Biker Boyz

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What’s the Story?

Jaleel (Derek Luke) adores his father Will (Eriq La Salle), the mechanic and best friend of the "King of Cali," Smoke (Laurence Fishburne), the fastest biker in California. When Will is killed while standing on the sidelines of a race, Jaleel is devastated and blames Smoke. He stays away for six months and then shows up, bitterly angry and bursting to take Smoke down. But Jaleel has to earn the right to race Smoke, first by joining a gang and then by winning some races. Each confrontation moves the story forward until the big moment when Jaleel and Smoke, more alike and more connected than they realized, challenge each other to do what Will always said, "Burn rubber, not soul."

Is It Any Good?

It's just a bunch of music video-style motorcycle races punctuated with brief interludes that are more dramatic place-holders than story, but a top-notch cast, some flashy camera work, and attitude to spare make BIKER BOYZ highly watchable. It offers a look at a vibrant sub-culture -- a fully-functioning society based on honor, dreams, loyalty, flair, and, of course, a huge helping of extravagantly macho contests. One of the movie's strengths is the way that this sub-culture has its own dignity and honor; it is clear that cheating, hustling, and disloyalty are not allowed and that any challenger is welcome.

The plot tries to be epic and primal, but it is just derivative and creaky. What works, though are performances by very arresting actors. Fishburne, Jones, Luke, and Vanessa Bell Calloway as Jaleel's mother give a lot of snap to the lukewarm dialogue. In small roles, Djimon Hounsou, Lorenz Tate, Rick Gonzalez, and Meagan Good are vibrant and distinctive.