The Best Bar in America

I went into this thinking that it might be just a fun motorcycle bar hopping movie, I saw the trailer, seemed to have better production values than the average independent movie, so I bought a limited edition DVD from the creators. This movie was really much more than I expected. It was not just a trip from bar to bar with some wild adventures and fun on a motorcycle. Yes it was full of interesting places and characters and the bike is just a back drop not a focal point. Thanks to Northway's character the movie was a thoughtful and deep that left me thinking long after the last scene. Sure not all of the acting is up to the latest Hollywood film, but cut it some slack and give it a chance, you'll be happy you did.

My attachment to this movie is because of similar events in my life. Starting out my adult life in sales, I felt years later the need for "more" while owning at that time most of what I thought I needed to be happy. This movie will probably not connect with those who only have dreamed but never made the leap to living a cavalier bohemian lifestyle. For us who have, this is a reminder of the past and our initial move to make this happen and live more free while continually seeking "clarity". I found something that resonates with my spirit of freedom after shrugging off the constraints the typical American way dictates. If you are a biker, sailor, pilot of just a wanderer, this may be something you would enjoy.

The protagonist is a wanna-be journalist riding an airhead BMW sidecar rig while researching his idea for an article.... the best bar in western america. A down-on-his-luck kinda guy, rides from roadside bar to roadside bar sampling the wares and he ends up losing his girlfriend and his article publisher's advance due to some shoddy work and slow performance. The body of the story follows him as he continues his visits "discovering" what the small bars in the American Southwest have to offer him. A bit of a sole-searching story that comes alive when he meets an older King-of-the-Road type guy that shows him the meaning of life. (think Mr Bojangles) FYI - a lot of foul language, and sexual situations (nothing graphic) so if you're sensitive and/or watching with someone sensitive, make this movie "buyer beware" A nice character study more than a motorcycle movie in my opinion. I really liked this movie. So much so, I had a movie watching night for our MC club and had more than 15 couples show up. Even the language sensitive folks in our group tolerated it and liked the movie. ( I did warn them in advance).

Not a bad flick! Pretty fun/funny and the production quality was pretty good. It also seemed to get much better as the film went on. A very quotable movie that seemed to take inspiration from Easy Rider, Big Lebowski, and maybe even a little bit of Two Lane Blacktop. I'm not much of a reviewer and this is my first IMDb review. I'd have liked a little more character development/background for some of the characters, but overall Northway and Sanders were great characters. And, of course, there is always a woman. She arrives a little late in the flick but nonetheless still a good character with a bit more development/background than the other two.

I am no film expert. Watching lots of movies and shows does not make one an expert. The only way to do that is to study and make films. All that being said, this was a great movie. I found the trailer on Vimeo while searching for some motorcycle trip shorts and it had punch. I bought the film at that point. No shaky-cam or weird filters to take away from the story. The photography was brilliant, especially when it came to the "on the road" shots. They captured the expanse and beautiful desolation of the rural west. The writing and narrative was fun to listen to and made sense to the overall movie, not just that moment in the film. It was nice to see a film both have a message that is revealed finally, but to do so without blazing special effects or filters. The actors were genuine, and while some of them were rough or not well played, they did not detract from the main cast.

I enjoyed this movie, it was entertaining and really allowed me to put myself into the film. That is what I want from a movie - a 2 hour reprieve from normalcy. This is a movie I have recommended, and will continue to recommend.

Having participated in some film festivals (48 Hour Film Project 2010-2015) I have seen the back end and participated in making some films. Nothing to this quality.

Besides, it has motorcycles, bars, whiskey, women and the beautiful American west.