Evel Knievel

Starring:George Hamilton
Studio: Vidtape
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

The greatest jumps of the legendary motorcycle daredevil are contained in Evel Knievel's Spectacular Jumps, which also includes footage of Knievel commenting on specific stunts, the injuries he sustained, and his motivations for following such a bizarre and dangerous occupation. A total of 11 jumps are shown, including the bone-crushing disaster at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas that left Knievel unconscious for a month and his ill-conceived attempt to jump the Snake River Canyon in a small rocket. An unavoidable flaw with this production is that the film footage of Knievel in his prime looks quaint compared to today's multi-angle saturation coverage of daredevil events. On the other hand, the vintage early-'70s clips do capture the oddball carnival atmosphere in which Knievel performed. People paid to see him risk his life, and he'd put on quite a show, arriving in a rhinestone-studded leather cape and getting the crowd revved by performing a series of wheelies prior to the big event. Motorcycle jumps don't take long, of course, and this entire DVD clocks in at only 30 minutes. And while some perspective on Knievel's life might have made for a more interesting production, his comments about the jumps and a few vintage clips of him speaking to the crowds provide a glimpse of his eccentric personality. --Robert J. McNamara

Customer Reviews:

a Great Overview.......2004-09-12

Evel Knievel was always somebody that was cool back in the day. His Leaps were always classic.this collection is a great Introduction to what Made Him a Legend.

Evel Rules.......2004-09-06

The King of the stuntmen is back in this great movie see all hi
s motorcycle jumps spills and chills no one lived a better life
than evel knievel there were 3 movies based on his lifr toys an
d books issued on evel every magazine in the 70s wrote about ev
el and local news papers coverd evel as well this is one of the
greatest movies ive ever seen

Evel Knievel.......2004-08-12

I grew up in the 1970's and Evel Knievel was one of my idols so I am going to be a bit biased. If you were a fan of the King of the Stuntman then this is a must have. My only disppointment with the DVD is that it is too short. I was hoping for a two or three looks at each jump. Of course, you can rewind it and even slow it down on DVD. It would have been neat to spotlight not only his jumps but how he breathed life into IDEAL Toys with all the Evel Knievel toys that came out in the 1970's. If only I would have kept all of those toys!!!

AWESOME...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2003-11-05

I saw this on Video in the 80's..some BAD crashes I HAD TO HAVE IT on DVD It's Excellent......EVEL is truley the BEST DAREDEVEL EVER !!!!!
B U Y ... IT.......You will LOVE IT......

The VHS movie that puts it all in perspective.......2003-05-29

I remember watching most of his jumps on Tv when Wide World Of Sports was on ABC. Several clips of his most famous triumphs and disasters including one of the most famous crashes in history.
His statements of anti drugs and alcohol in this video are a great message for everyone.
My only problem was I wish it could have been a little more insightful on his off-stage life, but Evel was always that way.
Love me on stage , but leave me alone afterwards.

Classic Biker Movies (Evel Knievel / C.C & Company / Angels Hard As They Come)

Average customer rating:

Classic Biker Movies

Classic Biker Movies (Evel Knievel / C.C & Company / Angels Hard As They Come)
Starring: Classic Biker Movies
Manufacturer: American Home Treas
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Hells Angels on Wheels
Angel Unchained/Cycle Savages
Bikers From Hell, Triple Feature: Run Angel Run/Hell's Angels 69/Hell's Bloody Devils
The Wild Angels/Hell's Belles
Me and Will

ASIN: B000067D6N
Release Date: 2002-05-21

Description

3 Great Movies on 1 DVD. Star Power, Exciting Genre with Extras on each DVD.

Customer Reviews:

Classic Biker Movies.......2004-11-12

First of all this DVD is three movies for the price of one. I've seen "Evil Knievel" alone list for $20! "Evil Knievel" was better than I thought it would be featuring George Hamilton and was actually quite funny. "C.C. & Company" starred Joe Namath and Anne Margret. Joe did and decent job acting and Anne Margret did a good job of being naked! "Angels Hard as they Come" starred Gary Busey and Scott Glenn. Scott was the best actor in the movie and I can see why he went on to become a star.

