BootDigest Such a frustrating disappointment

SunnyHello Nice effects though.

GrimPrecise I'll tell you why so serious

MamaGravity good back-story, and good acting

Mr-Fusion "Timerider" has one of the really killer movie posters. A motocross spaceman, horse-mounted posse in pursuit, the glowing laser grid design like an Omni magazine cover; it's first-rate advertising that really sells you on the movie (one that's taken me a few years to get my hands on). This is exactly the kind of thing you'd stumble on in a video store as a kid. B-movie to its core, it doesn't complicate matters with intricate plotting; just a simple fish-out-of-water story (as simple as a high-tech biker in the Old West can be anyway). No one among this cast has any illusions that they're making high art, and that's a big part of what makes this work. Once the movie actually gets going (the opening is bogged down by POV riding shots, although they're attractive) this is a breezy distraction. There are plenty of other movies that don't live up to their one-sheets, but I dig this one. It's a relic of its time and sensibilities, and I think that's the best part. 7/10

Scott LeBrun Amusing cult flick combines sci-fi and the Western in this offbeat tale of a motocross racer, Lyle Swann (Fred Ward), who gets lost and wanders into the testing area of a time travel experiment. So good old Lyle is zapped back over a hundred years to the Old West where he confounds the locals with his outrageous (to them, anyway) get-up and his astounding vehicle, which slimy outlaw Porter Reese (Peter Coyote) wants to obtain no matter what.The film is co-written (with director William Dear), produced and scored by ex - "Monkee" Michael Nesmith, and overall is pretty entertaining, even if it's doing a lot of standard fish-out-of-water humour. However, after a while it begins to take itself just a little too seriously. The viewer can also take issue with just how clueless Lyle remains about his situation. It never once occurs to him that he could have ended up in the past."Timerider" certainly features an impressive roster of character actors - Ward is likable in the starring role, the oddly matched Richard Masur and Tracey Walter are funny as bickering brothers, and Ed Lauter, L.Q. Jones, Chris Mulkey, and Macon McCalman are fine in supporting parts. Belinda Bauer is damn sexy in the part of a feisty female outlaw who becomes attracted to Lyle.The camera-work and cinematography are first rate, and the scenery is beautiful to look at. The costumes are nicely done, as well. Nesmiths' score is catchy, funky stuff. There is some violence, but never much in the way of gore.B movie enthusiasts will surely enjoy the premise of this little film, which does move along quite well and offer enough diverting set pieces and laughs to rate as acceptable entertainment.Seven out of 10.

rtpear Can't understand the low rating at all. Only complaint is the movie isn't long enough. Saw this movie 20 years ago and it's even better now. The soundtrack by Mike Nesmith (former Monkees) touches on all kinds a genres. Hard to find DVD too. Fred Ward is a very interesting actor in all his movies. His uniqueness and style adds to the interest. He's one of few actors whose eye gestures needs no words spoken with it. Tremors is another great example where he adds to the quality of the movie.The supporting cast is excellent too. 1) Lauter is great in all his movies. 2) Bauer is awesome and is a shame she hasn't been in more movies in the past. 3) As for Coyote, this has to be his best movie as the bad guy.Thumbs up!!!

James Christopher Wierzbicki (filmbuff-31) When I first saw this movie I was a junior or senior in high school. Back then, the story seemed inventive and imaginative. Now, as an adult, the movie's glaring weaknesses are apparent to me. The lack of plot development is the biggest weakness. I would have liked to see greater story development with a concept this original. What happens to Lyle Swann--what sort of adjustments does he make--as he is forced to live in the wild world of 1877, a world totally alien to him and his machine? As it is, the story is stripped of nearly all its thematic elements as we are left with the thrill of the chase. Even the girl seems thrown in as an afterthought.Probably the only good reason to watch this movie is to see Belinda Bauer. The producers--consciously or unconsciously--must have realized this, as Belinda Bauer is given top billing over Fred Ward, who plays the hero of the story. Curious in a film that purports to be the adventure of Lyle Swann. Bauer, true to her billing, does not disappoint. Her character is tough and she is appropriately gorgeous, the kind of woman any man would fight for. What started out as a great idea was oversimplified and falls short of the mark. Nevertheless, I'm giving this movie two stars because I am a big fan of Belinda Bauer!