Hell Ride

Plot synopsis:
Biker Pistolero (Larry Bishop) is the leader, or "Prez," of the Victors, a Southern California motorcycle gang. He has two faithful lieutenants, The Gent (Michael Madsen) and Comanche (Eric Balfour).
In 1976, Cherokee Kisum (Julia Jones), the girlfriend of Pistolero (then known as Johnny) is viciously murdered by The Deuce (David Carradine) and Billy Wings (Vinnie Jones), leaders of the arch-rival gang the Six-Six-Six'ers, as a message to the Victors. The Deuce later moves into large scale business efforts, leaving the biker life behind and the Sixers dry up as a gang. Cherokee Kisum has also hidden away a small fortune from under-the-table drug deals she made behind the Deuce's back - the reason for which she is murdered. The stash of money is intended for her young son, who disappears after her death.
Years later, after The Deuce returns to the area to close up unfinished business and Billy Wings reforms the Sixers in Los Angeles, the rival gang infiltrates the Victors in an attempt to take over their territory. One member from 1976, St. Louie, is murdered in the same manner as Cherokee Kisum. Bob the Bum, the Victors' treasurer, is similarly killed. Pistolero then begins to make moves to eliminate the Sixers and finally gain his revenge. While loyal bikers are killed by the Sixers, the more treacherous and less faithful Victors try to influence The Gent, Comanche, and Goody Two-Shoes to switch sides - or kill them. Goody Two-Shoes, the Victors' only black member, is eventually killed after being located and chased down by Billy Wings.
With the aid of his beautiful "medicine woman" Nada (Leonor Varela) and his old friend and ally Eddie Zero (Dennis Hopper), Pistolero and the remaining Victors try to locate and kill The Deuce, Billy Wings and the Sixers before they themselves are killed.

Tags: comedy, revenge, cult, murder, flashback

Review:
But as someone else already pointed out, the director and star of the film, seems fiercely determined not to tell that story, instead focusing on a plethora of naked babes and dialogue that's supposed to be badass, but grows tired surprisingly quick (did they have an contest to see how many times they could cram the words "pussy" and "f*ck" and its derivatives in an 80 minute film?).This movie was absolutely horrible..
Larry Bishop writes, directs and stars in this soft-core porn; a plot less biker movie about nothing to do with anything.
Nice try setting a gritty tone but we'd have to care about the characters or the story for it to remotely succeed.What you're left with are cool Harleys and pretty girls surrounding a bunch of tired, old and out of shape "bad boys" in what looks like an attempt to do a modernized Sergio Leone western.
The acting, directing and script are all third-rate - with the entire film playing out like an excuse for writer/director/star Larry Bishop to get laid.
The plot of the film is pretty flimsy, and basically tries to survive on not-so-obscure references to older B-movies and some cameos from guys like David Carradine, Dennis Hopper, and Vinnie Jones.
I'd only check this one out if you love bad movies...or if you're really into biker films..
Hell Ride is based on the retro cult 70s theme that Tarantino brought back, and did right, in movies like Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs.
I didn't like the way they seemed to be trying to be like the 60's and 70's biker movies.I missed the point the first time I saw it.But there were some scenes I wanted to see again, because I had watched it late one night and didn't finish it, so I watched it a second time and I must say I liked it a little more.
Or script writing and some other things that people seem to want to 'act' like are part of making art films.I digress.However, having made a few micro and low budget films, and being in many small budget ones as an actor, I can tell you that this movie had flavor.
Anyone who doesn't see that doesn't understand the true 'B' movie and REALLY doesn't get Bishop's idea here.Not surprising in today's film world of computer generated images and gazillion dollar blockbusters but this is different.I will again state, if you see this movie at least three times, keep an open mind, leaving all your QT wannit-to-be at home, let yourself forget all the stupid (and usually wrong) stuff your film professor told you, and allow yourself to see a movie that was meant to be a 'B' movie about 'B' movies, in other words, fun and nothing else, you just might 'get it.' And for all the folks on here talking about all the stuff that was 'stolen' from other movies, I say, show me the super duper ultra original piece you flaunt as your ideal movie and I will find the movies they stole stuff from.It is a stupid argument and ignorant at the same time.
