Inspirational Journey on the Road Less Traveled

Read Time:3 Minute, 56 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Hard Miles
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Genre: Drama, Sport
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 48m
Director(s): R.J. Daniel Hanna
Writer(s): R.J. Daniel Hanna, Christian Sander
Cast: Matthew Modine, Cynthia Kaye McWilliams, Sean Astin, Leslie David Baker, Jahking Guillory, Jackson Kelly, Damien Diaz, Zachary T. Robbins, Jaxon Goldenberg, Judah Mackey
Where To Watch: in select theaters nationwide on April 19, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: Forget what you think you know about sports movies. HARD MILES takes us on an unconventional path that combines the thrill of a challenge with the depth of a personal transformation saga. Directed by R.J. Daniel Hanna and co-written by Christian Sander, this film transcends the typical sports narrative to delve into the souls of its characters, offering a gripping tale set on the rough trails from Denver to the Grand Canyon. It’s one thing to be able to make a successful film in the sports genre, but it’s something different thing to combine it with a human drama that connects you to the characters.

HARD MILES isn't just a movie about a grueling bike ride; it's a study of human resilience. Led by Matthew Modine’s portrayal of Greg Townsend, a social worker battling his demons, and a group of young men from a Colorado correctional facility take their bikes to cross physical distances and bridge gaps in their lives caused by past mistakes.

HARD MILES's strength is its ability to blend intense drama with moments of genuine human connection. Modine delivers a powerhouse performance, matched by Cynthia Kaye McWilliams' performance as Haddie, whose warmth counterbalances Townsend's stern demeanor. Their on-screen dynamic captures various emotions, driving home the film's redemption and personal growth themes.

The visual storytelling in HARD MILES is nothing short of captivating. The cinematography does more than just showcase the stunning landscapes; it amplifies the characters' emotional landscapes, bringing audiences into the heart of their journey. Each frame is thoughtfully crafted to highlight their challenge's beauty and brutality. The film has an intensity that parallels that of WHIPLASH, one of my all-time favorite movies.

Performance-wise, the young actors, including Jackson Kelly, Damien Diaz, Zack Robbins, and Jahking Guillory, truly shine. They bring layers to their roles that transcend typical youth portrayals in cinema. Through their eyes, we see the pain, the hope, and the desire for a new life that cycling symbolically offers them.

The script of HARD MILES navigates through its themes without sinking into melodrama. The dialogue crackles with life, weaving humor with hardship to keep the narrative buoyant yet impactful. It's a script that knows when to pedal hard and when to coast, allowing the audience to breathe and reflect before throwing them back onto the burner at full heat.

HARD MILES also deserves praise for bringing cycling into the spotlight, a sport seldom given center stage in film (although when it does, it usually hits hard, BREAKING AWAY, PREMIUM RUSH, etc.) It challenges viewers to see beyond cycling's physical exertion to its potential as a catalyst for change. The film convincingly argues that sports can be more than entertainment; they can transform people's lives.

HARD MILES is a standout indie film that uses its narrative and thematic gears to engage and inspire. It's a film about pushing past limits, finding new paths, and the power of perseverance. The film offers a rewarding journey for anyone who values a well-told story with characters that stay with you long after the credits roll.

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[photo courtesy of BLUE FOX ENTERTAINMENT, RED HOUND ENTERTAINMENT]

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