Customer Reviews

Roadside Prophets

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

"Roadside Prophets" is a small movie with a not-quite realized vision. On the negative side, the acting is occasionally awkward and the dialogue clunky, but the film is rich in literary allusions and cultural critique. On the surface, it's a typical buddy film. On the other hand, not many buddy films feature two guys on ancient motorcycles searching for Eldorado so they can spread a Fat Bob tank full of ashes as a tribute to someone who was electrocuted while playing a video game in a strip bar. The point of the movie is not to glorify the end product, but the process. That is, living life the best way you know how, with the full realization that the end product is just that -- the end. John Cusack has a memorable cameo in the film, but others -- such as David Carradine's and Timothy Leary's -- actually have substance, where Cusack's is a triumph of style. As in life, the main characters meet people who have things to say, some profound and some profoundly silly. Dismiss those roadside prophets at your peril -- those who seem the most insane may well be the wisest people you'll ever meet.

"I saw the movie and my head was reeling with adventure....then a week afterwards on the side of a dirt road while in the country with bro-in-law.....we saw a motorcycle for sale, parked next to an RV. on a lakeshore, this guy with gray hair said he spent his summers here in northern MN.,was retired, and every spring returned and sold his bike he'd ride in Florida during the winter months, living in his RV. I knew it was a sign from God. Here was a real Roadside Prophet, just like in the movie,offering me advice and showing me how to ride it. I bought it right there on the spot. I live for my weekend roadtrips now, running into Prophet after Prophet just like David Carradine/Arlo Guthrie's/Timothy Leary's characters portrayed, off the beaten "Media Battered Path."This movie gives us meaning...it's about "Being." Just living in the moment,as we were born to. Recognizing when to "Let go, Let God" without reservations and not looking back, knowing the best is yet to come. Get the movie. Get the meaning. Spirit demands it Your destiny is at hand. (P.S. A bike with whitewall tires helps too)

This is a great road movie with awesome cameos that keep it intelligent and funny. Althought the movie starts out kinda slow and the acting is slightly awkward at times, the movie picks up fast and the messages shed during the road encounters are life-lasting and true to heart. Ad rock is very funny as Sam the drifter- even hysterical at times. One of my own and friends favorites through college, it is a timeless tale of friendship and life lessons. I don't even like motorcycles but this movie makes me want to ride the desert. Easy to compare to as the "Easy Rider" of the 90's. Watch this movie!

This is one of the best motorcycle movies I've seen. Well, the more I think about it, Roadside IS the best motorcycle movie! I'll watch it again and again. I want my family and friends to see it. I want you to see it.

I wish I was riding with these nuts. They're full of fun and surprise. I never had time to analyze the plot before it threw another unforseeable twist at me.

This is definately one of those kick back in your sofa, light up and flow movies. The subdued plotline is warm and insightful and the many cameos in this movie are always a surprise waiting around the next corner.

If you are walking the path or surfin the wave like some of the rest of us, check this movie out.

I haven't seen this movie in a while, but I love it! It's touching, and so effing funny!! I'm talking rewind and watch parts over again, tears streaming down your face funny! Good times. Not to mention THE most realistic drug trip in a movie I think i've ever seen. Arlo rules. But why isn't it on DVD?!?!?!? Give the people what they want. Plus the soundtrack is good too! word.

This is one of my top 10 favorite movies of all time. A friend of mine turned me on to it about 6 or 7 years ago and I have watched it over and over again.... seems as though you catch new things everytime you see it! ...

10 out of 10. Why so generous? Two words: ADAM HOROVITZ.

If you're thinking of buying this DVD simply to check out the King Ad-Rock's acting skills, do yourself a favour and BUY WITHOUT DELAY.

If you couldn't care less about the Beastie Boys - buy the DVD anyway. (Who ARE these people?!)

This is hardly the best film ever made.

So why 10 out of 10?

It's not thanks to the screenplay (which is not particularly original).

Or the storyline (which takes quite a long time to go.......not very far).

Or for the best acting you've ever seen by a leading actor (John Doe doesn't exactly set the world alight).

It's those two words again. Adam Horovitz.

This guy is all class. We already knew that he was so adorably endearing that you just wanna hug his parents to thank them for creating him. We already knew he was so side-achingly hilarious that he could deliver a one-liner with more spunk than a seasoned comedic performer, so it wasn't surprising that he handles the playful scenes in this film like a pro.

What we didn't know was that he is an actor with the kind of screen presence you only see a few times in each generation. What's even more extraordinary is that you are seeing it in young man with such limited acting experience. He is obviously a natural. He not only steals every scene that he's in, he steals every shot that he's in. Your eyes never leave him.

While the majority of Horovitz's screen time is devoted to comedic relief, the few scenes in which he's asked to take it up a level are a master class for any young actor looking to come to grips with the art of subtlety and restraint - skills which are so often sorely lacking amongst the newest bright young things. Horovitz handles incredibly emotional scenes (which could have otherwise descended into clichéd melodrama) with apparent effortlessness. He expresses his character's inner torment with such touching intensity that at times it is almost too painful to watch.

Considering the fact that this is a man who, for the most part, earns his living by making a tremendous amount of noise with the Beastie Boys, it is incredible that that he can convey so much emotion with so little dialogue. It's in a curl of his eyebrow, a twitch in his face, a softening in his eyes, a hardening of the jaw. The whole experience is profoundly moving.

It's just a shame that nothing in the film comes remotely close to matching the quality of his performance. There are several amusing cameos (try to spot Don Cheadle and Flea). John Cusack is particularly memorable in his oddball role and David Carradine typically adds weight to the film just by being associated with it. The cinematography is excellent and John Doe's character gets to ride what is perhaps the most totally awesome motorcycle ever featured in a movie!

But everything in this film is completely outclassed by Adam Horovitz. On one hand, I am delighted he has had such enormous success in the music industry. He is loved and admired the world over for being part of one of the most influential bands of all time (respected as much for their truly remarkable artistic skills as their undeniable personal integrity). On the other hand, it seems such a shame that he did not choose to pursue a career as an actor; because he is undoubtedly one of the finest performers I have ever had the privilege to witness.

Hey did anyone notice that the bar where the guy fries himself at the video game is also "Lou's Place" from "Fight Club?"

I've ridden must of the trip portrayed on this film on my own Road King, but didn't have anyone as cool as John Doe or Adam to hang with. Watching this movie I can always pretend.

This tape is an excellent investment for fans of biker films, King Ad-Rock, Timothy Leary, drug experiences and anyone who wants to see John Cusack being dragged out of a diner with cake on his face screaming "FREE FOOD FOR THE POOR!!" Funny, weird and thought-provoking in a non-obnoxious manner. Worth every penny.