Okay, pop that tape in the VCR, maybe adjust the tracking just a bit, and get ready. Some films don't just capture a moment; they are the moment, bottled up in pure, concentrated form. If the mid-80s BMX craze had a cinematic soul, it would undoubtedly be cranking "Send Me an Angel" while pulling off a tailwhip – it would be Rad (1986). Forget subtlety, forget complex character arcs; this movie is all about the rush, the chrome, the synth-pop, and the sheer, unadulterated joy of riding a bike like your life depended on it.
### Welcome to Cochrane (aka Helltrack)
Directed by the legendary stuntman-turned-director Hal Needham – the mastermind behind Smokey and the Bandit (1977) and Cannonball Run (1981) – Rad practically bleeds high-octane energy, even if that energy is pedal-powered. The plot is classic 80s underdog fuel: Cru Jones (Bill Allen) is a small-town kid with big BMX dreams. When a major race, Helltrack, comes to his hometown of Cochrane, Alberta (standing in for sunny California, a fun bit of movie magic!), Cru has to choose between taking his SATs and a shot at glory against the smarmy factory-sponsored pros, led by the impossibly blond Bart Taylor (Bart Conner, yes, the Olympic gymnast!). Along the way, he finds friendship, rivalry, and a spark with Christian Hollings (Lori Loughlin, years before any college scandals), a visiting BMX star with a heart of gold. Oh, and his mom is played by Talia Shire, aka Adrian Balboa herself, offering worried support from the sidelines.
The story, penned by Sam Bernard and Geoffrey Edwards (son of Blake Edwards), isn't going to win any Pulitzers. It's straightforward, predictable, and wears its heart on its neon-colored sleeve. But honestly? That’s part of the charm. It’s a simple frame built specifically to showcase what Needham did best: jaw-dropping practical stunts. And Rad delivers those in spades.
### More Than Just Bikes: The Stunt Spectacle
Let's be real: you didn't rent Rad for the riveting dialogue. You rented it for the bikes. And Hal Needham, leveraging his unparalleled stunt expertise, made sure the BMX action felt kinetic, dangerous, and utterly thrilling on screen. Forget CGI – these were real riders pushing the limits. The film smartly incorporated actual BMX legends like Eddie Fiola (as Cru's stunt double for the truly insane stuff) and Martin Aparijo, adding a layer of authenticity that still impresses. Seeing those guys pull off complex flatland tricks and soaring jumps felt revolutionary back then, beamed directly into our living rooms via that trusty VHS tape.
Remember the "BMX Boogie" scene at the school dance? Where Cru and Christian perform a synchronized freestyle routine that defies both gravity and social awkwardness? It’s pure, glorious 80s cheese, set to Real Life's iconic track, and it’s utterly unforgettable. It perfectly encapsulates the film's spirit: earnest, slightly goofy, but undeniably cool in its own specific way. The climactic Helltrack race itself is a masterclass in filming action – multiple cameras capturing the speed, the spills, and the sheer effort involved. You can almost feel the mud flying.
### Retro Fun Facts: Behind the Handlebars
Rad has a fascinating backstory. It was apparently conceived by producer Jack Schwartzman (Talia Shire's late husband) as a project inspired by their son's love for BMX. Despite Needham's action pedigree and the booming popularity of BMX, the film had a surprisingly modest budget (around $11 million) and, bafflingly, fizzled at the box office, pulling in only about $2 million domestically upon release. Critics were not kind. Yet, like so many beloved VHS staples, it found its true audience on home video, becoming a massive cult classic whispered about in bike shops and passed around between friends. Its scarcity on DVD and streaming for years only fueled its legendary status.
The Mongoose bikes featured prominently weren't just props; they were the bikes to have if you were serious about BMX in the 80s. Seeing them on screen was like free advertising gold, cementing their place in the pantheon of cool kid gear. And that soundtrack! Packed with synth-pop gems like John Farnham's "Break the Ice" and Sparks' "Music That You Can Dance To," it's an auditory time capsule that perfectly complements the visuals.
### Why It Still Pops a Wheelie Today
Sure, some of the acting is a bit wooden, and the plot telegraphs its punches from miles away. Bill Allen has a certain earnest charm, and Lori Loughlin is suitably sweet, but the real stars remain the bikes and the stunts. Viewed through modern eyes, Rad is undeniably dated – the fashion, the dialogue, the sheer, unironic earnestness. But that's precisely why it works as a nostalgia piece. It captures a specific cultural moment with infectious enthusiasm. It’s a film fueled by passion, both from the filmmakers and the athletes involved.
It’s a reminder of a time when extreme sports felt fresh and exhilarating, before ubiquitous corporate sponsorships and energy drink logos plastered everywhere. It’s about the purity of competition, the thrill of pushing your limits, and maybe, just maybe, getting the girl while pulling off a perfect backflip. It’s the kind of movie that likely inspired countless kids to grab their own bikes and try (perhaps unwisely) to emulate the moves they saw on screen. We all knew that kid, right?
VHS Heaven Rating: 7/10
Rad isn't cinematic perfection, but it achieves exactly what it sets out to do. The simple story serves the spectacular stunts, the soundtrack rocks, and the overall vibe is pure, unfiltered 80s joy. Its journey from box office bomb to beloved cult classic is a testament to its enduring appeal. It might be cheesy, it might be predictable, but darn it, it’s still Rad.