As a seasoned moviegoer who’s seen more underdog tales than I can count, I can confidently say that “One Fast Move” is a breath of fresh air in the genre of sports redemption films. This isn’t just another motorcycle drama; it’s a polished gem that will leave you impressed with its raw visuals and talented ensemble.
Redeeming stories through sports or the redemption that occurs within sports – both can be powerful and inspiring, particularly when it comes to underdog narratives. These heartwarming tales are often found in the world of athletics, even those pushing the limits of extremity. For a majority of mainstream cinema enthusiasts, there’s an unspoken, universal fondness for the underdog story – a determined athlete utilizing his unique talents bestowed by fate because, after all, what other resources does he possess in this harsh world? Iconic films like Rocky, Invincible, and even I, Tonya are examples that come to mind. Additionally, Amazon Prime Video’s latest direct-to-streaming production, One Fast Move, indicates that the list of such inspiring stories will continue into 2024…
In a different phrasing:
KJ Apa Crosses the River(dale) to Become a Movie Star
It’s surprising to learn that the character “Archie” from the popular Riverdale series on The CW is transformed for a new action sports movie, appearing quite different from his previous television persona. In the film titled One Fast Move, New Zealand actor KJ Apa seems perfectly suited to join the fictional Bikeriders gang (though it appears I’ve confused the reference).
In a polished American accent, KJ Apa returns, showcasing an impressive physique, bald head, and intense gaze that hints at a challenging past. However, it seems there’s more turmoil ahead, as the intense opening scene suggests. Now, for those who are skeptical about Riverdale, here’s some news: The versatile Apa brings a no-nonsense demeanor to his role in this high-quality production, much like his notable supporting act in the critically acclaimed film The Hate U Give (2018).
Under the direction of Kelly Blatz, who has a diverse acting background, the movie One Fast Move is shot with a blend of polished grittiness and elegance, frequently switching between the two. The film’s polish is persistent, while its raw, rugged aspects appear more frequently, particularly in the opening scene where the daring character Wes (played by Apa) finds himself entangled in an illicit street race, ultimately ending up in jail.
Eric Dane & KJ Apa: Like Father, Like Son?
After some time, Wes steps out and ends up in a town he’s rarely visited before. But there’s something familiar about it. As a bike enthusiast, he can’t resist visiting the local race track. There, his attention is drawn to one racer – Dean (Eric Dane), who turns out to be Wes’ long-absent father. It seems racing talent might indeed be hereditary for these two, as they both possess a remarkable skill for navigating high-speed tracks. However, Dean has endured numerous injuries from past races, which have left him with metal rods in his body. On the other hand, Wes, once an ex-convict, currently finds himself short on funds. In contrast to his straitened circumstances, Dean spends his days indulging in parties and pursuing women, while consistently failing to clinch the top prize at local racing events.
Wes finds Dean’s carefree, work-shy demeanor unappealing, and they initially clash, but what unfolds is a heartwarming, down-to-earth family dynamic that film audiences will savor, despite the fact that some people get spooked by motorcycles. The relationship between Apa and Dane is often humorously dry and peppered with profanity, as they exchange tough love when it’s decided that perhaps Dean can adopt his long-lost son as a mentor – and possibly propel Wes towards modest motorcycle fame.
A Great Supporting Cast Pushes Past Tired Clichés
Dean manages to secure a position for Wes at a neighborhood bike store, which appears to be run by an old-school biker legend – Abel, brilliantly portrayed by Edward James Olmos from Battlestar Galactica. The bond between Olmos, Dane, and Apa resembles a family tree, adding depth to the movie that relies heavily on scenes showcasing less the athletic prowess of these extreme sports athletes. Additionally, Maia Reficco plays the charming local waitress who finds herself drawn to Wes’ humble, fresh-off-the-bus demeanor. The on-screen chemistry between the young stars is strong, even though their romantic development follows a somewhat expected pattern.
In summary, the conclusion might be a bit predictable and stereotypical for Wes’ transformation, but the journey leading up to it is captivating enough. As Eric Dane stated during our recent interview about the movie, “It’s compelling to watch troubled individuals find their way.” Indeed, while the fate of our main character may be expected, the intriguing subplots in One Fast Move featuring appealing secondary characters could keep you engaged and potentially discourage excessive eye-rolling at the seemingly contrived resolution that unfolds as the movie enters its third act.
Topics such as having the courage to dream, navigating parenthood at a young age, striving for goals beyond your prime, and more will strike a chord with those finding it tough to keep pace with our inflation-driven American economy. Meanwhile, Apa continues to shine in Hollywood. The film One Fast Move became available on Prime Video starting August 8, and you can watch it through the link provided below:
Watch One Fast Move
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2024-08-10 03:02