Based on a true story of an eventual BMX Champion who overcame an abusive childhood, a white supremacist upbringing, the elements of the foster care system, and the nuances of an interracial foster family.
Who is in it?
Christopher "Ludacris" Bridges - Eldridge Buultjens
Shane Graham - John Buultjens
Sasha Alexander - Marianna Buultjens
Favorite Scene:
Embarrassed to be seen by his new foster parents, specifically Eldridge, who is black, John ducks into his back seat upon being dropped off at school. Eldridge makes light of the situation by mentioning what he packed for lunch before putting the window down and asking out loud to students about PTA opportunities.
Favorite Quote:
None.
Review:
The Ride was surely a welcome surprise. Upon seeing the trailer, I figured to get a formulaic film about troubled youth, intersect some social norms being challenged, the youth overcomes and changes, happy they live - the end. Well, we got that, but it's the middle part that was so interesting. Go figure, the journey of this formulaic film - the ride of it - is what makes this such a good watch.
The core story is a great one. In many ways it's the very PG version of American History X. The best part about the film is indeed the acting, especially that of Chris Bridges aka Ludacris. We've seen Luda in some big office hits, specifically his role in Fast and Furious. However, he shows some more range in this film, making it a great watch.
By the end of the film, I was indeed invested in the characters, even though the outcome was forecasted before the movie even began. That's a great sign. It's a great feel-good movie that tackles some interesting issues and tells a great redemption story.
Give it a watch.
Grade: 2.75/5