This is a bizarre slice of Ozploitation directed by Brian Trenchard-Smith. Low budget exploitation films have always cashed-in on trends whether that be roller skating (Rollerball, Derby), Disco (The Disco Godfather, Saturday Night Fever), Hip Hop and its culture (Rappin', Electric Boogaloo), Punk (Rock N Roll High School, Who Killed Bambi?), 90s (MTV-style) Youth culture (Wayne's World, SFW, Bill & Ted) ... I could go on. So why not BMX bikes? Due to this film being made in 1983 and much like the aforementioned 80s Rappin' and Electric Boogaloo; it looks dated by today's standards. Neon pink trousers!
The film is basically a family friendly action comedy. The BMX Bandits accidentally end up foiling some bank robbers. Like a lot of kid-friendly action films the bad guys are reduced to comedy (see also Cop and a Half, Home Alone, The Mask). You don't want truly nasty b*stards in a kid's comedy. Family films in the 90s got a bit darker (Mario Bros, The Mask based on a violent comic, Goosebumps), but this is a very bright colourful film with sill slapstick and not really much violence. Other than bad guys waving shotguns, knives and bats around there's not much to object to. The star is some nice photography of early 80s Sydney, which has since become much more developed, touristy and absolutely chocka with skyscrapers.
The film is notable for three reasons: a very early appearance of teenage Nicole Kidman - no wonder Hollywood became interested as every line is delivered with ease, although she doesn't really have screen presence in this. The film was much sought after "cult classic" and was traded on VHS until it got a DVD release. Thirdly the action scenes are by an experienced stunt team and features some incredible driving stunts for the 900K budget. Not a must see, but fun enough.
The film is basically a family friendly action comedy. The BMX Bandits accidentally end up foiling some bank robbers. Like a lot of kid-friendly action films the bad guys are reduced to comedy (see also Cop and a Half, Home Alone, The Mask). You don't want truly nasty b*stards in a kid's comedy. Family films in the 90s got a bit darker (Mario Bros, The Mask based on a violent comic, Goosebumps), but this is a very bright colourful film with sill slapstick and not really much violence. Other than bad guys waving shotguns, knives and bats around there's not much to object to. The star is some nice photography of early 80s Sydney, which has since become much more developed, touristy and absolutely chocka with skyscrapers.
The film is notable for three reasons: a very early appearance of teenage Nicole Kidman - no wonder Hollywood became interested as every line is delivered with ease, although she doesn't really have screen presence in this. The film was much sought after "cult classic" and was traded on VHS until it got a DVD release. Thirdly the action scenes are by an experienced stunt team and features some incredible driving stunts for the 900K budget. Not a must see, but fun enough.