Charge

Narrator-actor Ewan McGregor and director Mark Neale—who teamed up for the similarly-themed motorcycle-racing documentaries Faster (VL Online-2/05) and Fastest (VL-9/12)—here examine a subculture in two-wheel motor racing that boasts "green" appeal beyond spectator sports. In 2009, the illustrious Isle of Man TT—a grand prix for cycling—initiated a "zero emission" component for quietly whirring, high-performance all-electric bikes. Although drawing sneers from the gas- and piston-powered crowd, the race attracts an eccentric group of entrants and innovators. Everyone is an underdog, even the showy American contender, Portland-based Michael Czysz (whose MotoCzysz team runs into endless troubles, leading Czysz to wonder if he should have paid proper tribute to the island's fairy folk). And right out of Wallace and Gromit's World of Invention is Britain's Cedric Lynch, a self-taught creator of industry-standard electric motors, who now works for Agni Motors, a joint India-U.K. venture. The race entrants—including student groups and DIY types—struggle through the qualification process amidst engine meltdowns (the ever-helpful Lynch displays exceptional sportsmanship—offering spare motors to competitors). Ultimately, electric vehicles and their low carbon footprints (or tire tracks) win respect here from diehard fans, and the viewer enjoys a sense of having been present at a technological turning point. DVD extras include bonus footage from the 2011 and 2012 races, extended interviews, and deleted scenes. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (C. Cassady)