Essentially you have three cheesy biker movies that capture the essence of the early '70's. I just bought them to add to my biker movie collection but for the price they were well worth it!

Average customer rating:

Evel is #1
Flawed But Engaging
Grab this great doco NOW!
king of the stuntmen
This Evel video is by far the greatest compliment to the greatest dare devil on the planet earth!!! James Morris, Palm Beach, FL

Evel Knievel - Last of the Gladiators
Starring: Robbie Knievel , Evel Knievel , and George Hamilton
Director: Martin Jay Sadoff
Manufacturer: White Star
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Evel Knievel's Spectacular Jumps
Absolute Evel: The Evel Knievel Story
Viva Knievel
Evel Knievel (1972)
Evel Knievel

ASIN: B000BB1MG4
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Description

The Last Of the Gladiators, starring Evel Knievel, is the incredible story of the rise and fall of the world's greatest daredevil. From Butte, Montana to international wealth and fame, this film reveals the true saga of a 20th Century Gladiator who repeatedly defied death to become an American hero. Knievel's spectacular motorcycle jumps are some of the most requested film footage of all-time. For the first time ever, all the jumps, all the crashes, plus an original music score are combined in an inspiring look at an impossible dream. The Last Of the Gladiators is a dynamic and memorable film that all will enjoy -an incredible visual experience. Original music score by Dennis Herring and David Faragher.

Customer Reviews:

Evel is #1.......2007-03-12

I've already watched this DVD several times. If you're nostalgic for the 70's and an Evel Knievel fan like I was growing up, buy this. When Evel was jumping trucks in the early 70's, I was setting up ramps and jumping my bicycle over the neighbors bicycles! trying to copy Evel. Great DVD!

Flawed But Engaging.......2006-12-16

"Evel Knievel: Last Of The Gladiators" provides a comprehensive overview of Evel Knievel's career with extensive footage of many of his most famous jumps. The movie is narrated by Knievel himself and, presumably, made with his full approval. Much of the movie focuses on the angle that although he was something of a hoodlum as a youth, the police and everyone else in his hometown liked him. Also, annoyingly, clips from the George Hamilton movie "Evel Knievel" are intercut with interviews involving people who knew him as a youth and clips of Knievel himself, reminiscing. The editing is poorly executed and amateurish. At the 29 minute mark, the movie picks up speed as we finally see the first real jump, the infamous Caesar's Palace. This jump and horrible landing are just as gut wrenching as I remember. Unfortunately, the film of this has not held up well and is begging for some digital remastering. It's extremely washed out looking and it doesn't help that the filmmakers add some really bad sound effects. Subsequent jump footage looks much better but all of them suffer from the filmmakers added sound effects. Hearing Knievel's analysis of each jump, I was amazed at just how little concern for safety he had. A lot of times he went for the jump even though he knew there was a problem with the bike or with the path he would have to take once he completed the jump. Despite the film's efforts to whitewash some of his character issues, it's easy to read between the lines. It was a lot of fun to see these jumps again, especially Snake River Canyon. Brought back a lot of childhood memories. Recommended for anyone curious about Evel Knievel but you must have patience, this movie falls somewhere between a documentary and a vanity project. It's extremely self-indulgent in parts and about 40 minutes too long.

Grab this great doco NOW!.......2006-03-31

This is by far the best collection of Evel Knievel on film, what they don't tell you above is that Evel, himself, narrates his own life story from the ups and the downs he experienced in his unique life, I was so hocked listening to him I didn't notice the musical score. This has all the footage of the "Spectacular Jumps" DVD and more. Its over 100 minutes long too.

king of the stuntmen.......2006-03-24

This is a great DVD to introduce the greatest motorcycle daredevil to a whole new generation of young adults, who have just heard of Evel, but never seen him in action. I had the pleasure of growing up watching him defy death on ABC TV in the 70's. He is in my opinion the grandfather of "extreme sports"
and deserves all the respect for starting this type of sport.

