Watch Handlebar

Handlebar (2010) is a coming-of-age drama that follows the journey of a fourteen-year-old boy living in a small American town during the 1970s. The film sets a nostalgic tone with its classic cars, funky music, and suburban landscapes. The main character, Jimmy (Joshua Arritt), is an introverted teenager living with his grandparents after the death of his parents. He is quiet, reserved, and somewhat withdrawn - a stark contrast to his outgoing and confident best friend, Mike (Wallace Bridges). Despite their differences, the two share a passion for bike riding and feel most alive when they are sprinting across the countryside on their Schwinn Stingrays.

Their carefree days are disrupted when a biker gang led by the menacing Shark (Mark A. France) moves into town. Jimmy becomes fascinated by the bikers' rebellious lifestyle, and he immediately gravitates towards their leader. Shark is everything that Jimmy is not - tough, charismatic, and entirely without fear. He's also a criminal, involved in illegal activities that put Jimmy and his family in danger.

Jimmy is forced to choose between his old life and the thrilling but dangerous world of the bikers. Through his journey, he learns some of life's essential lessons. He discovers that the easy path isn't always the right one, and that true friends are the ones that stick around when things get tough. Along the way, he also discovers that the decisions he makes today could have life-changing effects on his future.

The movie explores several deep themes about adolescence, friendship, loyalty, and coming-of-age in a delicate and sincere way. It presents Jimmy's world with a keen eye for detail, from the clothes he wears to the way he speaks, and even the posters he hangs on his bedroom walls. These details of small-town life surrounding him, Jimmy's routine, and the scenic landscape exemplify the style of this picture.

The lead actors delivered great performances, especially young Joshua Arritt, who portrays Jimmy with extraordinary sensitivity and depth. Arritt brings an honesty and vulnerability to his character, making viewers care about him even when he's making questionable decisions. Wallace Bridges plays Mike, Jimmy's best friend, with equal subtlety, capturing the character's infectious enthusiasm and genuine love for life. Mark A. France, who portrays the menacing Shark, adds a convincing level of menace to the film as an antagonist.

Director Shane Woodson deserves credit for the work he did in bringing the world of Handlebar to life. The attention to detail in the movie's sets, costumes, and music transports the audience to the 1970s with ease. The scenes of the boys zipping around on their Stingrays are shot in a way that conveys the rush of adventure. Overall, it's a well-produced film with high production value.

Handlebar is an emotionally charged and poignant drama that embodies the American spirit of adventure, rebellion, and the importance of family. It's a movie about choices, consequences, and the value of standing up for what you believe in. In a world that seems more indifferent than ever, Handlebar stands out as a tender and heartwarming reminder that growing up is a journey worth taking.

Handlebar is a 2010 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 1 minute. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.