MovieFreak.com - Biker Boyz DVD Review

DVD REVIEW

Biker Boyz (2003)

Starring: Laurence Fishburne, Derek Luke, Lisa Bonet

Director: Reggie Rock Bythewood

Rating: PG-13

Studio: DreamWorks SKG

Release Date: 6.10.03

Review Posted: 6.18.03

Spoilers: None

By John Teves

Synopsis

This film is a contemporary Western on wheels with desperados who live every day on the edge. Lawyers and city workers by day, they take to the streets in their leather gear to race by night. In the world of underground motorcycle clubs, the undefeated racer known as Smoke is the undisputed "King of Cali." But Smoke's dominance of the set is about to be threatened by a young motorcycle racing prodigy called Kid, who is determined to win Smoke's helmet and earn the coveted title.

The Video

BIKER BOYZ appears in an aspect ratio of 1.85:1; the image has been enhanced for 16X9 televisions. The picture transfer was absolutely brilliant. Sharpness was crisp and well-defined. Colors looked clear and vibrant. Black levels were deep and rich, and shadow detail was properly heavy but never terribly thick; contrast was positive, and all low-light scenes came across clear. As a whole, I felt the video transfer of BIKER BOYZ looked remarkable.

The Audio

BIKER BOYZ is presented in both a Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS track. The track boasted a broad and engaging sound field that kept me involved throughout out the presentation. Audio was accurate. Surround usage was excellent; the racing scenes consume you into a fairly flawless environment. The movie contains some standout sequences; both tracks displayed a deep and engaging soundfield throughout the films presentation. Effects were exceedingly clean and exact and they showed strong dynamics. All in all, BIKER BOYZ presented a very solid auditory experience.

The Extras

Behind the Action: Behind-the-Scenes Hosted by Orlando Jones
Deleted Scenes
Production Notes

Summary

Hoping to ride off on the success of the FAST AND THE FURIOUS, DreamWorks rolls out of new biker film. The continuous problems in the script leave the notion that BIKER BOYZ needs more then just an extra tank of NOS; this movie needs an overhaul.

The blend of fast racing and dim drama just doesn’t connect through. Jones and Fishburne have an identifiable on screen persona and both actors deliver the goods every time. Kid Rock amazingly did well with the few scenes he had. Derek Luke on the other hand is just an atrocious and inexperienced actor. I didn’t care for him as Antwone Fisher and I didn’t care for him as Kid in BIKER BOYZ. If this “KID” wants to do well he really has to get rid of his inner-city tone and truly leave that urban crap back home, it’s not likable and quite candidly its a huge turn off. The only thing this film brings is flamboyant motorcycles and noisy races.

Fans of the FAST AND THE FURIOUS may enjoy this film, but will quickly be disappointed as the film begins to burn rubber. BIKER BOYZ is a film that was presented a certain way in its trailer, but in actuality is something completely, unsuccessfully different. As little as we need another high-octane, turn-off-the brain action film with races and explosions, we need a biker movie with a heart even less. Truthfully, if this film had fewer tears and extra crazy motorcycle stunts and crashes it would have been well worth the 90 minuets of viewing time.

BIKER BOYZ feels like a messy and outlandish piece of crap that never threatens to entertain or amuse. The DVD offers excellent picture plus very good audio and a few weak but occasionally interesting extras. I can’t recommend this fiasco to anyone who doesn’t already like the flick.

DVD Rating: 1 out of 4

Review originally appeared on DVDFreak.net

DVD REVIEWS BY JOHN TEVES:

- Tears of the Sun

- Frida

- About Schmidt

- The Pianist

- Cheers - Season One

- Frasier - Season One

- Catch Me If You Can

- Young Guns - Special Edition

- Far From Heaven