Review of:Biker Boyz (2003)
Director:Reggie Rock Bythewood, Gina Prince-Bythewood
Rating:PG-13 for violence, sexual content and language
Starring:Laurence Fishburne, Derek Luke, Tyson Beckford, Lisa Bonet, Kadeem Hardison
With the success of the film Fast and Furious and the eventual release of part two coming soon to that series you had to know that someone, somewhere, was scratching their heads for a way to cash in on the power of supped up motor vehicles. Well here it is-Biker Boys has hit, and it will probably hit hard.
The story is built around the character known as Kid (Derek Luke of Antwone Fisher) and the man who he has some issues with Smoke (Lawrence Fishburne). When tragedy strikes this biker family it loses the one member that was like the stitch keeping them together Kids' father. When he is lost turmoil ensues bringing Kid into conflict with Smoke who is the King of Cali.
Director Reggie Rock Bythewood (Dancing in September) tries to bring to film the spirit of African-American motorcycle clubs (gangs) that ride only for the joy of riding. It doesn't hurt that they put big money on some of the races also. He succeeds in this to a degree. What he doesn't seem to get across on the screen is a strong enough story that some of these wonderful actors can grab a hold of (Lawrence Fishburne, Larenz Tate, Kadeem Hardison, Orlando Jones, Djimon Hounsou). These are some of the actors that have proven track records of high acting talent. What you can expect to see are revved up cycles, and some pretty cool tricks that can take you into the oohh factor. This stories only purpose is to be as fast and flashy as the cycles that are depicted.
Kid is considered to be in training so he is referred to as a prospect. After the tragedy strikes there is nothing holding him back from taking what he thinks is his, and that is the title of King of Cali. The only problem is that he has to take it from his father's best friend who isn't going to relinquish it that easily. The attempt at making the conflict between Smoke and Kid is attempted, but never materializes to the point where it is of any concern. The best way to describe it is one young man striving for what he thinks should be his. The inexperience of how he handles the situations that he is thrust in is in direct contrast to how the well aged Smoke would handle things. It is a theory that falls very short of the mark. It is akin to somebody smoking or drinking and then telling their kid not to do it because it is bad for them. When Smoke offers advice it is put upon death ears, and only makes the situation worse.
To be able to race against Smoke, Kid has to be an accepted member of one of the original biker clubs or he can form his own. Biker Boyz doesn't fall far from its namesake since most of its members seem to be young men, and women. This is another direct contrast since every one of the other Biker clubs seems to have a heavy mixture of older riders. Forming the new Biker Boyz isn't enough to guarantee him a race against Smoke. One more major hurdle is put in his way and that is Dogg (Kid Rock) who has been after the title himself. Kid Rock represents himself decently in the film, and doesn't stretch his limitations of acting on this film.
By the end of the film we are led to believe that everyone involved is much smarter and wiser for their experiences. The only taste left in my mouth after the film was one of a meal that looked good, but didn't taste it.
