This loping, easygoing road movie throws together familiar ingredients--a pair of mismatched traveling buddies, a series of encounters with unusual strangers (the "prophets" of the title), and a personal quest to quench demons from the past--for a journey that doesn't strike out into new territory but provides an amiable trip for its wandering souls. Rocker John Doe (formerly of the punk band X) is a working stiff whose journey to deliver the ashes of a friend to their final resting place in Eldorado, Nevada, becomes something of a New Age odyssey. Joined by Sam (Beastie Boy Adam Horowitz), a lost youth obsessed with the ubiquitous Motel 9s that dot every truck stop and crossroads, the two wrangle their motorcycles down desert highways like Gen-X Easy Riders, only without the drugs, the rednecks, or the '60s soundtrack (the excellent score by Pray for Rain also includes songs by Doe, former X-mate Excene Cervenka, and the Pogues). Cameos by weathered 1960s icons Timothy Leary and Arlo Guthrie join David Carradine as a guitar-playing hermit and John Cusack as an insane, food-throwing anarchist. Director Abbe Wool (who wrote Sid and Nancy) is content to watch the world ramble by from the back of a motorcycle and enjoy the company--which makes entertaining viewing if you like the personalities and an interminable trip if you don't. --Sean Axmaker
R**
90s cult classic - funny, screwball artsy, scans deep social topics
This is a sweet good natured movie with cameos from all kinds of outsider intellectuals and artists. Has a great spirit. It's a friendship story of two men. I was surprised and charmed by how gently and kindly it portrays all the characters, showing us humanity in a tender light while still being hilarious.Motorcycles, motels, coming of age for two men - one around 20 and the other about 40.Touches on topics of race, sex, class, consciousness, humanity, friendship, meaning, and the mysteries of life. It's also screwball funny.It covers deep cultural topics in a way that is sensitive enough you could show it in a high school classroom or watch intergenerationally.Very American. Definitely recommend.
A**Y
Not-quite impossible dream
"Roadside Prophets" is a small movie with a not-quite realized vision. On the negative side, the acting is occasionally awkward and the dialogue clunky, but the film is rich in literary allusions and cultural critique. On the surface, it's a typical buddy film. On the other hand, not many buddy films feature two guys on ancient motorcycles searching for Eldorado so they can spread a Fat Bob tank full of ashes as a tribute to someone who was electrocuted while playing a video game in a strip bar. The point of the movie is not to glorify the end product, but the process. That is, living life the best way you know how, with the full realization that the end product is just that -- the end. John Cusack has a memorable cameo in the film, but others -- such as David Carradine's and Timothy Leary's -- actually have substance, where Cusack's is a triumph of style. As in life, the main characters meet people who have things to say, some profound and some profoundly silly. Dismiss those roadside prophets at your peril -- those who seem the most insane may well be the wisest people you'll ever meet.
J**I
Beer! Gas! - Ride Forever!!!
This is a great road movie with awesome cameos that keep it intelligent and funny. Althought the movie starts out kinda slow and the acting is slightly awkward at times, the movie picks up fast and the messages shed during the road encounters are life-lasting and true to heart. Ad rock is very funny as Sam the drifter- even hysterical at times. One of my own and friends favorites through college, it is a timeless tale of friendship and life lessons. I don't even like motorcycles but this movie makes me want to ride the desert. Easy to compare to as the "Easy Rider" of the 90's. Watch this movie!
R**N
FREE FOOD FOR THE POOR!
If you don't know the two dudes on the cover, rent this. If you do know the two dudes on the cover... buy this.
A**L
Nice escapism
I felt like I was taken on the ride along with the characters, but you have to be in a really chill mood to properly enjoy it. Also, the "Cameos" by then unknown actors is great fun! Try to spot Don Cheadle!
C**R
So good!
Best biker movie ever written. It end exactly how it would in real life....lol
D**N
Fun & quirky
One of my fave movies of all time. So glad it was released on DVD, my VHS was worn out. the silliness of this film is what makes it. the unexpected cast is hilarious. a great fun film with a heartfelt outcome.
E**E
Great movie!
Cult classic
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