The Wild Angels (1966)

The Worst Film Ever

Such a frustrating disappointment

Don't listen to the negative reviews

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

"Heavenly Blues" (Peter Fonda) is the leader of a motorcycle gang known simply as "the Angels" and has as his girlfriend the beautiful "Mike" (Nancy Sinatra). One day he makes the fateful decision to help his best friend "Loser Kearns" (Bruce Dern) get his stolen motorcycle back and that's when things begin to take a turn for the worse. Now as far as this picture is concerned it is somewhat typical of most "biker films" made during this period with the addition of the notable actors just mentioned. Admittedly, the movie loses focus toward the end with nothing to offer other than a large segment of mindless chaos--which all too often isn't that unusual for this kind of film. Having said that, let me just add that this movie isn't for everyone. Those who like biker films, or movies from this particular period of time, will probably enjoy it. Conversely, those who don't may want to steer clear. In any case, I rate it as slightly above average.

What a waste. Utterly moronic. Depressing as hell. Actually makes you want to root for the cops. The only thing this pile of crap has going for it is some desert scenery and cool vintage panhead H-D choppers. And here's a surprise: Nancy Sinatra was NOT an attractive woman. She looks more like the daughter of the "Chairman of the Abhorred." Gayle Hunnicutt, however, was HOT, HOT, HOT! Too bad SHE wasn't Sinatra's daughter, or we'd probably have seen more of her in the film. She's featured more prominently in 1969's "Marlowe," with James Garner. Michael J. Pollard is way out of place as a biker, as is Buck Taylor (Newly from TV's Gunsmoke). However, the most miscast, out of place "actor" has to be Norman Alden, as Medic. Norman Alden is the epitome of "square." He's probably best known as Lou, the repairman on those Delco TV commercials, playing (most likely) himself -- an utter bore. Lordy. A "better" biker film is "Hell's Angels on Wheels," with Jack Nicholson, but still not really a good film.

I have recently had awful luck with picking out good movies to watch. Movies like The Wolfman remake, The Thing With Two Heads, and Reptilicus are just three of my unfortunate viewing choices, and they really make me wonder why I even continue to collect DVDs. Sadly, this movie, "The Wild Angels" is just the most recent in the string of trash I have unwittingly subjected myself to. It is simplistic and stupid, and can be summarized in one short paragraph. Ready? Here we go! (SPOILERS!!!) Peter Fonda and a gang of idiotic bikers are riding around Mexico or somewhere, and along the way, one of them gets shot. He is taken to the hospital. Peter and his pals take him away from the hospital and he later dies. At his funeral, Peter and friends trash the church and have a party. Later at the burial, a small boy throws a rock at one of the bikers. Everyone gets mad and attacks the crowd of townspeople. The police come and all of Peter's chums run away, and Peter is left alone to bury his friend. The end. Was that short enough? Anyway, the characters were all obnoxious punks that I couldn't possibly root for. Fonda looks atrocious in his biker punk get up, and the whole film is less interesting than watching an old lady knit for 86 minutes. This is the worst film I've seen in quite some time, and that's saying a lot from me, considering the stuff I watch.

The Wild Angels came out just a few years before Easy Rider was released. As much as I admire Easy Rider, I must say, this is a more entertaining watch. Yes, I know people may think I'm crazy for saying that. I liked seeing Peter Fonda as a confused bad-ass in this film. He has a quality to him that made him work as the leader of the gang. Fonda plays a biker named "Heavenly Blues" who has second thoughts about his life-style after a plan of his gets his best friend fatally shot. Bruce Dern does a lot with his small role and even Nancy Sinatra is decent. I thought Diane Ladd was great too. What Corman does that other known B-movie moguls don't bother with, is to cast good actors and that makes a huge difference. I also find Corman to be a decent director and it shows here. This is a decent pre-Easy Rider film.