Reviews

The film has some very sweet moments but too many characters play zero role overall and one in particular is so preposterous that it destroys the movie's moral purpose (overcoming obstacles, hope for a better future,,etc.). The actor who plays the hobo who breaks into the mansion, smokes the owner's cigars, wears his expensive clothes, is a plain thief and a lazy lout. What purpose does he serve other than to prove some people choose a life that is unproductive? There are far better Christmas movies to enjoy, try Remember the Night or The Holly and the Ivy. Two films with difficult subject matter and human foibles, but no celebration of folly and vice.

The film has its faults (glaring for the most part), but it's such a charming film and an ode to 1980s screen culture. Such a wonderful decade to grow up in and you feel that in this film as the characters grow into their roles. It's endlessly rewatchable, like many other films from this era (for ex., Rocky, Rambo, Karate Kid, or Terminator). How can you not enjoy a film with James Earl Jones as a bellowing coach and a ragtag bunch of misfits who overcome incredible odds to win? It'll move you in ways you will remember for a long time.

Eh, it's not as bad as reviewers have almost universally have panned, but it's so much fun. Bosworth does reasonably well and fits perfectly with the biker gang theme. But Lance Henriksen as Chains steals the show as a ruthless biker gang boss. Forsyth is also fun to watch as Chains right hand. If you want a fair representation of what biker gangs are like, read Hunter S. Thompson's Hell's Angels. This movie takes various stereotypes too far but most people won't be able to tell that they're largely caricatures (biker gangs prefer anonymity; a shoot 'em out, mass casualty event isn't in their DNA). It's well worth your time if you have a 80s-90s action itch you want to scratch.