Torque (2004)

Biker Cary Ford is framed by an old rival and biker gang leader for the murder of another gang member who happens to be the brother of Trey (Ice Cube), leader of the most feared biker gang ... See full summary »

Director:

Joseph Kahn

Writer:

Matt Johnson

Stars:

Martin Henderson, Ice Cube, Monet Mazur

4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Martin Henderson	...	Cary Ford
Ice Cube	...	Trey
Monet Mazur	...	Shane
Adam Scott	...	FBI Agent McPherson
Matt Schulze	...	Henry James
Will Yun Lee	...	Val
Jaime Pressly	...	China
Max Beesley	...	Luther
Christina Milian	...	Nina
Jay Hernandez	...	Dalton
Faizon Love	...	Sonny
Fredro Starr	...	Junior Wallace
Justina Machado	...	FBI Agent Henderson
John Doe	...	Sheriff Barnes
John Ashker	...	Yellow Car Driver

Storyline

Biker Cary Ford is framed by an old rival and biker gang leader for the murder of another gang member who happens to be the brother of Trey (Ice Cube), leader of the most feared biker gang in the country. Ford is now on the run trying to clear his name from the murder with Trey and his gang looking for his blood.

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Plot Keywords:

murder | on the run | spit in the face | bullet time | roadblock | 

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Genres:

Action | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for violence, sexuality, language and drug references

Details

Official Sites:

Official site Warner Bros [fr]

Country:

USA Australia

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 January 2004 (USA)

Also Known As:

Hart am Limit

Filming Locations:

Blythe, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$40,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$789,111 (Spain) (19 March 2004)

Gross:

$21,176,322 (USA) (2 April 2004)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros, Village Roadshow Pictures, Original Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

84 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Ice Cube says the line "Fuck The Police", a reference to his song (when he was the rapper from N.W.A. back in 1988) by the same name.

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Goofs

When the bikers tear out of the desert diner, only their tracks are visible, not the cars' that tore out earlier.

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Quotes

China: You messed with the wrong chick!
Shane: [Shane knocks China off her bike] Looks like you did, bitch!

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Crazy Credits

The opening credits cast shadows on the landscape.

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Connections

References The Godfather (1972)

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Soundtracks

"Fire and Flame"
Written by Robbie McIntosh
Performed by Robbie McIntosh and Chrissie Hynde
Courtesy of Compass Records

User Reviews

Cult action flick with motorcycle gangs

2004's "Torque" cost $40 million and only made a little over half back at the USA box office. It's therefore not a very well-known film, but its gained a hardcore cult following in the years since. After viewing it I can see why.

I thought it was going to be terrible, but it was actually great! The action goods are all there, but five minutes into it I got the joke and was laughing with it (not at it). I don't think this movie will appeal to everyone, but it will get two types for sure: action gearheads who just want a solid uncomplicated action picture, and smart viewers who can appreciate clever film-making and the in-jokes threaded throughout.

I fall under the second bracket since I generally loathe mindless action flicks. What takes "Torque" beyond mindless physics-defying action? As pointed out above, the film is cleverly made and filled with hilarious in-jokes. Director Joseph Kahn has a history in flashy music videos and this comes across on the screen. It's pure eye-candy from beginning to end with all manner of entertaining tidbits, like the brief close-up of the turtle between the racing cars at the very beginning.

The look & vibe is pure comic book come to life. Every shot, facial expression, action scene, confrontation, word, set, pose, etc. reflects this. The bikes are mostly crotch rockets but there are all kinds. The guys are coolness personified and the girls are hotness incarnated. The cast is highlighted by Martin Henderson as the worthy protagonist and Monet Mazur as his babe. Ice Cube is great as the leader of a black gang, while Matt Schulze and Jaime Pressly play the villains. There's also a couple of FBI agents in the mix.

The cinematography is gorgeous, shot in the desolate regions of S. California.

The film takes no prisoners at a brief 84 minutes. This is good since films of this ilk should never overstay their welcome.

Believe it or not, there's actually some depth to the characters and storyline; we see glimpses of courage, love, friendship, repentance, respect, sacrifice and loyalty. If they would have upped the depth and offered some moving epic parts I would have easily given the film a top rating of 9/10 Stars.

But it works fine as is. It is what it is -- perhaps the ultimate cult action film ever made, pulsating with energy, creativity and excitement.

GRADE: b+ or A-