MOVIE REVIEWS
The Best Bar In America Dirt Track Productions 2006 93 Minutes
The Best Bar In America is easy to be drawn into despite the oddity of it all , first glance you ’ d think it was a film documenting the rider looking for the best bar but don ’ t be mistaken this is a fictional story .
Sanders , the lead , rides an aging BMW R60 complete with sidecar outfit and in many ways it ’ s the star of the movie , as are the vast landscapes . There ’ s a human story as Sanders ’ writing assignment sees him meeting numerous characters but none more so enigmatic as Northway , a fellow traveller who needs help .
The pair find their paths continually crossing and become trusted friends as they head to Montana , home of what Northway says is ‘ the ’ best bar in America .
This leads Sanders to a lesson in life where he is asked for the ultimate favour and despite the cheesiness of the film the viewer also learns a thing or two .
The Best Bar In America is at times cliché and demanding of a cringe , yet still a bit of fun and worth watching if for nothing else but the old airhead and stunning landscapes of Utah and Arizona . The Best Bar In America won ’ t take you to the said bar but it will suck you in and leave you thinking .
Long Way Up Apple TV 2020 45 Minutes - 11 Episodes
Thirteen years after the last Long Way series the much anticipated third ride for ‘ best mates ’ Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor saw them ride electric Harley Davidson ’ s the length of South and Central America into Los Angeles . Anticipation built as photos were leaked however , it seems to have come at a cost .
Like 2007s Long Way Down series the latest instalment seems to be more about what McGregor wants rather than exploring the dynamics of the duo and discovering ‘ new ’ lands , for this the series is the poorer for it .
The earlier episodes of 11 parts series focus more on the electric vehicles , the issues associated and whether they can be recharged whilst on the road . It ’ s an interesting dilemma but does take away from the experience for the viewer however , it ’ s an adventure of a different kind .
The experience picks up pace in the latter episodes and as a result the story feels rushed and incomplete , often focusing more on the production crew , mainly David Alexanian and Russ Malkin .
While riding South America on electric vehicles is noble and perhaps proof that these vehicles are the future , Long Way Up demonstrates that these vehicles are lacking and beyond the reach of solo travellers or those that lack a production crew of many .
Long Way Up is worth watching but falls dramatically short of the original Long Way Round and subsequent Long Way Down .
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