John BadhamAmerican Flyers (1985)

Most of the acting and plot features are quite good.Notwithstanding, some things seem contrived. For instance, I'm unsure why the overweight kid was added to the story -- unnecessary except perhaps to add to the movie's length. Without spoiling I'll try to be coy -- one of the riders has blood running out his ear and nose for a known reason, but he's not taken to the hospital (that seemed ridiculous to me). There's another instance where one cycle racer manhandles his opponent right in front of a chase vehicle with judges/refs. That, too, seemed absurd.Other than these beefs, it's a terrific movie that I've watched countless times over the years. No doubt I will watch it many more times.

A somewhat campy and predictable story line but really beautiful scenery for serious bike riding in Colorado. A break through performance for the unknown performers. My kids are now grown but we watched it so many times we have almost memorized the lines. One of Costner's best movies (which isn't saying much) but a cameo for Jenifer Grey and another gal who went on to fame in Bay Watch. A nice performance by Rae Dawn Chong opposite Kevin and a solid contribution by John Amos. Our first viewing was a pirate VHS, later bought our own higher quality VHS tape and were pleased to find it on DVD.

Two brothers coping with a family loss in their own way struggle with congenital disease while bonding over a pro bike race. Each an elite athlete in their spare time they take on the pros and some old ghosts as they grind their gears up and down America's Rocky mountains trying to break away from their past.Ahh, the training montages, the epic record breaking scene of the unknown talent. The competition, the trials, the pain, taking it to the limit! All the great ingredients of your favorite sport porn, only with bikes. Sport porn is all too common, but to see a sport porn about bikes is so unusual it deserves a little leeway, at least if you like bikes and want to see the sport taken seriously enough for someone to make a sport porn about it. (Yes, I know, steroids, etc. I hate it, too. But did America stop watching Baseball or Football even though we all know they are Roided up all over the place? See, you're actually OK with drug use and people lying about it, you just can't get into pro cycling yet, and that's OK.)This movie plays with plot and facts fast and loose, but it is just so darn 80's it's hard to stay mad at it. The frenemy, the old grudge, the love triangle. It's all there! It's the same story arc as the Karate Kid, but this time the Kid has a brother and one of them might be sick. Watch the movie to find out who! I know you love the original Karate Kid, so watch this one and you'll see what I mean.Enjoy!

I have a very personal interest in this film because, as Design Engineering Manager of Marquette Medical Systems, I designed the treadmill and stress monitoring equipment (Chapter 9/36) used to determine the fitness level of athletes at the sport medical complex in Madison, Wisconsin. I had to do the original design work in my home design studio because it was a secret project, at that time in November 1983. That aside, this is a very inspiring feel good movie to be enjoyed by all. Gerald J. Reiser IDSA

I saw American Flyers in the theater when it first came out, and it was great to see the samerace courses that were used for the Coors Classic being used for "The Hell of The West". TheMorgul Bismark was considered to be one of the toughest circuit courses in the world at the time;now it's just another subdivision outside Boulder!Another interesting anecdote... the scene when David takes the Treadmill Test and beats Marcus' besttime was partly based on fact. In the early 80's there was a local Colorado racer named Bob Cook whowas one of the best climbing cyclists in the world. At the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado SpringsCook's VO2 Max test results (using a test similar to the one depicted in the movie) were the highest everrecorded for a cyclist at the time. Sadly, Cook passed away in 1985 (the year American Flyers was released)from a brain tumor. The annual Mt. Evans Hill Climb, a race held for over 45 years was named The Bob CookMemorial Hill Climb in his honor. The race ends at Echo Lake, where Stage 3 of "The Hell of The West" ended.

Kevin Costner before he was anybody.Jennifer Grey before Dirty Dancing.Rae Dawn Chong forceful.ANDthe GREAT Eddy Merckx (Greatest Cyclist of all time)Some good racing/riding shots, at a time when N O body wore real helmets.Bought it so I can wtch it again and again.

This is about the best movie about brothers entering a 3 day bike race. It's a good movie, but they have two members for a team while every other team has five. But if you just watch for the people, and let the other things fade, it is a good buy.

I haven't seen this movie in a long time...it was hard to find the DVD but well worth the wait....it is one of my favorite Kevin Costner's movies......a must see......

Loved this movie when I saw in in the '80s on TV. Haven't seen it broadcasted since so was looking for it on DVD. A reasonable price when bought secondhand (but extortionately priced new)! Copy is fine; a bit grainy -but what would you expect from a film from 1985?)

Enjoyed the movie. When I was younger hence the reason for purchsse

Great film, wanted it for years. Slightly dated as it is an 80's film.

Arrived in good time, but doesn’t work. Will be asking for a refund : (

A cyclists movie. Great to see the old road bikes.