To say this movie is bad would be to simplify matters to the extreme and with the exception of Hell Ride's plot, nothing in this life is that simple.So what's wrong with it exactly...
not so good.The story is interesting, the theme is great, the cast, characters and acting are over the top but welcome, hell, even the directing is good but Larry, why did you have to put yourself in it as the lead?
I admit its not film-making that will change the world- but its a gritty exploitation film, and for anyone who's gotten a kick out of "Devils Rejects," "Kill Bill" or the "Desperado" series this is at least worth taking a peak at.The cast is all great- Bishop, Balfour and Madsen make a cool trio, each stealing the show at different moments, Dennis Hopper really gives a memorable and entertaining performance, and Carradine shines in a very (darkly) funny cameo.
actually directed this joint.If you are in any way, shape or form, a fan of biker movies, or Quentin Tarantino, or extreme film-making, or classic drive-in movie fare, you MUST check out this ride.
And the entire rivalry between the gangs is not given enough attention.This is all supposed the take part in the desert of New Mexico/Arizona, but as always, was filmed on the other side of the Hollywood Hills, and that just does not have enough of a desert atmosphere.This is the kind of movie that you want to like, it's got some cool characters like The Gent, pretty girls, it's about violent outlaw bikers...but in the end it disappoints by focusing an the least believable of the characters and by pushing the most interesting parts of the story into flashbacks.
When a movie called Hell Ride comes out you expect a certain amount of biker cliché.
From executive producer Quentin Tarantino comes "Hell Ride," a throw-back biker flick/vehicle for Larry Bishop, who not only serves as the lead in the film, but also steps up to the plate as writer/director.
The film follows the exploits of a hardened clan of bikers known as The Victors whose penchant for booze, women and good old fashioned revenge seems to have bonded them for life.Bishop, along with his co-stars Michael Madsen and Eric Balfour, manages to conjure up enough charisma in spite of poorly written characters and the cringe-worthy dialog they are forced to spew.
What the film lacks is true charm and appeal, not to mention, a cohesive or even mildly interesting plot.Bit parts from the likes of David Carradine and Dennis Hopper may serve to shake you out of the semi-comatose state the film lulls you into, but neither character do much to improve or advance the story.
There's lots of eye-candy -- from the babes to the bikes -- but not enough plot to go around, even for it's miniscule 80 minute running time, which still makes for a ride that goes on way too long..
No really, that's the good "upper B-class" with all attributes of biker's movie like dust, guns, leather jackets, shootings in desert and babes.
you guys make me laugh, i often check here before watching films and if you give it over a 4 i watch it.People who fail to see the fun in this film watched it with there eyes closed, And as for giving bikers a bad reputation I'm pretty sure the real hells angels have made enough effort in giving bikers the reputation that made this film.If you like Tarrantino you should enjoy this little bike adventure of vengeance, it's not your normal film but then nothing with Tarrantino's name ever is.
obviously, everyone talking smack on this film has; a) absolutely no appreciation of motorcycles, b) knows any real bikers, c) or can even grasp the fact that all the violence shown in this movie is actually based on reality.
I found a film which no one can possibly have cared a bit about, including its creator."Hell Ride", directed, written by and starring Larry "Friend of QT" Bishop, has a simple plot about a hidden treasure and a trio of keys, two bands of bikers and a gruesome murder in 1976 which has yet to be avenged.
There is plenty of silicon-enhanced nudity, but fairly little action and no humor whatsoever, making one wonder just what kind of an audience they had in mind.My guess is that most people who watch this film, including fans of trashy 60s biker movies, will feel cheated.
Yes the dialogue could have been better in some parts but who cares really.At times i was a little confused but that just made me want to watch more and find out what was going on.I VERY rarely write a review but with all the negative comments thought I'd voice an opinion..
Guys will envy me for my coolness and the chicks that can not resist me." That's probably what Larry Bishop thought when writing and directing this movie.
Its a 83 min long ego stroke for Writer and Director and Star Mr Larry Bishop he gets the cool bike the hot girls the "cool" lines the guy written and directed it and then gave himself the main role its a crime!
