Biker Boyz

A pair of robust performances from Laurence Fishburne and Derek Luke (Antwone Fisher) raise this laughably-titled motorcycle action flick slightly above its pedigree as a two-wheel rip-off of The Fast and the Furious. Similarly set in the "sideshow" world of illegal street racing, this movie comes minus the ridiculous cops-vs.-smugglers subplot, and boasts some impressive Western-inspired trick riding. But while the story is utterly predictable--Kid (Luke), a hotheaded but talented up-and-coming racer, wants to challenge longtime champion Smoke (Fishburne) for his title--the love-hate relationship between the two (Kid's dad had been Smoke's mechanic) has more depth and dimension than this kind of over-polished B-movie usually musters. For what it is, Biker Boyz is a satisfying enough ride--but this is empty-calorie entertainment, eye candy with a simplistic script that speeds away from your memory before the credits finish rolling. Optional. [Note: Available in widescreen or full screen versions, DVD extras include 11 deleted scenes, a 21-minute “Behind the Action” featurette, cast/crew bios, production notes, and a photo gallery. Bottom line: a so-so extras package for a so-so film.] (R. Blackwelder)