This isn't a movie about bikers, it's a movie about biker movies. Those made from mid-60s to mid-70s. Exploitation movies from that era are what drives Quentin Tarantino's directorial/acting/producing efforts and has rewarded cinema lovers with some really cool stuff. On this outing QT included a buddy of those films, Larry Bishop, who directs and plays the lead and was around and in the movies this movie pays homage to. So director, star is a veteran. This a film that will appeal strongly to those who watched those films at a drive in, or those film buffs who gravitate to that era. It distills the clichés and story lines and essence of those films, upgrades them to modern cinema (including exposed flesh and language not common 30 years back) and packs together a tale that beginning-meets-end if you hang around for the finale. Mostly, it's just fun if you (as above) either saw these films at the drive-in while fondling with your date or are a fan of the era. Larry Bishop is the star; David Carradine has a few aside scenes using his fame as support for the effort, Dennis Hopper gets in deeper and taps his "biker film" roots and the whole thing just rolls together for the appreciative. Boss bikes, bitchin' babes (check the special features for the supporting female input)and all kinds of booty. And then ... Michael Madsen. David C's cool and Dennis Hopper's cool from the past is currently in the possession of Michael Madsen. No matter what he's in. In this film he plays "Gent", a tuxedo wearing biker. A tuxedo wearing biker. His idea. And ... as only he can, he makes it work and actually steals the show. The head honcho, Pistelero (played by Larry Bishop) is, by name, tied to a handgun but it is Gent who rules the road. In a scene where three of our anti-heroes burst into a trailer where five or six of the opposition are sequestered, Gent goes in first ... fires a succession of shots and has everyone inside down before Pistelero steps inside. Gent apologizes "My finger stuck". With artistic eye over ego, Bishop lets Madsen steal and it's a better film for it. Nice clichéd wrap, romanticism intact, conflicts resolved in the last scenes and a well placed "finger" before the credits roll. Good road music, too. If you were there or have gone there ... don't miss. Everyone else probably can't find the "connect". But that's okay. This film was aimed at a target audience. I hope you're one of them.
