As a film critic with over two decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen my fair share of motorcycle movies, but none have quite captured the raw intensity and gritty authenticity like Jeff Nichols’ latest masterpiece, ‘The Bikeriders‘. With a cast that includes the likes of Tom Hardy, Austin Butler, and Jodie Comer, this crime drama is a must-watch for any fan of the genre.
Today brings delightful news for fans of the actor Tom Hardy, as one of his critically acclaimed yet underperforming (in terms of box office) crime dramas, “Warrior and Venom” star’s “The Kitchen”, is now available on streaming platforms. Released towards the end of last year, “The Kitchen” features Hardy alongside Austin Butler and Jodie Comer in a gripping story about a Midwest motorcycle club that transforms from a friendly haven for outcasts into something much darker as they become embroiled in criminal activities.
In the capable hands of director Jeff Nichols, who has made impactful dramas like ‘Take Shelter’, ‘Mud’, ‘Midnight Special’, and ‘Loving’, the movie ‘The Bikeriders’ boasts an exceptional cast led by Jodie Comer (’28 Years Later’), Austin Butler (‘Elvis’, ‘Dune: Part Two’), Tom Hardy (‘Mad Max: Fury Road’), Michael Shannon (‘The Shape of Water’), Mike Faist (‘West Side Story’), Boyd Holbrook (‘Logan’), and Norman Reedus (‘The Walking Dead’). Stream this highly recommended film on Prime Video starting December 10. Here’s a brief summary of the plot:
The movie ‘BIKERIDERS’ portrays an era in America marked by rebellion as society and its people underwent significant changes. A random meeting at a neighborhood bar brings Kathy (Jodie Comer) into close contact with Benny (Austin Butler), the latest recruit of the Midwestern motorcycle gang, the Vandals, led by the mysterious Johnny (Tom Hardy). Mirroring the nation’s transformation, the club starts to metamorphose, shifting from a hangout for local misfits into a dangerous network of violence. This forces Benny to grapple with the tough decision between his loyalty to the gang and Kathy.
‘The Bikeriders’ Struggled at the Box Office but Excelled With Critics
As a film enthusiast, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the release of “The Bikeriders,” a crime drama inspired by Danny Lyon’s iconic photo book. After several postponements, it finally premiered at the 50th Telluride Film Festival in August 2023. Excited, I waited until December for its theatrical release. However, unfortunately, it didn’t create as much buzz as expected at the box office. By the end of its run, “The Bikeriders” managed to gross a modest $36 million globally, falling short of its production budget of $40 million.
Although it didn’t fare well financially, The Bikeriders garnered acclaim from critics. It currently holds a “certified fresh” rating of 80% on Rotten Tomatoes and 75% on the Popcornmeter. Critics were particularly impressed with the cast, with many praising the film’s authentic portrayal of motorcycle culture. According to the critical consensus, The Bikeriders, fueled by a charismatic cast and the gritty authenticity of writer-director Jeff Nichols’ approach, offers a conventional yet impactful look at motorcycle culture.
In that period, Patrick Hayes from MovieWeb highly commended both Tom Hardy and Austin Butler. He admired Tom Hardy as he skillfully played the role of Johnny in “The Vandals,” stating that the character was a product of Johnny, brilliantly portrayed by the persistent, ruggedly attractive Tom Hardy who always seems to squint. On the other hand, Hayes praised Austin Butler for his performance as Elvis under Baz Luhrmann, describing him as perpetually smoldering and still seemingly on an Elvis-inspired cloud. He further noted that Benny, played by Butler, embodies coolness itself and is a captivating anti-hero whose nomadic lifestyle makes him unpredictable.
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2024-12-10 19:32