Based on a true story, this inspirational film about a social worker (Matthew Modine) who takes a quartet of misfit teen boys on a 700-mile bike ride from Colorado to the Grand Canyon is a surprising winner. It has all the trappings of a sappy, straight-to-video bit of fluff, but Modine’s performance, along with great turns from the kids, turns it into a watchable winner. Sure, it’s as trite as the day is long, and the script is chock-full of above-the-fireplace adages and idioms, but there’s no denying the heartstring-pulling going on. Plus, Sean Astin cameos as the local bike repair guy, giving ‘Stranger Things’ fans a fun two-for-one.
3.5/5 stars