This Evel video is by far the greatest compliment to the greatest dare devil on the planet earth!!! James Morris, Palm Beach, FL.......2006-01-11

In brief, you can't go wrong if you are an Evel fan. This documentary of the greatest dare devil to ever step foot on a motorcycle depicts evel's ups and downs. It only takes a few minutes and you will be glued to the television for the remainder of the video. To sum it up, this documentary is like potato chips, you can just watch it once. James Morris, Palm Beach, Florida

Average customer rating:

George Hamilton's was better...
What did you expect?
Less yapping and more jumping.
Awful
Good movie

Evel Knievel
Starring: George Eads , Jaime Pressly , Lance Henriksen , Matt Gordon , and Peter MacNeill
Director: John Badham
Manufacturer: Turner Home Ent
ProductGroup: DVD
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Similar Items:

Evel Knievel's Spectacular Jumps
Evel Knievel - Last of the Gladiators
The Spring
Viva Knievel
Second String

ASIN: B0009GX1DS
Release Date: 2005-08-02

Description

He soars over snarling cougars and crates of poisonous snakes. Hurtles rows of buses, slams through walls of flame. Defies precipitous canyons and ornate hotel fountains. Garners wealth, fame and a Guinness Book of Records-setting 35 broken bones. "It's going to be anything but dull," Evel Knievel says about his life. Decked out in red, white and blue and exuding bravado, George Eads (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation) plays the title role and John Badham (Saturday Night Fever) directs this decades-spanning story of the hard-living, steel-straddling man who went to daredevil extremes long before there was anything called Extreme Sports. Hop on and hang on. It's time to fly with Evel Knievel.

DVD Features:
Audio Commentary:Audio commentary by star George Eads and director John Badham
TV Spot

Customer Reviews:

George Hamilton's was better..........2007-06-07

I thought the George Hamilton (1971) biopic of Evel was hokey but Eads' version is simply terrible. This movie is flawed and very poorly thought out. Eads is a good actor on CSI and Jaime Pressly is OK on the TV show "My name is Earl", but they were both miscast in this film. To top it off, the movie opens in 1950 and features a Jerry Lee Lewis song that wasn't even recorded until the LATE 50's! They should have put a song in that was relevant to the times Evel grew up in. To make matters worse, Evel looks 7 in the scene, but he would have been 12 by 1950.

Jamie Pressly plays Linda Bork as a gum-smacking redneck glamor girl with a nasty "southern" accent---in Butte Montana! Linda Bork, by most accounts, was a nice girl who eventually fell in love with Evel, despite his hard ways. In this film, Pressly portrays her as an aggressive, dolled-up hooker-type. To nitpick even more, Knievel had a clean-cut look in the sixties but Eads has a bushy mullet-wig throughout.

Q: Why was Lance Henriksen in this film?
A: To show young Bobby Knievel how to cleanse his bowels by eating the shells of roasted peanuts while incarcerated. What.......? Great actor. Must've needed the money.

One thing the film includes is the death of Evel's father-in-law, played by Beau Bridges. It's a topic that few documentaries or films cover. But when father-Bork dies, the audience has little sympathy due to the poor character development.

If you want to know about Evel, avoid this film (I love Knievel and bought the DVD for a few bucks just to have it in my collection). Get "Spectacular Jumps", "Gladiators" (the longer version of "Spectacular jumps" and watch "Absolute Evel: The Evel Knievel story" with Matthew McConaughey. Also, "Viva Knievel" is a fun 70's film featuring Evel, himself. All of them are fun and informative.

I wish someone would make a film worthy of Evel's contribution to sports, entertainment and pop culture. When Evel Knievel is gone, the "Last of the gladiators" will certainly be missed as a true icon. This movie is a total waste and I can't believe someone would try to pass this movie off as anything other than an overblown Hollywood fantasy. Compared to this film, George Hamilton should have been given an Oscar. Terrible...

What did you expect?.......2006-03-31

This is a great movie about the legend of Knievel, more based on fact than the 1971 movie of the same name. Eads was as cocky as Evel was in real life. Buy it if you are a fan of this American icon!

Less yapping and more jumping........2006-03-13

I don't know jack about Evel Kinevel, so I can't vouch for the accuracy of the story told here, but if Evel was a hard drinkin', hard womanizin' donkeyhole who enjoyed urinating outside and jumping large objects with his motorcycle then I'd say it was pretty accurate.

