![]() ![]() Allen lovingly called this movie “deep-fried in ’80s cheese” - but let’s not forget that cheese is dang tasty and never turned down at a party or gathering. I’ve seen it held up as the epitome of ’80s movies, and after having seen it, I agree with that assessment. It’s grown a huge following for its fun-loving attitude, terrific score, and memorable bike tricks - and crowds of people came out to celebrate its 35th anniversary re-release at Fantastic Fest 2021 with the cast and crew. And Cru and his buds are a hoot to hang out with.Įven though Rad bombed in theaters back in ’86, it’s become the very definition of a cult classic in the years since. It makes us fall in love with BMX from all of the races and stunts that are pulled off here (done by 25 or so actual BMX pros). It gets teens to fall in love with each other by performing a blend of bike tricks and dancing. ![]() It’s sincere without a trace of irony or meanness. It has something called “ass-sliding” that’s just as weird as it sounds. It features kids playing hide-and-seek with motorcycle cops. It’s got an upbeat attitude that vibes from start to finish. There’s so little in Rad that doesn’t aim to entertain you. But don’t lose heart, gentle reader, for there is nothing that a well-scored montage, the love of Lori Loughlin (who plays Cru’s love interest Christian), believing in oneself, and the undying adoration of an entire village can’t overcome. Yes, this is one of those sports movies where an entire town is absolutely enraptured by a single random athletic enterprise.Ĭru’s got some obstacles to overcome before he can even race, including his cranky mom (looking out for his college future, how dare she!), the devilish president of the racing association, a group of arrogant BMX professionals, and a lack of necessary funds. Bill Allen is Cru Jones, a teenage boy who’s being pushed by his mother to take the SATs but really wants to follow his heart to perform in BMX races - one race in particular, the “Hell Track,” which is coming to his very town. “Break the Ice,” “Riverside,” “Thunder in Your Heart,” and “Send Me an Angel” are just the tip of the iceberg, under which is a layer of synth and sax like you wouldn’t believe.īut there’s a movie here, and we must revel in it. Hal Needham's Rad (1986) has perhaps had more of an effect within the BMX. There’s just nine tracks on it, and not a loser in the bunch. spend a lot of time in the movie ripping around on their BMX bikes. If you had to own only five movie soundtracks from this era, Rad would be an incredibly solid choice. The first thing we must discuss about Rad - other than the spot-on title - is the amazing soundtrack. And Rad sat on top of the pile of Huffy bikes in a category all its own. Bikes weren’t just a way to get around before driver’s licenses they were statements of rebellion and awesomeness, even if they kind of look like something little kids would ride today instead of teenagers. So many kid-centric movies from the time, including E.T., Karate Kid, and Goonies, featured several scenes of our heroes bikin’ it around town and across accommodating wilderness. Let’s ride on!īMX is certainly still around today, but it seemed to really peak in the 1980s. ![]() There are like three metaphors in this paragraph so far, and I’m not going back to fix any of them. It’s high time I enter the cult of Rad and drink deep of the cup of BMX, so that my education may be complete. Justin’s review: For a good while now, Rad has been terribly absent from my ’80s movie bingo sheet - to my great shame. Good luck man.“It’s going to take a radical miracle to beat this guy.” The same company that made all the little parts on most of our bikes, also made a few bmx frames of there own. I think it might have been a Sakai challlnger 250 bmx. If anyone knows or has any ideas I'd love to hear them. The bike reminds me a bit of my Diamond Back I got in '84 and the Open Road I had from Monkey Wards in '85. Does anyone know if Tioga ever made BMX bikes? I know Shimano does (at least Mountain "Roadmaster" bikes), but not sure about Tioga. Tires could be Tigoga Comp? or maybe Taiwanese 20x1.75 all blue MX LHR tires. I'm wondering if it was just some generic department store bike they used in the movie? I swear the cranks on that thing are old 1 piece Tioga though. Unlike the other bikes that have clearly visible factory frame stickers on them, there doesn't appear to be one on his bike. Since my daughter wants to watch the DVD every day, it's really at the forefront of my mind. It's actually bugged me since I first saw the film in 1988 for the first time on VHS, and it's bugging me even more now. Bill Allen (as Cru Jones) riding in the 1986 movie RAD?. ![]()
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