Hard Miles

Hard Miles hauls its tired-out premise up approximately 750 miles of winding, mountainous roads in search of a foregone conclusion.

Matthew Modine finally gets the starring role he deserves, the first that’s fully tested him since his Eighties heyday, in this true-life sports drama about the healing power of cycling.

A formulaic sports movie that unfolds predictably, exactly on cue, with no surprises or upsets. But I warmed to its sensitivity; it possesses an insistence that these difficult boys are vulnerable and scared kids.

A formulaic but well-acted film.

[T]he film is a combination of spectacular scenery, arduous exertion, inspiring pep talks, adolescent rebellion, emotional confrontations, and lessons learned by both the teenagers and their leader.

An inspiring movie that pushes away the soot and trauma of our overtaxed corrections system to find the inherent good in its young denizens, one pedal, one hard mile, at a time.

If Ratatouille‘s guiding principle was “Anyone can cook,” Hard Miles’ guiding principle might as well be “Anyone can cycle.” [...] an entertaining and emotional film that will satisfy your need for sports dramas tinged with inspiration.

In "Crooked Arrows" boys learn teamwork and manhood via lacrosse. In "The Boys in the Boat," it's rowing crew. In "Hard Miles" it's cycling. All good vehicles.

Hard Miles takes us down a well-trodden path, one to redemption with the help of sport and an inspirational coach. Thankfully, we still have enough heart to respond to its visual beauty and the determination of people like Greg Townsend.

While conventional, “Hard Miles” is a well-meaning and benign effort boosted by an agreeable cast.