Review of Biker Boyz (2003) by Miracle F — 28 Jun 2007

A sincere, straightforward contemporary western, "Biker Boyz" surmounts its dodgy title to deliver solid genre entertainment.

Set in the world of street bike racing, it smacks of "The Fast and the Furious". But while the stunt scenes lack the visceral impact of the Vin Diesel actioner, the characters are a good deal more likable - and the cast more impressive.

Kid (Derek Luke) is foot-soldier in the Black Knights, a gang led by veteran racing ace Smoke (Laurence Fishburne), for whom his father is mechanic. When a race goes awry and Pop is mullered by a motorbike, Kid blames Smoke and rebels.

After a stint away from the Knights - working a grifting gig with Stuntman (Brendan Fehr) - he returns, intent on taking Smoke's crown. Never mind that his mum is terrified she'll lose him too, or that Smoke is trying hard to be the father he lost.

As you might be able to tell, "Biker Boyz" is hardly "Hells Angels on Wheels". This is - one f-word aside - family-friendly fare. Both Kid and Smoke need to grow up and discover the value of second chances and responsibility.

It's old-fashioned, then, but none the worse for it. The biggest problem is the lack of a hissable villain. Rival biker Dogg (Kid Rock) is a half-hearted hate-figure, and the film boils down to a battle between the two likable leads, which has nowhere satisfactory to go in the final act.

The cast keep it interesting, with Larenz Tate ("Menace II Society") and Orlando Jones impressing, and Eriq Le Salle and Terrence Dashon Howard ("The Best Man") in cameos.

Capping it all is the mighty Fishburne. Dressed in slicker and cowboy boots, he clearly relishes the chance to play John Wayne. He matches the icon in authority and charisma to ensure that, while "Biker Boyz" is a re-tread, it's never tired (boom boom!).