Biker Boyz

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: January 21, 2003

DVD Release Date: June 10, 2003

Plot 411: Underground racing combines fast rides with big egos.

Review: After the success of The Fast And The Furious, bikers needed their own adrenaline-pumping movie so this flick was made. Of the two, I prefer the plot of Fast but to each his own. There are some technical flaws in both movies that I think real car and bike enthusiats will pick up quite quickly. However, for the layperson (like me) all the flash, sizzle and vroom vroom was pretty cool. Laurence Fishburne is Smoke, the reigning biker king in the underground world of sport bike racing. He is challenged by many up-and-comers, including Kid (Derek Luke), constantly and he must defend his turf and title from them. There is a thin thread that ties the story together, but it's probably not worth mentioning. The acting is pretty horrible, but the actors do what they can with what they are given. Luke was way better in Glory Road. Other stars in this film include Orlando Jones, Kid Rock, Larenz Tate, Djimon Hounsou, Lisa Bonet, Dante Basco and Tyson Beckford.

Watch It: If you like fast action and stunts with a background of hip hop music.

Skip It: Your focus on plot and character development cannot be distracted by shiny metal things.

Never Back Down

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: March 14, 2008

DVD Release Date: July 29, 2008

Plot 411: A new kid in town takes up mixed martial arts to regain his honor.

Review: This movie was definitely timely as the mixed martial arts craze seems to be at its peek. Newcomer Jake (Sean Faris) is lured to a secret brawlfest and is whooped by an experienced MMA fighter. He enrolls at a gym to learn how to fight, but it's for all the wrong reasons. He is mentored by Jean Roqua (Djimon Hounsou) and he teaches Jake more than just fighting. They're relationship is an interesting one. Sometimes there is respect but others it's very one-sided. If you're an MMA fan, this movie is worth a look see. There are a couple of fight scenes that are entertaining. The plot, of course, is pretty thin, but most audiences for this genre are coming for the fights. Hounsou is pretty much the only semi-big name in this film, but it's still entertaining. It's a modern-day The Karate Kid set in 90210-land.

Watch It: For the action.

Skip It: For the real thing.

Push

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: February 6, 2009

DVD Release Date: July 7, 2009

Plot 411: In a world where people have special powers, a government agency tries to exploit them into becoming the ultimate soldiers.

Review: This is a not-so-new take on the "mutant" world ala X-Men. However, they've now labeled each gift with new names that you've got to learn. It's really unnecessary and a bit confusing. The plot twists and turns and because you're trying to figure out the names (sniffers, shadows, pushers, movers, etc.), the plot becomes a bit convoluted. The movie stars Chris Evans as Nick, a mover or someone with telekinetisis, Dakota Fanning, a watcher or someone who can see the future and Djimon Hounsou and Camilla Belle, pushers who can make you do anything. In the end, it's just another sci-fi/action flick with people with powers. I guess the success of X-Men and Heroes is the reason for it. However, this movie doesn't live up to any of its predecessors.

Watch It: If you're a sci-fi fan for the different gifts each person.

Skip It: If you're a true sci-fi fan because it just takes the best of sci-fi and ruins it.