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Writer's pictureDan Brooks

"The Bikeriders (2024): Grease Meets The Outsiders with a Rebel Yell"

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.




Alright, folks, rev up your engines and prepare for a wild ride through the heart of the Midwest with The Bikeriders. This new film starring Jodie Comer, Austin Butler, and Tom Hardy takes us deep into the world of the Vandals, a motorcycle club that transforms from a band of misfits into a dangerous underworld of violence. With a plot that teeters between a love story and a gang war, let's dive into this cinematic adventure and see if it’s worth the ticket price—or just another excuse to watch Tom Hardy on a bike.


Plot (Or, How to Fall in Love While Dodging Bullets and Burnouts)

After a chance encounter, the headstrong Kathy (Jodie Comer) finds herself drawn to Benny (Austin Butler), a member of the Midwestern motorcycle club, the Vandals. As the club evolves from a group of leather-clad rebels into a violent underworld, Benny is forced to choose between his loyalty to Kathy and his dedication to the club. Think of it as Grease meets The Outsiders, with a sprinkle of Rebel Without a Cause to add some extra flavor.


What I Liked (Or, The Stuff That Made Me Want to Join a Motorcycle Club—Almost)


Jodie Comer, Austin Butler, and Tom Hardy deliver stellar performances. Comer steals the show with her fierce portrayal of Kathy, while Butler and Hardy pull you into the gritty world of the Vandals with ease.


There’s something inherently captivating about stories based on real events. The film does a great job of capturing the essence of the 1960s motorcycle culture.


When done right, historical recreations can transport you to another era. This film nails it with authentic sets, costumes, and a vibe that screams 1960s Americana.


Reedus brings his usual charisma and grit to the film, adding another layer of depth to the story.


The film feels like a blend of Grease and The Outsiders, with a dash of Rebel Without a Cause for good measure. It’s nostalgic yet fresh, offering a new take on the biker genre.


Austin Butler and Tom Hardy: These two bring their A-game, making the gang dynamics believable and intense. Their chemistry is palpable, and they anchor the film with their performances.


The end credits feature some fantastic retro photos taken by the actual reporter who captured this story. It’s a nice touch that adds authenticity and depth.


The costumes are spot-on, capturing the era perfectly. From leather jackets to vintage dresses, the wardrobe department deserves a round of applause.


What I Disliked (Or, The Bits That Made Me Want to Hit the Brakes)

The narrative perspective from Kathy and the reporter feels more like a distraction than an effective storytelling technique. It disrupts the flow and takes you out of the moment.


The actual plot is a bit thin. It’s unclear whether the film is trying to be a love story or a gang drama. The lack of focus makes it feel like a long, meandering ride.


This story could have been told in about 45 minutes. The rest of the film is filled with cool riding scenes and the boys posing, which, while visually appealing, don’t add much to the narrative.


Extra Info (Or, Fun Facts to Impress Your Friends at the Next BBQ)

Tom Hardy always takes a prop home with him after each movie. For this film, he took the motorbike. Guess he wanted a keepsake and if they let you why not?


The Bikeriders was the name of the 1967 photo-book by Danny Lyon and was always intended as a working title during production. However, nobody could think of anything better, so the name was kept for the release.

The biker gang that inspired the film still exists as of 2024 and is a rival to the Hell's Angels. So, if you ever run into them, maybe keep your opinions about the movie to yourself.


Final Thoughts and Rating

The Bikeriders offers a thrilling ride with great performances and a nostalgic vibe. However, it falls short in its storytelling and could have benefited from a tighter plot. It’s worth a watch, especially for fans of the genre, but don’t expect it to be a cinematic masterpiece.


My final rating? 7.0/10. It’s a decent addition to the biker film genre, with some standout moments and performances.



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