What did you expect from a biker movie called Hell Ride?Contrary to some of the complaints expressed here, the acting in this movie is quite good.
That said, I gave in now in view of the late Dennis Hopper's involvement (especially given its ties with his former iconic biker persona) and, in retrospect, as a belated tribute to David Carradine as well (whose participation in Tarantino's own KILL BILL [2003/4] saga had revived his dwindling career, even if it was to be short-lived).Anyway, I was unfamiliar with the writer-director-star of the film (though, looking at his resume' on IMDb just now, I noticed he was in William Castle's bizarre SHANKS [1974]!!) – who seems to hold a very high opinion of himself (in the way horny half-naked chicks are made to ogle over his character throughout!) and his would-be talent, exemplified by pointlessly flashy technique, is best described as the poor man's version of Tarantino's own already cannibalistic style!
What plot there is concerns revenge spanning 30 years and involving rival biker gangs, the Victors and the Six-Six-Sixes; the actors to fall within the first group include Bishop himself, Michael Madsen (another Tarantino alumnus) and Hopper (who had appeared in the QT-scripted TRUE ROMANCE [1993]), whereas the second numbers both Vinnie Jones (who ends up with his throat slashed, riddled with bullets and ultimately set on fire!) and Carradine among its members.Typically, violence and foul language are the order of the day here but, for all the macho/sexist attitudes on display, the film does not contain an ounce of truth to it outside of the, in retrospect, poignant portrayal of its two veterans: in fact, Carradine's character is strangled (as he was in real-life), whereas Hopper is shot with an arrow(!) and plays dead but then gets up on his feet and walks away (a fate the actor himself was not to share, alas)..
As many people will agree with me, he should spend more time behind the camera rather than playing the lead role.The setting was great, the cheesy peyote tripping worked well and the cameo performances of Dennis Hopper and David Carradine fitting in nicely.If you don't like the B-movie genre, explicit dialogue or guns and mud wrestling then this isn't the movie for you.Otherwise, enjoy :).
While most critics were harsh on hell ride,i thought it was a really good biker movie,sort of reminded me of the 1970's biker flicks by American international.a very good cast led by Micheal Madson,and smaller roles by Dennis Hopper and David Carridine.pretty violent and has the Quentin Tarentino trademark.would have been a good drive in flick.features some great music on the soundtrack like cc rider.which was a biker movie from 1971,with Joe Namith,and William Smith,if you like good biker flicks and exploitation,then hell ride is for you.all i can say is i liked it.and i like Tarentino movies.too bad William Smith and Peter Fonda were not in this.but then again it still works.7 out of 10.
Larry Bishop's Hell Ride is a throwback to these drive-in flicks (he's a refugee from them, himself), and it's a wild, crusty, profane, and ultimately entertaining dirtball of a movie.The only way to make a bad-ass biker look like a hero is to make his enemy even worse.
Cherokee had a son, Comanche (Eric Balfour), who may or may not still be alive, and the biker gang who killed his mom thirty years ago, the 666ers, is reforming and hoping to wreak more havoc.Riding with Pistolero and Comanche is The Gent (Michael Madsen), while the 666ers include The Deuce (David Carradine), Billy Wings (Vinnie Jones), and maybe Eddie Zero (Dennis Hopper).
Tarantino, a film scholar of his generation if there ever was one, takes great pains to capture the spirit and look of those early-era biker movies.
Madsen gets more screen time than either of them, and he runs away with the entire picture from Bishop, who's probably better suited to supporting roles.Regardless, Hell Ride is a dusty-fingernail, rubber-burning thriller full of gut-shooting, incredibly gorgeous women, and peyote.
The cast is excellent and it was good to see Larry Bishop back in a motorcycle movie and for him to be directed, producing and acting in it makes it even better.
any way, besides the music in it and don't-known-what-the-fuzz-is-about characters and story plot, this movie just seems to copy QT's style so obviously to make it looks like one, but honestly, the dialogue which QT himself always reflects theatrical talent in his own works really really SUCKS in this one, even worse, many of them are stupid...
if i have to discover something delights me from "hell ride", then must be the cast, it's always pleased to see Michael Madsen in an allegedly bad-ass film which he did a fine job, and Eric Balfour who i recognized there back in 24 as Milo who got shot by the terrorist surprises me (dude, he's sexy in the movie, i'm just saying it, i'm straight) , Mr hopper as well as Mr Carradine appears to be out of expect too, so did Vennie Jones, BTW i never saw big Vennie got screwed up so badly in any movies including "Snatch"...
