User reviews

This film is a great example of what can be done with a low budget, decent story, and a great cast. The direction is broad, and at the same time both light-hearted and dark. I think it's a good example of balance in that regard. Please see my comments in the message board regarding the ending of the DVD version. I think you have to be able to remember back to the day - 1982 - to appreciate this movie. Superior low-budget time-loops starting with "The Terminator" were still 2 years away....

Well, it was a good idea. They just didn't do a lot with it. A guy on a motorcycle in the desert gets accidentally catapulted back in time by an experiment, and is himself unaware that this has happened.

I liked the people of the 19th Century town, and the chemistry between Lyle Swan (Fred Ward) and the local beauty there (Belinda Bauer) is a plus. Ward's acting is alright, playing the confused dummy lost in the past. However he is undermined by feeble scripting: neither his nor any other character grows or learns anything. The same jokes about futuristic marvels that he shows the astonished people get thin pretty fast, and some of the same dialog, like "Where's my bike?!?" even repeats.

There's only one common thread running through the story that has any meaning as far as the impact of time travel adventure goes, and if you blink, even that will zip by. A weak story that's just not written very well.

The following comment includes a piece of the plot. If you plan to see the movie (and I recommend you do), do not read the rest of this.

Both Gene and Roger felt that the title character seemed stupid in that he didn't understand what had happened (i.e. that he went back in time) until the very end. I, on the other hand found it most believable. If you were lost in the desert, and you came across a _rural_ town, wouldn't it take quite a lot before you'd reach the conclusion "Oh, I must have gone back in time!"

"Timerider" has one of the stupidest plot premises I ever beheld, but apparently the film nevertheless supports a loyal fan base and is considered a modest cult favorite. I thought it was boring, imbecilic and forgettable. All the more proof that the term "cult favorite" is widely open for personal interpretation. Bike-racing daredevil Lyle Swann (Fred Ward) loses his way during a test drive and passes through a scientific test area where he accidentally gets catapulted back in time to the year 1877. Of course, he's completely unaware of the troublesome situation he's in and when confronted with villainous cowboys and superstitious villagers that think he's "El Diablo", he only responds by pulling stupid faces. "Timerider" predates "Back to the Future", the milestone that single-handedly popularized the time-traveling concept in cinema, so it just ends up being a lame crossover between Sci-Fi and comedy. It's a very boring film that does nothing extraordinary or memorable. Lyle Swann only tries to recover his stolen motorcycle throughout the entire film and, in the end, he's rescued by a helicopter that got sent back in time as well. How stupid is that? The concept isn't properly worked out, neither and the plot is full of dreadful clichés and predictable twists. The futuristic guy on his bike is accepted amongst the townspeople rather quickly, rather than to continue regarding him as some sort of demon, and obviously the lead heroine later turns out to be his great-grandmother. There's one notably amusing sequence, when the gang of criminals that stole Swann's motorcycle – led by Peter Coyote – tries to operate it. Other than this short worthwhile interlude, "Timerider" is a dumb film that I cannot bring myself to recommend to anyone.

Amusing cult flick combines sci-fi and the Western in this offbeat tale of a motocross racer, Lyle Swann (Fred Ward), who gets lost and wanders into the testing area of a time travel experiment. So good old Lyle is zapped back over a hundred years to the Old West where he confounds the locals with his outrageous (to them, anyway) get-up and his astounding vehicle, which slimy outlaw Porter Reese (Peter Coyote) wants to obtain no matter what.

The film is co-written (with director William Dear), produced and scored by ex - "Monkee" Michael Nesmith, and overall is pretty entertaining, even if it's doing a lot of standard fish-out-of-water humour. However, after a while it begins to take itself just a little too seriously. The viewer can also take issue with just how clueless Lyle remains about his situation. It never once occurs to him that he could have ended up in the past.

"Timerider" certainly features an impressive roster of character actors - Ward is likable in the starring role, the oddly matched Richard Masur and Tracey Walter are funny as bickering brothers, and Ed Lauter, L.Q. Jones, Chris Mulkey, and Macon McCalman are fine in supporting parts. Belinda Bauer is damn sexy in the part of a feisty female outlaw who becomes attracted to Lyle.

