Review published 2nd January 2026

Watch the official trailer.

A Small Town BMX Prodigy on the Rise

Teenager Cru Jones (Bill Allen) lives in a small town and is a skilled BMX rider and racer. Cru has trained hard, and thanks to his dedication, he can perform a variety of stunts and tricks on his BMX. When he is not attending school, he is often seen around town delivering newspapers on his bike, which also gives him the perfect opportunity to perform stunts and cause some cheeky mischief with both members of the community and the law.

A High Stakes Choice Between Dreams and Responsibility

Soon, the town makes the significant decision to host an upcoming BMX race called Helltrack. At first, the race is open only to riders from outside the town, but community leaders change their minds and allow local riders to compete as well. However, while entering Helltrack would be a dream fuelled by Cru’s passion, he is also faced with a difficult decision. Cru can either sit his SATs, which would allow him to attend college and pursue a promising career, or he can enter the race and qualify for Helltrack, giving him the chance to prove his skills and dedication as a BMX rider. Of course, the SATs coincide with the Helltrack race and are both on the same day, leaving Cru with a challenging choice. His mother has made her expectations clear, but Cru is willing to make a radical choice instead. Behind the scenes, the creators of the race have sinister plans and will do anything they can to ensure that Cru either does not compete or does not win the ultimate race. The question remains: is Cru good enough to win the race and claim the $100,000 cash prize along with a brand-new Corvette?

Extreme Sports and ’80s Action Energy

Rad is a sports drama film. Given the abundance of BMX stunts, those who love all things extreme sports will find plenty of entertainment here as well. The film is directed by Hal Needham, whose other work behind the camera includes Smokey and the Bandit (1977), The Cannonball Run (1981), Stroker Ace (1983), and Megaforce (1982).  Needham has an evident passion for delivering a sports-driven story full of fast-paced vehicles in energetic action sequences. There are plenty of corny yet endearing montages and a memorable soundtrack that helps bring these films to life.

Brainless Fun and Underdog Triumph

Rad is pure, brainless entertainment, with an uplifting story guaranteed to put a smile on your face. It is packed with cheesy one-liners, and while the storyline may feel familiar and predictable, it is entirely enjoyable, as is the character of Cru. Despite being a skilled BMX rider, he is often seen as an underdog by many in the town. The stunt work throughout the film is impressive, delivering a high level of excitement that is hard to resist. The soundtrack is equally incredible, perfectly complementing the BMX sequences and adding even more energy to the action.

Corny Dialogue and Cheesy Romance Add to the Charm

Rad’s biggest drawback is a mixture of a corny script and occasional wooden dialogue. Interestingly, there are moments when the lead cast speak well, and the lines flow naturally, yet in other scenes, the actors deliver their lines so stiffly that it feels like they are reading from cue cards or speaking them for the first time, lacking confidence and rhythm. That said, the uneven dialogue only adds to the film’s charm and overall corniness. Also, call me unromantic, but the cheesy montage romance sequences are uninteresting and dull, often making it impossible not to roll your eyes.

Pure ’80s BMX Fun with Legendary Soundtrack

Overall, Rad is pure ’80s entertainment. With an epic, legendary soundtrack, incredible BMX stunts, and a familiar yet fun underdog storyline set around a major sporting event, the film delivers nonstop enjoyment. Cheesy dialogue, sometimes delivered stiffly and woodenly, only adds to its hilarious charm. Director Hal Needham once again demonstrates his legacy, crafting a sports film that is not only well shot but also celebrates the sheer coolness of BMX riding, making it inspiring for viewers. A must-watch for fans of BMX Bandits, Hot Rod, Megaforce and Smokey and the Bandit.

Rad (1986) is Coming Soon, thanks to Umbrella!

About the Reviewer

Peter Walkden

Film writer and curator with a deep passion for cinema, genre filmmaking, and physical media. Exploring new releases, cult favourites, and overlooked films, with a strong focus on atmosphere, storytelling, and the theatrical experience.

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