Hard Miles

It's low-budget, and it looked it from the trailer. Sometimes when you hit upon a movie like that, no matter how worthy the story, it gets delivered with such a sub-par script and acting that it's unpalatable. Not so with this one.

I was really impressed by the acting all around. Everyone seemed authentic, and the deeper chemistry that developed between the characters felt natural and not contrived.

It's a very decent script, too. There were no big dramatic moments that made it feel saccharine or overly done. Even a moment between Modine's character and his (abusive) father is done in such a realistic, simple way. No sappy, platitude-laden scripting to ruin the authenticity.

The whole film was inspiring enough to make me cry! Maybe it's because I'm a mom of a boy, but I sure felt protective of those young men and wanted to see them succeed (I raised my son in a safe, loving home -- and it breaks my heart to think of kids who don't have that). The fact that it's based on a true story added to the emotional factor for me.

Overall, this is a really touching (though understated) story that is well worth watching!

I'm a huge Sean Astin fan and I've been trying to see all his recent movies in theaters. I'm so glad my insane fandom brought to a Theater in Salem Oregon to experience this great film. I was not expecting much because I hadn't heard much about this flick. I have only seen it once and yet I have multiple quotes that have stuck with me. The editing was fantastic, the way it delt with memories. I laughed, I cried, I sat on the edge of my seat and I cheered! I really hope more people see this powerful piece of cinema. Hopefully I can get a friend to drag me to a second showing. It better be released on Blu Ray cause I want it.

There is one glaring issue with this picture and it's that there simply isn't enough Sean Astin. But I am glad he got to be apart of this movie in any way. And of course there are the sports genre cliches, which can lead to predictable outcomes. But the heart and the relationships outweigh those small issues. Modine is fantastic in this, he and this movie inspired me. And that's rare in movies nowadays.

Matthew Modine is quite effective here as the cycling-obsessed Doug Townsend. By day, he's a sort of hybrid between a prison officer and social worker for young men in various stages of the criminal justice system. He is about to go on two week trip cycling the 700-odd miles to the Grand Canyon but their facility is under constant funding threat and they need something that will make a "splash". He leads a welding class of four disparate lads who each have their own problems and who could pick a fight with Mother Theresa! Then he hits on an idea to get them to make their own bikes. His boss and his colleague "Haddie" (Cynthia Kaye McWilliams) are somewhat sceptical of his next suggestion. He takes them all along on his trip. She had already been involved in a disabling altercation at work, so could drive the supply van whilst the rest cycle. It's risky. They aren't so fit, they might abscond and presently, would cheerily ride over each other before going anywhere! From here on, it's all rather predicable but the underlying messages of inter-reliance, team spirit and friendship evolve quite well with strong contributions from Jahking Guillory - the recalcitrant "Woolbright" and from Jackson Kelly as the weedy "Smink" who has significant dietary issue: he doesn't eat. The photography works well on two levels. The scenery as we travel towards the Canyon itself, and the intensive style of coverage of their journey involving us in the strenuousness of their struggle both physically and emotionally. It's essentially about having purpose, I think. Rudderless people who are abandoned to drift along aimlessly fall into bad habits. Townsend sees that and wants to head off their loneliness and sense of hopelessness at the pass by giving them something to be proud of. To achieve on their own terms. It's a bit long but has some comedy (frequently from or at the expense of McWilliams) and even if the conclusion is pretty obvious from the get-go, it's still a film that has some punch at the end.

HARD MILES Director R. J. Daniel Hanna Writers R. J. Daniel Hanna Christian Sander Stars Sean Astin Matthew Modine Jackson Kelly

On March 17 2024 I started my day in Ventura CA on my way North for my Work. Since my favorite day to go see a Movie is Sundays and Holidays I decided to do a Double Feature.

Heard about a Film Festival in San Jose called CINEQUEST, you know "DO YOU KNOW THE WAY To SAN JOSE" where Matthew Modine was gonna be in Town to promote his new Movie HARD MILES along with Director RJ Daniel Hanna (Miss Virginia).with Q and A . It is about 5 Hour drive North on the 101, so I started early. Since Hard Miles didn't start til 7 PM had a day to fill. So also decided to See a new Michael Keaton Film along way called KNOX GOES AWAY where he plays an aging Hit Man with Dementia. Went to 1 PM Show Liked it !! Found Cinequest in Downtown San Jose and got in line for the show.

Modine plays Greg Townsend a Counselor at an Institution for Boys with Violence issues etc. Sort of Bad Apples. The school is Losing Funding so in order to increase publicity Townsend plans a 762 Mile Bike Ride from Colorado to the GRAND CANYON.for the Boys as Therapy and exercise for the Soul. Nobody thinks they will make it, but a BOND between Boys drives them to Finish the Ride !! There are some Funny Scenes about what happens along the way too The Q and A after was Cool ! Nice to See Him again. Worthwhile Film. Full Day.

What Hollywood learned during the decade of the 1930's was that, the worse things got in the real world, the more people wanted positive and affirming movies to keep them going. That said, one wonders why "feel gooders" like Hard Miles 2023 are still so few and far-between? Sure, it's all been done before, but here it is done with amazing cinematography, an affable cast, and a noteworthy performance by Mathew Modine -- basically the "glue" that keeps it all together. Modine is one of those actors who has worked diligently behind the scenes for decades, but seldom gets a chance to strut. It's a good story. He makes it even better. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))