After seeing the previews on TV, I really didn’t know what to expect from “Biker Boyz,” although I figured it would be on target for those street racing enthusiasts out there, what I suppose would be the Vin Diesel crowd of moviegoers. I was right.
Lawrence Fishburn dominates the screen as Smoke, the King of the Cali motorcycle street racing scene and the guy that all the other racers are gunning for. Kid Rock delivers a solid performance as Dogg, a challenger to Smoke’s throne, and even with her insignificant role as Queenie, it looks like Cosby kid Lisa Bonet is working her way toward a comeback. Then there’s acting newcomer Derek Luke who, after playing a similar character in “Antwone Fisher,” seems to be perfecting the young, naïve, shy and confused teenager role, this time as Kid, another racer with hopes of defeating Smoke.
Unfortunately, it’s hard to get into the weak “Biker Boyz” storyline, which tries to compensate for its mediocrity by throwing in some unexpected twists, hoping to keep you interested enough to stick around for the final credits. The one thing I can say, though, is the bikes keep the action coming with some great racing scenes, so there’s at least some value to this film. Plus, Luke really knows how to pick those hot love interests — Meagan Good (Tina) can rival the best. Still, there’s nothing inherently entertaining in “Biker Boyz,” which makes Fishburn’s involvement somewhat puzzling. If you’re into movies like “The Fast and the Furious,” maybe this is for you; otherwise, wait until these “Biker Boyz” hit DVD.
2 / 5 Stars
Starring: Lawrence Fishburn, Derek Luke, Kid Rock, Meagan Good, Orlando Jones, Djimon Hounsou, Lisa Bonet, Salli Richardson
Director: Reggie Rock Bythewood
