Hard Miles

After an 8-month hiatus from the movies, I went to see Hard Miles and loved it!

Based on a true story, it didn't need the cookie-cutter model you see in almost everything else released by Hollywood nowadays. Hard Miles was able to shine with an original storyline, great acting, and great cinematography that brought to life the transition of correctional school students from cast-offs to a cohesive team of cyclists during their journey from Colorado to the Grand Canyon.

Instead of telling someone else's story, it felt as though you were watching the actors' own play out.

Although Matthew Modine is always a pleasure to watch on big or small screen, it was just as wonderful to see newer talents showcasing their acting skills, like Zachary Robbins' portrayal of class clown Rice.

I can see why Rotten Tomatoes gave the movie such a high rating!

I'm a huge Sean Astin fan and I've been trying to see all his recent movies in theaters. I'm so glad my insane fandom brought to a Theater in Salem Oregon to experience this great film. I was not expecting much because I hadn't heard much about this flick. I have only seen it once and yet I have multiple quotes that have stuck with me. The editing was fantastic, the way it delt with memories. I laughed, I cried, I sat on the edge of my seat and I cheered! I really hope more people see this powerful piece of cinema. Hopefully I can get a friend to drag me to a second showing. It better be released on Blu Ray cause I want it.

There is one glaring issue with this picture and it's that there simply isn't enough Sean Astin. But I am glad he got to be apart of this movie in any way. And of course there are the sports genre cliches, which can lead to predictable outcomes. But the heart and the relationships outweigh those small issues. Modine is fantastic in this, he and this movie inspired me. And that's rare in movies nowadays.

Matthew Modine is quite effective here as the cycling-obsessed Doug Townsend. By day, he's a sort of hybrid between a prison officer and social worker for young men in various stages of the criminal justice system. He is about to go on two week trip cycling the 700-odd miles to the Grand Canyon but their facility is under constant funding threat and they need something that will make a "splash". He leads a welding class of four disparate lads who each have their own problems and who could pick a fight with Mother Theresa! Then he hits on an idea to get them to make their own bikes. His boss and his colleague "Haddie" (Cynthia Kaye McWilliams) are somewhat sceptical of his next suggestion. He takes them all along on his trip. She had already been involved in a disabling altercation at work, so could drive the supply van whilst the rest cycle. It's risky. They aren't so fit, they might abscond and presently, would cheerily ride over each other before going anywhere! From here on, it's all rather predicable but the underlying messages of inter-reliance, team spirit and friendship evolve quite well with strong contributions from Jahking Guillory - the recalcitrant "Woolbright" and from Jackson Kelly as the weedy "Smink" who has significant dietary issue: he doesn't eat. The photography works well on two levels. The scenery as we travel towards the Canyon itself, and the intensive style of coverage of their journey involving us in the strenuousness of their struggle both physically and emotionally. It's essentially about having purpose, I think. Rudderless people who are abandoned to drift along aimlessly fall into bad habits. Townsend sees that and wants to head off their loneliness and sense of hopelessness at the pass by giving them something to be proud of. To achieve on their own terms. It's a bit long but has some comedy (frequently from or at the expense of McWilliams) and even if the conclusion is pretty obvious from the get-go, it's still a film that has some punch at the end.

It's low-budget, and it looked it from the trailer. Sometimes when you hit upon a movie like that, no matter how worthy the story, it gets delivered with such a sub-par script and acting that it's unpalatable. Not so with this one.

I was really impressed by the acting all around. Everyone seemed authentic, and the deeper chemistry that developed between the characters felt natural and not contrived.

It's a very decent script, too. There were no big dramatic moments that made it feel saccharine or overly done. Even a moment between Modine's character and his (abusive) father is done in such a realistic, simple way. No sappy, platitude-laden scripting to ruin the authenticity.

The whole film was inspiring enough to make me cry! Maybe it's because I'm a mom of a boy, but I sure felt protective of those young men and wanted to see them succeed (I raised my son in a safe, loving home -- and it breaks my heart to think of kids who don't have that). The fact that it's based on a true story added to the emotional factor for me.

Overall, this is a really touching (though understated) story that is well worth watching!

Hard Miles is an uplifting movie about real experiences . The scenes give you a clear picture of the triumphs and tribulations these students experience. By the end of the movie, you are cheering them on to see if they can experience positive results. I would recommend Hard Miles especially for someone who might be considering a ride. The scenery is breathtaking and makes me want to dust off my own bicycle to join in a challenge. Cycling doesn't get enough credit for how you need to focus your energy and use your mind AND your body to have success. If you have any doubts in your ability to ride, see Hard Miles.