The camera-work and cinematography are first rate, and the scenery is beautiful to look at. The costumes are nicely done, as well. Nesmiths' score is catchy, funky stuff. There is some violence, but never much in the way of gore.

B movie enthusiasts will surely enjoy the premise of this little film, which does move along quite well and offer enough diverting set pieces and laughs to rate as acceptable entertainment.

Seven out of 10.

Suspend yourself for a time. Watch motocross goat roper style.

Lyle Swann (Fred Ward) rides his bike off-road and by accident back a century. There he encounters Some bad characters including Peter Coyote and Ed Lauter who covet his machine and a woman Belinda Bauer that covets his... well, not his bike. Will he come out of both encounters unscathed? Does he ever hear the truth of his situation or will he be lost forever "a stranger in a strange land?"

Maybe not the best production. However, it is quite fun watching them go through the motions. It is fun to see top actors from different films all come together for this one. You may find out what happened if you stick your nose into the situation.

I've got to hand it to Michael Nesmith, his flavorful synth-driven score for this 80s flick is utterly delightful, and possibly the single strongest facet of these ninety minutes. The fact that the Monkees mainstay also co-wrote this romp, and had a hand in producing it, shows that there was much more to the man that I'd have ever known before I sat to watch. Throwing together time-travel science fiction and the western, it's safe to say that 'The adventure of Lyle Swann' is a bit of silliness built purely for fun. Even with that in mind I don't think this is without its flaws; the dialogue and scene writing are often very clunky and unwieldy, if not outright forced, as if Nesmith and filmmaker William Dear had a hard time fitting all the pieces together and making it fluid. While the western adventure remains intact this does mean that any intended humor is rather dampened; moreover, the plot is decidedly light and goes nowhere fast, least of all in the first half. This is a flick that's trusting in we viewers to get swept up in the spirit of it all rather than look to any details, and it surely is better that way since some of the details are kind of troubled. Rest assured that 'Timerider' is still definitely a good time with a fair bit of cleverness, if falling short of being a must-see.

Beyond the root ideas the writing may stumble a bit, but there really are terrific ideas here in the overall narrative and in the scene writing, with some especial highlights to come in the tale of a modern dirt bike racer who is accidentally transported to the Old West. All the while this is well made in every other regards, including not least superb art direction, costume design, and stunts and effects. Dear's direction and all the acting are solid, helping to make up for a script that's a little less than perfect as everything looks and sounds good more than not. True, this lacks any major spark of brilliance, and up until the last act - the last sixth of the runtime, if we're being honest - it lacks the energy and vitality to really foster the engagement and excitement that it ideally should have had. Simply put, the feature lacks the punch to make a significant lasting impression. Even with distinct weaknesses and shortcomings, though, the result is reasonably entertaining; we get what we came for, warts and all. All told this is hardly something one needs to go out of their way to see, but the title has no illusions about being something it's not, and it makes the most of the space it's given to play in. It's surely suggested most for those who are fans of the folks involved, but if you're looking for something light and uninvolved, 'Timerider: The adventure of Lyle Swann' is fairly enjoyable if you do come across it.

A strange little action/time travel flick of 1982, with Fred Ward playing a motorbike riding ace who wanders into a secret experiment and gets sent back to the Wild West, bike in tow. What follows is rather generic and feels a lot like a TV movie, the romance with Belinda Bauer taking up much of the running time. A pity, as there are plenty of familiar faces being wasted in support here; no wonder it's forgotten these days.

I loved every minute of it, when HBO showed Timerider, I watched it everytime like I see it the first time, it perfectly fit my interest in motorcycles, it was funny (poor old guy), endless enjoy watching it, Years after, I was searching to get this movie, had hard time to find it, and I bought it on a used video tape for $70 bucks, later I find it on DVD, I bought that too. I still watch it ones in a while.

The late-great Fred Ward stars as Lyle Swann a champion dirt bike rider that accidentally crosses paths at the exact same time that an experimental time travel device is activated & he's sent way, way back to the wild west days.

I've only just discovered this early 80's gem, I'm a huge fan of the late-great Fred Ward & had to check this one out. Fred Ward is one of my top 5 fave actors of all-time. I grew up watching Fred in the Classic Tremors, & love most of his films such as Tremors 2, Southern Comfort, Remo Williams, Off Limits, Uncommon Valor & more!!!

