Watch American Flyers

American Flyers is a sports drama film that was released in 1985. It is directed by John Badham and stars Kevin Costner, David Marshall Grant, and Rae Dawn Chong. The movie revolves around two brothers, Marcus and David, who are both competitive bicycle racers. Marcus, played by Costner, is a doctor and has retired from racing due to a heart condition, while David, played by Grant, is a graduate student at the University of Colorado and is trying to qualify for the Hell of the West bicycle race.

After Marcus discovers that his condition has improved, he joins David and his team, which includes Becky, played by Chong, a former Olympic skier. The team embarks on a grueling cross-country bicycle race, spanning 1,500 miles from Colorado to California, culminating in the Hell of the West race.

Throughout the movie, the brothers struggle to reconcile their past, as well as their present differences. Marcus is suspicious of David's motives for returning to racing, while David resents Marcus for abandoning the sport due to his heart condition.

The team faces various obstacles during the race, including harsh weather conditions, equipment malfunctions, and rival competitors. They also contend with personal conflicts and setbacks, such as Becky's ongoing battle with alcoholism and David's struggle to balance his academic responsibilities with his passion for cycling.

One of the notable aspects of American Flyers is the way it integrates training and racing scenes, which showcase the intense physical demands of competitive cycling. The film also explores the relationship between the body and the mind, highlighting the importance of mental and emotional resilience in endurance sports.

The movie also touches upon various themes, such as brotherhood, loyalty, and self-discovery. It depicts the transformative power of sports, as well as the sacrifices and risks that athletes must undergo in order to achieve their goals.

Overall, American Flyers is an engaging and inspiring movie that celebrates the spirit of competitive sports. It features strong performances from its lead cast, particularly Kevin Costner, who delivers a nuanced portrayal of a conflicted and ultimately redeemed character. The film also benefits from its stunning cinematography, which captures the scenic landscapes of the American West and the adrenaline-fueled action of bicycle racing.

American Flyers is a 1985 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 50.