Biker Boyz (2003)

A son of the leader of a legendary group of an urban biker gang tries to retain his championship title.

Director:

Reggie Rock Bythewood

Writers:

Michael Gougis (article), Craig Fernandez,

Stars:

Laurence Fishburne, Derek Luke, Orlando Jones

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Laurence Fishburne	...	Smoke
Derek Luke	...	Kid
Orlando Jones	...	Soul Train
Djimon Hounsou	...	Motherland
Lisa Bonet	...	Queenie
Brendan Fehr	...	Stuntman
Larenz Tate	...	Wood
Kid Rock	...	Dogg
Rick Gonzalez	...	Primo
Meagan Good	...	Tina
Salli Richardson-Whitfield	...	Half & Half
Vanessa Bell Calloway	...	Anita
Dante Basco	...	Philly
Dion Basco	...	Flip
Tyson Beckford	...	Donny

Storyline

A mythic motorcycle tale of father and son", this is the story of Manuel Galloway, also known as "the King of Cali", the president of a motorcycle club whose members are all African-American men, mostly white-collar workers who exchange their suits and ties at night and on weekends for leather outfits and motorcycle helmets. The focus of this story takes place at an annual drag-racing event in Fresno, as Manuel tries to retain his championship title.

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Plot Keywords:

motorcycle | helmet | biker gang | african american | burnout | 

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Taglines:

Survival of the fastest.

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Genres:

Action | Drama | Crime

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for violence, sexual content and language

Details

Official Sites:

Official Site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

31 January 2003 (USA)

Also Known As:

Biker Boyz - Corridas Clandestinas

Filming Locations:

Santa Clarita, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

£65,412 (UK) (27 June 2003)

Gross:

£65,412 (UK) (27 June 2003)

Company Credits

Production Co:

DreamWorks SKG, 3 Art Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

110 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Actual motorcycle clubs were on the set to aid with tricks, stunts, and racing. They include Valiant Riders, Black Sabbath, G-Zer Tribe, Ruff Ryders, Soul Brothers, Total Package, Chosen Few, Rare Breed, Brothers of the Sun, Sisters of the Sun, Deuces, and Black Sabbath New Breed.

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Goofs

When Kid is playing a video game with his little brother, Will Jr. is using both trigger buttons on each side of the controller, mashing them wildly with two fingers on either side. However, when Anita sits down to play, she doesn't use them at all.

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Quotes

Kid: I want your ass right now!
Smoke: What'd you say to me?

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Crazy Credits

Ending credits roll with pictures of motorcycle clubs that were on the set. Credits end with the quote "Burn rubber not your soul."

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Connections

References The Beverly Hillbillies (1962)

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Soundtracks

"Tru Rider"
Written by Mikka Harvey, Jerry Franklin, Christian Dudley, Brandon Stringfield, DeWayne Staten,
Chauncey Hawkins, David Paich & Jeffrey Porcaro
Performed by Mowett & Loon
Courtesy of DreamWorks Records
Under license from Universal Music Enterprises
Loon appears courtesy of Bad Boy Entertainment
Contains a sample of "Africa"
Performed by Toto
Courtesy of Columbia Records
By Arrangement with Sony Music Licensing

User Reviews

not good, not terrible

The days of Harley-Davidsons mastering the road are over. Nowadays color and plastic coat the fastest and most coveted motorcycles in the land, and `Biker Boyz' heralds the passing with unrestrained glee.

Set among African-American biker clubs in Southern California, the film follows Kid (Derek Luke), a prodigious young motorcycle racer, in his quest for the title of `King of Cali,' currently held by Smoke (Lawrence Fishburne), leader of the Black Knights bike club. Smoke hesitates in accepting Kid's challenges, citing that Kid is not a member of a legitimate club. In one scene, Kid addresses Smoke's assistant with anger and frustration: `Are you racing? Or are you just blowin' smoke?' Kid begins his own club (the aptly named `Biker Boyz') and sets out for the crown of fastest biker. The rest of the film follows a sort of formula we have seen before, with the underdog taking on the inhumanly skilled antagonist at the end. Though the plot is weak, the talent both onscreen and off push the film into something the script alone could not hold. The actors, for the most part, excel in their respective roles. Fishburne turns what may have been a trivial role into one exuding sincerity and masculinity, holding to an effectively pensive and reserved demeanor. His presence on the screen legitimizes the film as not just another `Days of Thunder.' Fishburne's charisma must have extended to the rest of the cast, as even Kid Rock, who made his film debut in 2001's deplorable `Joe Dirt,' portrays his character with gusto and road-wise scruffiness. Director Reggie Rock Bythewood makes his presence felt in the film. Bythewood made a splash at Sundance a few years ago with his debut `Dancing in September.' With `Biker Boyz,' he manages to pull off something slightly extraordinary: he makes motorcycle racing entertaining. The camera freewheels around smoking tires, colorful racing suits and bouncing nightclubs with dizzying ease. His film is loosely based on a feature from the Los Angeles New Times on the biking subculture in California, and Bythewood tries to bring a sense of biker culture to the screen. The nonfiction foundation of the film shines through, displaying a bizarre sense of camaraderie between cyclists similar to that of a fraternal order.

Despite its basically inane premise, the movie is not all bad. The poor title and plot outline summons memories of `Rollerball' and the like, but do not be deceived. `Biker Boyz' inspires some sense of genuine excitement and intrigue. As entertainment, it works on the same level as last year's `Spider-Man.' It cannot be praised as a piece of art, but the craftsmanship of the film is undeniable, which grants it a begrudged recommendation.