I loved seeing the unique, rugged & charming Fred Ward pop up in all types of movies & genres, he had a twinkle in his eye & a blue collar guy exterior that helped him land roles that fit him perfectly. Earl Bassett from Tremors is Fred Ward at his absolute best, where character & actor was so perfectly matched.

Time Rider is real fun, low-budget 80's gem that is full of fantasy & adventure as unlucky & pretty useless Lyle Swann is lost in time. Ward plays off-road dirt bike champion Lyle Swann as a pretty useless hero, he's definitely a fish-outta-water character that is driving around the deserts, hills & canyons of the old wild west of the 1800's & comes across a trio of Outlaw bandits that witness him on his motorbike (they call it his Machine) & are then hunting him down because they want it. Lyle ends up in a small town run by great character actor Ed Lauter (Death Wish 3, Death Hunt) & a stunningly beautiful & very strong minded lady Claire played by Bellinda Bauer, a very well written strong female character indeed, she's definitely Not a damsel in distress, she's a fighter & can handle all type of guns!!! There's some other recognisable faces from the 80's with Peter Coyote as the main villain Outlaw on Lyle's trail & makes a very funny villain & his right-hand man played by another 80's character actor Richard Masur (The Thing) all make fun character here. Time Rider is just a very fun good-time of a movie, nothing spectacular but just damn good & definitely cult favourite material. Lyle Swann makes for a fun image & contrast to the old grubby west, he's in a bright red biker outfit with a cool futuristic helmet & his trusty upgraded bike.

I enjoyed the lighthearted fun of this adventure that mixed the old west with futuristic time-travel science fiction, way before Back to the Future did it.

Lyle Swann is a fun, dim-witted but very likable main character, of course Fred Ward made the guy a very down-to-earth blue collar guy.

Lyle is on the run with his pretty futuristic bike & really doesn't know what the hell is going on but just wants to get home. There's fun action & a good 80's score & a very enjoyable Fred Ward to keep it all light entertainment.

Simply low-budget scrappy adventure fun.

When I first saw this movie I was a junior or senior in high school. Back then, the story seemed inventive and imaginative. Now, as an adult, the movie's glaring weaknesses are apparent to me. The lack of plot development is the biggest weakness. I would have liked to see greater story development with a concept this original. What happens to Lyle Swann--what sort of adjustments does he make--as he is forced to live in the wild world of 1877, a world totally alien to him and his machine? As it is, the story is stripped of nearly all its thematic elements as we are left with the thrill of the chase. Even the girl seems thrown in as an afterthought.

Probably the only good reason to watch this movie is to see Belinda Bauer. The producers--consciously or unconsciously--must have realized this, as Belinda Bauer is given top billing over Fred Ward, who plays the hero of the story. Curious in a film that purports to be the adventure of Lyle Swann. Bauer, true to her billing, does not disappoint. Her character is tough and she is appropriately gorgeous, the kind of woman any man would fight for.

What started out as a great idea was oversimplified and falls short of the mark. Nevertheless, I'm giving this movie two stars because I am a big fan of Belinda Bauer!

"Timerider" has one of the really killer movie posters. A motocross spaceman, horse-mounted posse in pursuit, the glowing laser grid design like an Omni magazine cover; it's first-rate advertising that really sells you on the movie (one that's taken me a few years to get my hands on).

This is exactly the kind of thing you'd stumble on in a video store as a kid. B-movie to its core, it doesn't complicate matters with intricate plotting; just a simple fish-out-of-water story (as simple as a high-tech biker in the Old West can be anyway). No one among this cast has any illusions that they're making high art, and that's a big part of what makes this work.

Once the movie actually gets going (the opening is bogged down by POV riding shots, although they're attractive) this is a breezy distraction. There are plenty of other movies that don't live up to their one-sheets, but I dig this one. It's a relic of its time and sensibilities, and I think that's the best part.

7/10

Two years before REPO MAN, executive producer Michael Nesmith also co-wrote and composed a crunchy rock guitar score for a low-budget time-travel action flick TIMERIDER: THE ADVENTURE OF LYLE SWANN, starting out with titular dirt-bike champ Fred Ward's perspective of a desert race course that we learn... cutting to and from the interior of a nearby scientific center... has a metallic device that's set up to...

