What do you get when you cross a Mountain Dew commercial, a Rocky-style underdog story, and more montage footage than actual script pages? You get Rad—the 1986 cult classic that lives and dies by slow-motion stunts, blaring synth-pop, and the idea that BMX racing is the most important thing in the universe.
In our latest episode of The Regular Guy Movie Show, we strapped on our neon bandanas, spun our front wheels in slow motion, and took a ride down memory lane—straight into Cochrane (which is definitely not Canada, don’t ask about the flags). For Justin, this movie was everything as a kid. For Brian, it was a cinematic endurance test. For Seth, it was… somehow both.
So What the Hell is Rad?
Rad tells the story of Cru Jones, a teenage BMX prodigy and part-time paperboy who ditches the SATs to chase his dream of winning the Helltrack race—a rigged, over-the-top BMX competition brought to his small town by a corporate sleazebag named Duke Best. Along the way, Cru finds support from Lori Loughlin (and her male stunt double), a town full of cheerleaders, and a very patient ten-year-old sister named Wesley.
Also, there’s ass-sliding. So much ass-sliding.
The Good, The Bad, and the WTF
Let’s be honest: this movie is mostly vibes. There’s barely a plot. The characters are paper thin. And if you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to watch a stunt reel stretched into a feature-length film, this is it.
But weirdly? It kind of works. Here’s why:
BMX Mayhem
- 34 minutes of the movie’s 88-minute runtime are full-blown montage sequences. That’s 38.85% of the film. No, really. Seth timed it.
- Hollywood Mike Miranda wipes out repeatedly for extra stunt pay. Respect.
- Helltrack looks like it was designed by someone who hated children and loved liability waivers.
- The bicycle boogie dance scene? Equal parts mesmerizing and deeply uncomfortable.
The Acting
- Lori Loughlin’s stunt double is very clearly a grown man in a wig. From behind. In a leotard.
- Cru’s mom (played by Talia Shire!) appears for five minutes, says some vaguely concerned things, and vanishes.
- Ray Walston (aka Mr. Hand from Fast Times) shows up, makes confusing financial decisions, and flips the bird like a champ.
The Wardrobe
- Neon spandex. Rhinestone windbreakers. Visible nipples as far as the eye can see.
- It’s unclear if bras were banned on set or just not invented yet.
The Plot Holes
- Why does Cru cheat in the qualifiers and get away with it?
- Why does Duke Best have millions riding on a single BMX win?
- Why does Bart Taylor stop mid-race to let Cru catch up?
- Why is there a choreographed BMX dance scene in a high school gym?
These are questions the movie doesn’t answer—and doesn’t care to. That’s your job.
Does It Hold Up?
That depends who you ask.
- Justin: Absolutely. This was his childhood on VHS. Franken-bikes, neighborhood dreams, and Thunder in Your Heart.
- Brian: This was not a movie. This was punishment. But hey, it had an underdog, and that’s worth something.
- Seth: Weirdly unforgettable. Ridiculous in all the wrong ways—but also some of the right ones. It’s not good, but it’s fun to talk about.
Final Thoughts
Rad is one of those rare movies where the nostalgia is stronger than the film itself. It’s charming, baffling, and occasionally hilarious—but never boring. It’s also not really a sports movie. It’s not a coming-of-age story. It’s… well, it’s Rad. Whatever that means.
Watch it with friends. Watch it ironically. Or watch it because you were once a kid with a bike and a dream. Just maybe don’t watch it alone with expectations.