Speed has really been something of a returning theme for me here at Indiegala. I’m not just saying that. It really has. MotoGP is just the continuation of that trend but while I’m at the subject of speed, let’s look back for a moment. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and look at some of IndieGala’s finest examples of speed.
I’ve written about speed on the asphalt, in the air and pretty much everywhere else. I suppose the Carmageddon post was a nice throwback to an era that’s long gone, but for now, I’ll stick to the motorbikes. And I’ll leave the car rally post for some other time.
MotoGP: Speed on 2 wheels
But MotoGP allows me to look at the movies that offer speed on two wheels instead of four. And there are plenty of great movies for that. Furthermore, we do have plenty of MotoGP video games (including MotoGP 18), and almost all of them are part of our Milestone sale or RIDE Franchise sale. So, it’s good to check them out. You won’t regret it.
However, before I go any further with the post, I believe that a word or two about the game is in order. What’s so special about MotoGP you might as?
MotoGP: What’s the game all about?
Well, in essence, MotoGP is a simulator type of game in which you have the opportunity to be the best that you can be. On two wheels. The game also allows you to race with all the riders of the MotoGP™ on 19 official tracks. Including the new Buriram International Circuit in Thailand and enjoy an even more immersive experience. Furthermore, the MotoGP™18 has a new additional feature- MotoGP™ eSport Championship.
Additionally, the game allows you to feel like a professional rider, almost to the extent of Valentino Rossi’s talent. It also allows you to decide how to change your bike, learn how to manage tire wear and use the MotoGP™ ID to monitor your progress. Following your friends’ races has never been so simple, in the MotoGP video games. All thanks to the new cameras in a Spectator Mode, but it’s up to you to choose the best game for you.
So feel free to browse and pick the best one for you.
And speaking of the best, let’s transfer to some of the best movies that feature motorcycles and any form of bike, chopper, or another two-wheeled vehicle. This will be a group with lots of variety in genre and technique, so buckle up. It’s going to be a bumpy ride. Just a heads up though. There are plenty of road movies on this list. So if you’re a fan just scroll down this post.
Easy Rider
To be quite frank, the ’60s had a lot of crazy, wild and fun motorcycle themed movies. Not to mention that solely the year 1969, had astonishing 12 separate movies with motorbikes in them. But the 60’s also had The Wild Angels. Next, The Born Losers, Girl On A Motorcycle and so many other great movies. However, for the purpose of this post, I’m going with a true ’60s classic. Easy Rider.
That’s right. The 1969 movie that somehow ended the wild decade, and cemented the counter-culture movement. In essence, Easy Rider is a road movie, about two bikers who travel through the American Southwest and South, carrying the proceeds from a cocaine deal. Additionally, it made real A-list stars out of Dennis Hopper, Henry Fonda and Jack Nicholson. Can you believe that in 2012, a sequel was released called Easy Rider: The Ride Back? It’s not as good as the original, but you should definitely watch both of them. Just to compare. And who knows? You might like it.
Akira
I told you that this post is going to be eclectic and varied. I warned you, now didn’t I? After a cult 60’s roadie movie, I’m going with 80’s Japanese animated post-apocalyptic cyberpunk film. Because why not? It’s also an incredible movie that every fan of the 1982 manga should watch at least once. Furthermore, it’s safe to say that Akira is Katsuhiro Otomo’s masterpiece and one of the best movies ever made too. It’s also fun, complex and very violent, but it stays true to the theme of the post. It has biker gangs, a futuristic metropolis of Neo-Tokyo, chaos and plenty of rebellion.
One Week
I bet you haven’t even heard of One Week. I don’t blame you, to be honest. It’s not a cult classic like the previous two picks, but it’s good. It’s also a road movie, but it’s a lot quiet and subdued movie, well compared to the previous two. Furthermore, Joshua Jackson stars in One Week. He’s Ben. A young man who’s just been diagnosed with stage IV cancer and his chance of survival is 10%. So, faced with his mortality, he decides to embark on a bike ride journey from Toronto to Tofino, British Columbia in order to discover himself and his country. This is a fantastic movie that I discovered a few years ago, and it’s one of my hidden gems. Seriously. It has great acting and fantastic scenery all in one. I highly recommend this one.
Torque
Hear me out. I know that I mentioned that only quality movies will be featured in this post. And for the most part I stick to my promise. However, Torque is anything but a quality movie, but I just had to include it. Yes, the directorial debut of Joseph Kahn (he basically directed every music video that you ever saw) is not that decent in quality, but it has plenty of fantastic motorbike chasing scenes.
Sure, from my perspective, it does have some redeeming qualities (and I do mean some), and it’s worth mentioning here. For instance, the action scenes i mentioned earlier are insanely good. Secondly, the cast (composed from Martin Henderson, Adam Scott, Ice Cube, Jay Hernandez, Jaime Pressley) is really decent too. And dare I say talented. So, yeah, it does have plenty of similarities with the Fast and Furious franchise but so what?. It’s one of those guilty pleasures I mentioned in my writing before. Besides, it’s 84 minutes of mindless fast-paced fun. What’s not to like?
The Motorcycle Diaries
Last but not least. Another road movie, but for the first time on this list, a road movie that was inspired by actual real-life events. The Motorcycle Diaries tells the story of the motorcycle journey of young Ernesto Che Guevara and his friend Alberto Granado across South America. Gael García Bernal plays Ernesto Che Guevara, while Rodrigo de la Serna plays Granado. Here’s a fun fact. Rodrigo de la Serna is a second cousin to the real-life Guevara on his maternal side. How cool is that? Additionally, Bernal previously played Che in the 2002 miniseries, Fidel, so this was his second attempt at tackling the role in just 2 years. The movie received 2 Oscar nominations (one for an original song, and one for a best-adapted screenplay) and 16 years after the release of the movie, is considered a true coming of age classic. It’s really worth watching.
MotoGP: Which are your picks?
Which are some of your favorite motorcycle themed movies? Tell us all about them in the comment section. We’d love to know.