The story aspect was alright but the jump stuff was barely even touched on. I'd much rather more time was spent on him jumping buses than him arguing with his wife. Who cares? Just jump something! I'd been better off renting a DVD with just jumps on it.

Also I was very upset at the minor role given to Lance Henriksen.

Awful.......2005-10-15

If you want to find out about Evel Knievel avoid this garbage. I don't own it but I saw most of it on tv and was appalled. George Eads was not too bad a choice but they could have found someone better. And what's with the peeing scenes? What kind of a statement were they trying to make????
I never did see the ending of it...it was that lousy. It's a complete disaster.
Someone needs to do a big motion picture about Evel Knievel like they did about Muhammed Ali. The best actor I can think of is Matthew McConaughey as Evel.

Good movie.......2005-09-18

When I first watched the broadcast premiere of this movie I thought it was good -- not great -- but good. I thought George Eads did a great job as Evel.

Then this DVD came out and being a George Eads fan, I bought it and glad I did.

The commentary that George Eads and John Badham do in this DVD adds a whole new insight into the filming and what went into making this film. They take you through scene after scene and what was going on to make the scene credible and Eads does a wonderful job of describing what mind set he was in while filming a particular scene.

It added a fresh perspective when watching the movie again and I found I enjoyed it much more this time around.

The commentary alone is worth the price of the movie.

A must for any George Eads fan.

Average customer rating:

The PERFECT Evel Story!

Absolute Evel: The Evel Knievel Story

Manufacturer: A&E Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Evel Knievel - Last of the Gladiators
Evel Knievel's Spectacular Jumps
Viva Knievel
Evel Knievel (1972)
Vintage Evel Knievel 1973 Ideal Toy Company Promo Shirt Iron-On T-Shirt

ASIN: B000E3720E
Release Date: 2005-06-13

Description

His life story reads like a soap opera script. Born Robert Craig Knievel, this wild, young man from the rough mining town of Butte, Montana dreamed of becoming rich and famous. After years of struggle, Bobbie's alter ego Evel Knievel became the world's most famous daredevil. His exploits are legendary and it's unlikely his accomplishments--or notoriety--will ever be duplicated. Now, he's paying a high price for the life he led. He lives in constant pain from the incredible abuse his body suffered during his daredevil days. As he enters the twilight of life, this 2-hour special may be his last chance at a public forum. He's a man who is outspoken, outrageous, at times hilarious, but always fascinating. From humble beginnings in Butte to iconic status and everything in between, Evel candidly shares every aspect of his life. The aging daredevil reflects on his incredible experiences and how he would like to be remembered.

Customer Reviews:

The PERFECT Evel Story!.......2007-02-22

You have GOT to purchase this story if you are an Evel fan. There is so much info . . . some you know . . . some you don't know. Evel is an amazing person . . .this showcases that fact!

Average customer rating:

A timeless video
Fun, typical early 70's "road" film
Elvis On Wheels...
Cool film, horrible DVD
Evel Knievel Yes! This DVD No!

Evel Knievel (1972)
Starring: George Hamilton , Sue Lyon , Bert Freed , Rod Cameron , and Dub Taylor
Director: Marvin J. Chomsky
Manufacturer: Alpha Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Evel Knievel's Spectacular Jumps
Evel Knievel - Last of the Gladiators
Viva Knievel
Absolute Evel: The Evel Knievel Story
Evel Knievel

ASIN: B0000639ED
Release Date: 2002-03-19

Customer Reviews:

A timeless video .......2007-05-20

My purchase and delivery of the VHS movie " Evel Knievel " was easy and prompt . However , I disliked the product because the video reproduction was faint and grainy (poor). Also , the sound reproduction was very noisey,cracking and had blank spots (terrible) ! I've enjoyed similar products from indiviguals selling a "used" movie , more than this unopened
item ! My rating is up because the original film is very entertaining ! !

