Reminiscent of classic gang films, The Bikeriders comes as a familiar but still enjoyable piece of Americana. It’s properly nostalgic and structured much like Goodfellas, with someone narrating the entire thing and smartly teasing the surprising end. In this case, the brooding leading man’s wife, Kathy (Comer), softens the film’s rough macho edges. But as fascinating as this slice of American life is, it’s the stacked cast who take the film one step further. Tom Hardy is commanding as the club’s leader, while Comer grounds the film’s darker moments with charm and reason. Mike Shannon and the rest of the gang are realistically gritty and interesting, but surprisingly, Austin Butler and Faist are given little to do. There’s an unevenness to The Bikeriders that makes you wonder if it would be better or worse under a different director, but as it stands, the film is a welcome entry in the crime and ride genre.
"The ensemble cast is enticing but the tried-and-true story arc isn’t injected with enough rigour to make this the classic it could be."
— Rogan Graham
After a chance encounter, headstrong Kathy is drawn to Benny, member of Midwestern motorcycle club the Vandals. As the club transforms into a dangerous underworld of violence, Benny must choose between Kathy and his loyalty to the club.
Chicago, 1960s. As photojournalist Danny (Mike Faist) interviews Kathy (Jodie Comer) about the local motorcycle club Vandals, he learns more about its innocuous beginning, thrilling escapades, and inevitable descent into darkness.
I still can’t believe how forgettable Butler and Faist’s characters are, what a terrible waste.
Goodfellas, but less violent and more buddy buddy.