Larry Bishop's Hell Ride is unabashedly silly fun, a flashy, flippant, bloody and at times very weird pseudo biker flick.
The dialogue misses the mark: rather than being "snappy and funny" it is cheesy and lame.Bishop went so far as to cast two actors who would be instant reminders of QT films: Michael Madsen (Reservoir Dogs & Kill Bill) and David Carradine (Kill Bill).
The movie has a nice smorgasbord of eye candy.Micheal Madsen rocks as a biker wearing a tux, that was unique I'll give you that, and although having such counter culture icons as Dennis Hopper and David Carradine carry your picture was a great idea, there has to be more picture to carry.If there is a story I did not get it.
I don't recall any of the late 60s early 70's biker films writer and director and star Larry Bishop was in, and if this movie authentically pays homage to that, I'm not interested in seeing them.In all fairness,if this movie was really that good it would not matter what genre it pays homage to, but it's not.
Dennis Hopper and Vinnie Jones, almost save this movie from the hands of some not so great actors (Eric Balfour and Larry Bishop) Overall, if you want to see nice bikes, babes, and booze, then this movie is for you!.
It seems that Larry Bishop took too heavy burden on his shoulders, being 4-in-1: director, the main star, screenwriter and co-producer.Apparently thanks to the banner "Quentin Tarantino Presents" the movie includes several magnificent actors in small(er) roles: Dennis Hopper, Michael Madsen, Vinnie Jones, David Carradine.
Because Hell Ride is so far from Tarantino, and far away from any normal movie.Don't let him get camera or pen (for "script") one more time!.
By the end of the movie, which is less than eighty minutes in total, you'll feel like you've only been watching fifty minutes, and that no plot has occurred.Larry Bishop is trying to make a slick and cool Tarantino movie, but in the end this movie amounts to absolutely nothing.My rating: * out of ****.
Apparently, executive producer Quentin Tarantino told writer/director/star Larry Bishop to make the "greatest biker movie of all time", so the guy certainly had his work cut out.
Unfortunately, what he's done is exactly the opposite – he's managed to create one of the dumbest biker flicks ever made.Larry Bishop seems to think he's God's gift to film-making, but in reality he's a complete joke.
There wasn't a plot, it just felt like a few drunken guys in a bar talking about what might make a good story, it's without doubt the worst film I've ever seen, and that includes a lot of dreadful 70's Hammer House of Horror which at least hang together.Don't waste your time watching this stylish life waster, sorry Quentin, you need to work out what it is that makes people care about characters again, I wanted everyone dead by the end of this..
Once upon a time Quentin Tarantino was a relatively successful filmmaker.Now, unfortunately, he not only makes terrible films, but puts his names to ones like this.A supposedly cool retro flashback to biker movies of the 60s and 70s, this plumbs new depths.Believe you me, I enjoy it when a blouse falls off in a film more than the next man but even I felt kind of sleazy watching this.
Vinnie Jones and Dennis involved also in bad roles because they love B Movies and that's Hell Ride pretends to be...
If you've enjoyed simple B and C-movies of the 60's and 70's with cheesy dialog and bad acting, then you'll love this film.
HELL RIDE is the one of the latter, and only when it's too late do you find out you were fooled into wasting money and time.I really tried to like this movie but I just couldn't find it in myself to even appreciate one bit of it.
The whole movie, by the end credits, was an incomprehensible mess that had something to do with revenge and the biker life.The cast was a waste of so much potential; here, we have the likes of Michael Madsen and Vinnie Jones just to name a few and while there are a number of cool character concepts, they were all wasted.
I like biker actions movies and 'Hellride' boasts an impressive cast including Michael Madsen, David Carradine, Dennis Hopper and more.
Even though that movie isn't about the story, it still is 100 times better than the story of Hell Ride.