Fun, typical early 70's "road" film.......2005-07-25

I saw this in a theater, for a "children's matinee"(the original version had some racey stuff in it,and it may have carried an R or at least cautious PG rating, but other versions were edited for the kiddie market), it only ever seemed to play 2nd run in smaller theaters(and 2nd billing at Drive Ins) between 1971 and '73. VERY typical of early 70's filmmaking when just about anyone could make an indie film and get it easily distrubuted to "theaters and drive-ins near you".
This low-end DVD sadly, maybe from the only copy available-on faded 16mm-it is on several other "public domain" labels("Public Domain" is when a film falls out of copyright because it's been edited different ways by different distributors and theaters and the original makers simply lose track of it, or disown it altogether). Still it is a product of it's time. They don't make'em like this anymore! A fun "road" movie from a more fun and carefree time.

Elvis On Wheels..........2005-01-21

EVEL KNIEVEL was a favorite of mine when I was a kid. The idea of someone risking their life for my entertainment didn't bother me then. I was nine after all. Looking back, I think of Evel as an adrenaline freak with major issues, but still respect his right to jump over things. George Hamilton is perfect in the role of Bobby "Evel" Knievel. He captures his smirking attitude toward danger, bodily injury, and death. Hamilton hams it up in a way that only he could pull off, giving life to the legend and the man. We start off in Butte Montana (Knievel's hometown) where a young Evel watches as a car is sucked down into a sink hole. In flashbacks, we are treated to the story (well, small slices of it anyway) of Knievel's life, a tall tale almost as big as Paul Bunyan. I especially liked his obsession with and eventual kidnapping of his future wife (played by Sue Lyon). Hamilton gives us a portrait of a daredevil who knows his own destiny as an american superhero. This is Elvis on wheels, a showman who performs for us, knowing full well that he could splatter at any minute! This guy broke every bone in his body except his neck! The crashes are spectacular and disturbing. I found myself wondering at Knievel's nuttiness and disregard for safety, while marveling at what he actually did. The fact that he survived his many public suicide attempts is a miracle! Watch and enjoy...

Cool film, horrible DVD.......2003-06-15

I agree with the previous review. This is a very cool film of the early 70's, clearly designed to promote Evel and his planned jump of the Grand Canyon (he had to settle for the Snake River Canyon in Idaho instead.) But this is quite simply the worst DVD transfer I have ever seen. The video quality is terrible. For a few bucks you might consider snatching this up, but don't expect much quality wise. On the other hand, this is my favorite George Hamilton performance, although he doesn't really look like Evel, he really nails the performance. John Milius co-wrote the script early in his career.

Evel Knievel Yes! This DVD No!.......2003-04-23

I have always liked this movie. It stars George Hamilton in the role of Evel Knievel. Actual Footage of Evel Knievel jumps are included in this biographical story. Perhaps the most famous of his jumps is the one from Ceasar's Palace in Las Vegas, it is included here in all of its busted up glory.

Customer Reviews:

Oh my god. .......2007-04-03

Based on the Netflix description, I assumed this would be a Leslie Nielsen slapstick comedy. It wasn't. Man, the 70s were a complete waste, weren't they?

They should cut this film up and splice the pieces together with the pieces of "My Dinner with Andre". It'd improve both of them, and frankly, I can't think of any other reason for either film to exist.

Evel became the motorcycle John Wayne.......2006-07-02

I have read most of the reviews on this movie, and agree with many, as I have to respect people's point of view. However, I love this movie. When it first came out I was in (or almost in) high school, and was also a movie lover (still am).

This film hearkens back to the "good ole days" of film, where the hero saves the day. Evel is like a modern day John Wayne who rides his cycle (instead of a horse) through places in order to save the day.

Okay...do not expect Gone with the Wind, but if you want some action and some good old fashion fun, with a hero you can cheer for...this is the movie! Viva Knieval!

