Evel Knievel

Reviewed by:
Patrick Richardson

Trying to produce an exciting movie about an iconic figure like Evel Knievel on a made-for-TV budget is riskier than attempting a six-car jump on a tricycle. Fortunately, Evel Knievel escapes with only a few minor scrapes and bruises. George Eads (CSI) stars as a not-so-evil incarnation of Knievel in this purely nostalgic biopic that focuses mostly on the peak of the reckless rogue's popularity during the late '60s and early '70s. The film doesn't offer any new insights into the life of the world's first professional daredevil, but it serves as a brief history lesson and highlight reel for those of you too young to remember Knievel's gravity-defying stunts and near-death experiences. Reenactments of Knievel's most famous and dangerous jumps—and, more importantly, crashes—are enough to make this an enjoyable ride. And if the broken bones aren't enough, you can always concentrate on Jaime Pressly (Torque, 1-800-COLLECT), who will rev your engine every time she hops on a hog as Knievel's biker-loving wife.

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