By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
As cliched as it may sound, there are moments when a single individual truly has the power to transform another person's life.
In the inspirational sports drama,
"Hard Miles," which is based on a true story,
Matthew Modine ("Retribution") embodies that transformative force.
In "Hard Miles," Modine plays Greg, a dedicated social worker and life coach at Ridgeview Academy, a correctional school in Colorado. Within its walls, Greg encounters a mix of troubled teen convicts--some seemingly lost causes--while others teeter on the brink.
Undeterred, Greg believes he can make a difference in their lives. He invests all his efforts in shaping these young men, offering them a chance for redemption and a fresh start, enabling them to learn from their past mistakes and reintegrate into society.
Greg is an avid cyclist who thrives on long-distance bike rides. One day, inspiration strikes: why not teach kids welding skills so they can craft their own bicycles? And not just any bicycles. These kids will build their own wheels for an epic 762-mile bike ride to the Grand Canyon.
It's a wild idea and one that the facility's administrator Skip Bowman (Leslie David Baker, TV's "The Office: Superfan Episodes") and their assistant Haddie (Cynthia Kaye McWilliams, TV's "Hailey's On It") are definitely opposed to. They see logistical nightmares and potential chaos. But Greg, convinces them otherwise. He insists this trip could be a defining moment for these kids, a chance to change their lives in unexpected ways. And just think of all the positive media attention Ridgeview would receive.
When Greg finally gets the green light to take the trip alongside Haddie, he assembles a rag tag team that includes: Smink (Jackson Kelly, TV's "Chucky"), a quiet observer with issues. Rice (Zack T. Robbins, TV's "I Am Frankie"), the mechanical wizard and perpetual skeptic. There's also the foul mouth Atencio (Damien Diaz, "NCIS: Hawaii") and the hot-headed and unpredictable Woolbright (Jahking Guillory, TV's "The Chi").
From the get-go, it's chaos. These guys curse and clash over trivial things.
Greg wonders if he's bitten off more than he can chew. But as they test each other's patience, something magical happens. Slowly, they realize they're part of something special--a team forged in adversity. Medical emergencies and mechanical breakdowns pepper their journey, but Greg's unwavering spirit pushes them and him to greater heights.
The camaraderie between Greg and the young cyclists feels authentic. Their shared determination binds them, transcending mere bike parts and miles. And the film's cinematography captures it all, the vastness of the open road, the sweat-soaked determination, and the breathtaking vistas. As the wheels turn, so do their lives.
Screenwriters
R.J. Daniel Hanna and Christian Sander have crafted a gem. "Hard Miles" avoids sentimentality and preachiness, striking a near-perfect balance. It's not just about bikes; it's about resilience, unlikely friendships, and the transformative power of pushing boundaries and discovering what lies within.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Check Out This Trailer For
"HARD MILES"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