Viva Knievel 1977.......2006-04-26

He?s powered his Harley over Autos , Mack trucks , snarling lions , seething infernos and plummeted headlong into a Canyon . But if the mob has its way , his next incredidle leap will land him six feet under . Death-defying legend Evel Knievel (1938) becomes a man-in-jam when crooks use the road show as a front to smuggle drugs . A stellar cast gives full-throttle support : Gene Kelly (1912-1996) as a rummy bike mechanic , Red Buttoms (1919- ) as a sleazy promoter , Leslie Nielsen (1926- ) as a murderous mobster and Lauren Hutton (1943- ) as a photographer who trades barbs-and-hearts-with Evel .Througout this high-speed adventure , Evel does things with a motorcycle that few-if-say-any-can match , leaving purseus in the dust..and breatless VIVA KNIEVEL viewers in hog heaven ! Is this a good movie ! , have you read the story ! , in my judement this is waste of time watch this movie . High Quality digital transfer

...But Only If You Love Bad Movies.......2005-06-04

In the opening scene, Evel, playing himself in a fictional adventure, distributes toys--Evel Knievel action figures!--to orphans in the middle of the night...inspiring one handicapped child to throw away his crutches and walk. I swear I'm not making that up. Santa? Jesus? You just got SERVED!

In this grand testament to One Man's Ego, a cast already dripping with overripe hams (Including Leslie Nielsen as a drug lord! And Marjoe Gortner as a coke fiend!) finds itself overwhelmed by a clown on a bike as he reunites families, teaches a "feminist" to love, and defeats drug smugglers.

And you haven't lived until you've experienced the theme song...

Pure Cheeze.......2005-04-10

OK - If you're looking for Easy Rider or some kind of epic.. this isn't it. But if you want a good party movie if you have the kind of friends that watch(ed) MST3K then this is a gold mine! Watch as Evel gets tough with a slim ball promoter! Help alcoholic Gene Kelly regain the love of his 9 year old son! Tackle Drug Lord Leslie Nielsen in a Motocycle Vs. Porsche chase! See Evel womanize his way with a photographer sent out to shoot his deadly last jump! Hear Evel equate the horror of illeagal drugs to Nitro in cars! Friends of orphans and Nuns alike, Evel does it all!

Shame that the DVD cover was photoshoped... the original poster ( and VHS box) showed Evel launching into the air from a ramp that was a giant hand gun.

Average customer rating:

The Bionic Woman Vol.1 - (3 Episodes)
Starring: Abe Vigoda, Julie Newmar, Evel Knievel, Barry Sullivan Vincent Price
Manufacturer: Universal Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Product Description

This collection includes Three Episodes. 1. "Black Magic" (featuring Vincent Price and Julie Newmar), 2. "Motorcycle Boogie" (featuring Evel Knievel), and 3. "The Jailing of Jaime".

Average customer rating:

Not So Hot
"You alive, Knievel?"

[DVD] Evel Knievel from Digiview

Manufacturer: Digiview Productions
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Evel Knievel's Spectacular Jumps
Viva Knievel
Evel Knievel (1972)

ASIN: B0007NIB56

Product Description

In the moments preceding a particularly difficult jump, Knievel reflects back on the events of a lifetime. Starring George Hamilton (who also produced), Evel Knievel sets out to establish he motivations and circumstances that led him t become a legend and inspiration to a while new generation of extreme sports enthusiasts, including his own son Robbie. Filmed in Evel Knievels real life home in Butte, Montana, the film also costars Sue Lyon and Vic Tayback, who help add back-story and depth to this enigmatic character.

Customer Reviews:

Not So Hot.......2006-11-15

This movie is mainly showing Evel's cocky, crazy and rude character. It only shows a few little clips of a few jumps and the viewing quality is very poor. Also some of the movie is filmed at dark and is so blurry that you can't make out what is going on. There is also quite a bit of cursing on this movie. Save your money and get a differant version.

"You alive, Knievel?".......2005-12-08

From the onset, EVEL KNIEVEL (1971) gave all the signs of being a stereotypical bad movie. An early 1970s biopic. About Evel Knievel. Starring George Hamilton. Sounds wretched, doesn't it?

Surprisingly, the movie isn't that bad at all. But the things that make it a decent movie also contribute to making it an absolutely awful biopic. I didn't really learn anything about Evel Knievel at all except that he's a bit of a nut (I should have seen that coming, really) and that his medical bills must be high (ditto). The story is told as a series of seemingly random flashbacks. There's nothing holding the scenes together and they don't form a coherent story. They do little to educate, but a lot to entertain.

