Excellent film, but...

Rating: 8/10 (21 April 2006)

As a motorcyclist and classic motorcycle fan, I thought this would be the best film ever, but there are several elements missing. Firstly, there is no antagonist. This gives the film a feeling that it meanders and drifts. Consequently, the film feels like two separate films spliced together. The first film feels like a road movie, and second a sports movie. Donaldson really needed to decide which it was going to be. Other than a slightly ropey plot development, the acting is superb, the characters well-rounded and developed and the photography excellent. My only other major gripe is Burt doesn't seem to spend enough time on the bike. There are two major characters in this film: Burt and the Indian motorcycle and the film doesn't really do the Indian justice. Having said all that, it was an afternoon well spent and I highly recommend it.