and stylish visuals, this film unfortunately stalls when it comes to substance, leaving audiences feeling more deflated than exhilarated.
The opening scenes offer a glimmer of hope. There’s an initial spark, a sense of cool emanating from vintage motorcycles and a rock and roll soundtrack. It feels reminiscent of a Tarantino flick, hinting at a wild and engaging ride. This fleeting excitement, however, quickly dissipates. The narrative soon stumbles, throwing us into tired tropes, like our protagonist, played by Austin Butler, being inexplicably assaulted in a bar simply for being a biker. This reliance on clichés becomes a recurring theme, preventing the movie from ever truly finding its own voice.
One of the central issues lies in the film’s superficial exploration of its subject matter. The motorcycle club at the heart of “The Bikeriders” proudly displays the “1%er” patch, a symbol traditionally associated with outlaw biker gangs and criminal activity. Yet, the movie barely scratches the surface of this potentially intriguing aspect. We are left in the dark about the club members’ lives, their motivations, or even how they sustain themselves if they are not engaged in illegal activities. Are they hardened criminals, or simply weekend enthusiasts playing dress-up? The film offers little clarity. We are given fleeting glimpses into their personal lives, but nothing substantial. Even the central relationship between Butler and Jodie Comer’s characters feels underdeveloped, with their marriage occurring entirely off-screen. If the intention was to portray a group truly bound by the love of motorcycles, that passion is conspicuously absent. The film gestures towards camaraderie, but these moments lack depth and genuine emotional resonance.
Ironically, for a film titled “The Bikeriders,” there is surprisingly little focus on the actual act of riding or the culture surrounding it. Never once does the movie inspire a yearning for the open road or the thrill of motorcycle riding. Cool riding shots are scarce, limited to a single, uninspired chase scene that feels more obligatory than exciting. The film completely neglects to explore the nuances of being a bike rider in a city like Chicago. Despite spanning a decade, we never witness a Chicago winter and how it impacts these supposed motorcycle enthusiasts. What do they do when they can’t ride? This crucial aspect of living in a northern climate is completely ignored. While racing is mentioned, we are given no insight into the mechanics, the rivalries, or the passion involved. Even more baffling is the repeated mention of the club’s “rules” by Comer’s character, rules that are supposedly paramount. Yet, the audience is never privy to these rules, leaving a gaping hole in the film’s attempt to depict a structured biker society.
Ultimately, “The Bikeriders” feels like another example of uninspired, cautious filmmaking from Hollywood. It’s a passionless, mediocre offering that prioritizes style over genuine substance. It lacks the danger, the grit, and the raw energy that define truly compelling biker movies. Unlike films that leave a lasting impact, “The Bikeriders” fades quickly from memory, failing to inspire or provoke any significant emotion.
Seeking a more authentic biker movie experience, one is better off revisiting classics from the late 60s and early 70s. Even a low-budget biker film like “Angels from Hell” conveys more about outlaw biker culture in five minutes than “The Bikeriders” manages in its entire runtime. Kathryn Bigelow’s early work, “The Loveless,” also offers a far more insightful glimpse into the biker mindset. Comparisons to “Goodfellas” are baffling, as “The Bikeriders” lacks any sense of danger, trauma, or inspiration. In the end, this film feels more like a “feeble road” than a “fury road.” While the acting and costumes are commendable, earning it a generous 6 out of 10 stars (or perhaps a 5.5 if half-stars were an option), “The Bikeriders” ultimately disappoints as a bike riders movie.