First of all, I should mention George Hamilton's performance as Evel Knievel. You know, I've seen Hamilton in countless commercials, and I've seen his increasingly orange glowing face being interviewed more times than I care to think about. But I'm not convinced that I've ever actually seen him acting in a movie. So color me surprised when I thought his performance was quite good. I have no idea what the real Evel Knievel is like (a refrain you will see me revisit more than once during this review), but Hamilton is very believable in the role.

The supporting actors matter less. The only person who may stick in the memory is the character of Knievel's doctor/surgeon (played by Bert Freed) who has the unenviable job of regularly putting Humpty Dumpty back together again after each spectacular crash. I enjoyed watching this surly doctor patiently sewing Knievel's limbs back on (while admiring his previous repairs), wondering if the next crash will be the last one, and not really caring all that much. (A lot of movies would have had the doctor as a grumpy guy with a heart of gold. Deep down he really wouldn't anything bad to happen to Knievel. But not here. This guy genuinely doesn't seem to give a damn about his patient, which I found delightful.)

The only other real character of note is Knievel's girlfriend/wife. I know nothing about the real life couple, but this scrawny, skinny woman wouldn't have been what popped into my head if ever I had spent a moment of my past pondering what Evel Knievel's wife would be like. I would have pictured a more substantial woman. Someone a little sturdier. Someone he could leap off a building onto without damaging. I mean, that just makes sense, doesn't it?

The film has little plot to speak of. The (then) present day Knievel is waiting to execute his most extraordinary stunt ever and while putting in time he endures a series of flashbacks. Most of these flashbacks are entertaining, but they each seem to exist in an independent universe. They're fun because each one decides that it will be the light and goofy flashback and the heavier stuff will be handled in other scenes. Except there are no weighter scenes, so the whole thing ends up being very insubstantial.

While this leads to a frustrating biography, it also results in a fun enough movie. I can't, for example, think of too many other movies where an exciting and tense chase sequence is accompanied by comedy tuba music. Or a film where the leading lady loses her virginity to a man wearing ice-skates. Or a biopic that dares to show the hero dynamiting his way into the City Hall men's room.

Speaking of the City Hall, I should point out that this movie is the earliest movie listed on IMDB to have done location filming in Butte, Montana. I didn't realize when I spent my dollar on this DVD at Wal*Mart that I'd be looking at beautiful Butte, Montana footage. Despite this, Butte, Montana doesn't come across as all that exciting of a place. Apparently, all you have to do is walk into a bar, tell people that "something big is going to happen", and you'll work up all the Butteans into a frenzy, get them running in the streets, and causing all kinds of chaos. (Butte, Montana seems to have undergone a cinematic revival in the past two years. IMDB lists ten total movies as having been filmed there, five of which were shot in 2004 or 2005. Food for thought.)

As for the accuracy, I'm not too interested with that, but I didn't notice any "authorized by Evel Knievel" in the credits. Perhaps this explains the portrayal of Knievel as a screaming, nitpicky neurotic. He comes across as an extremely unpleasant person, and one's sympathy instantly rests with whoever is unlucky enough to be in a room with him. And yet there is something likable about this lunatic. Just as long as you don't have to nurse him, be married to him, talk to him or be within five hundred yards of him. Watching his biopic is about as close as I ever want to be.

But as fun as the movie is, it leaves a lot of questions unanswered. Why did he fall in love with his wife (we see their early dating life, but no indication of what he saw in her)? Why did he get into stunt-riding? Why is his name spelled "Evel"?

In case I haven't made this clear by now: this is not a film you want to take in any way seriously. But then, you probably figured that when you saw the title and the star. Much of the entertainment comes from the "this is so goofy; I can't believe I'm watching this" factor, but just try to get yourself into the right frame of mind. I'm honestly not sure how seriously the filmmakers were taking this, but as long as the audience doesn't take it seriously, you should enjoy it.

BMX Bandits / Evel Knievel Double Feature

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BMX Bandits / Evel Knievel Double Feature

Manufacturer: Family Value Collection
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Thrashin'
License to Drive (Special Edition)

ASIN: B000BP5LZS

Product Description

This disc includes two full-length feature films: BMX Bandits, starring Nicole Kidman in one of her first roles; and Evel Knievel, a biography of the world's most famous daredevil, portrayed by George Hamilton.

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