Well long story short, Swann winds up in the 1870's post-Civil War Wild West, making TIMERIDER "that Western with a dirt bike" movie co-starring Belinda Bauer as the Arizona past's tough Mexican firebrand Claire Cygne, who, less than an hour after seeing our muscular hero skinny dipping, gets his clothes off again for a literal roll in the hay...

In fact, she's the only person unafraid of this strange man and machine: Peter Coyote's gang of bickering outlaws and the residents of a small town with priest Ed Lauter and sheriff L. Q. Jones initially thought the red-suited/red-helmeted rider was the devil himself... until the good guys warm up and team up to rid the outlaws for keeps...

Unfortunately the final act is a dull talky standoff where both the girl and bike are captured, and, once Swann gets both back, there's not much movie left.

My favorite Fred Ward movie is Remo Williams:The Adventure Begins. Of course, the adventure ended with that movie as well as they never did a followup. I have seen him in Silkwood and The Right Stuff as well. All of these movies, including this one were released about the same time (1982-1985). I don't know why I haven't caught him in anything since, but I certainly enjoyed that period of his career.

I really enjoy time travel movies. They don't have to be first quality, just the idea captivates me. When I watched this, I had just finished another time travel film with William Devane and Lauren Hutton (Timestalkers). Not first quality, but interesting nonetheless.

This one starts off with Swann (Ward) getting caught in a time travel test and being shot back to 1877 with his motorcycle and full gear. You can imagine the impact that had on an old Mexican.

Swann spends his time trying to figure out where he is, while he tries to escape the bad guy, played by Peter Coyote, who wants his "machine."

Interesting twist at the end of a mediocre, but fascinating movie.

Would have liked to see more of Belinda Bauer, but I'll have to check out her appearance in Winter Kills for that.

This is a great, quaint, subtle movie that has some off the hip plot lines and comedy that hits you straight in the face. It makes a great Friday night at home, with friends movie get together. Show "Elephant Parts" first and hang on for a grovy evening.

Time Rider made today would be a great film. Somehow the creators of this movie were so wrapped up in showing us how the people in 1870 reacted to modern marvels such as pre-packaged granola snacks and cyalume light sticks that they forgot about the acting and building a better script. Fred Wards continual sweating and saying things like "Where's my bike" and "I gotta get outta here" just don't hold you for 90 minutes. Then there's Peter Coyote (wasted here) gritting his 50 or so gold fillings while saying "That's mine, that's mine" The premise here is good and the film entertaining but another 15 minutes of character building and a better use of Swan's gadgets would have been a big help. 6 out of 10. Re-write the film and put "Arnold" on the bike and you may just have something here!

Timerider is a fun movie to watch. It's a good movie to watch with kids on a rainy day. Some of the content is a little adult, but not over the line. It's not a billon dollar pick, but it has some nice special effects. You will see some familiar faces when they were young, and the acting they really tired. I liked the movie, and hope it sparks the fire that leads someone to become a "timerider". I would not say run out and buy it, but if someone has a old VHS of it, watch it! I think even hardcore si-fi fans like me will get a kick out of it. Maybe its just me, but I thought the soundtrack was pretty good. It fit the mood of the movie. Only downside is there is a lot of rerun footage.

In Sci-Fi genre Time Travel is my favorite thematic story, oddly enough Timerider aside has a fantastic premise is under appreciate by some bitters cinephiles, said that it's has a well-crafted storyline indeed, when a famous motocross Lyle Swann (Fred Ward) in a race passing thru a time travel text area is sent back 1870 post civil war somewhere in Arizona-New Mexico bumping into a cruel gang out outlaws led by Peter Coyote, such advanced "Machine" is now a prize to be get by the greed leader.

Aftermaths a chase starting thru desert between a bunch of horses against the faster iron machine riding by a red-devil rider embodied in shiny helmet, in this long pursuing Lyle ends up knowing a beauty wild girl Claire Cygne (Berlinda Bauer) starting at first glance a love interest, meanwhile Lyle tries keep his motorcycle safe, not too long, the gang kidnaped the beauty Cygne and the so awaited Machine dragging by ropes into a lair of outlaws.

Shot in a fabulous and breathtaking western landscape in Arizona and New Mexico, the offering also has a humor oriented with moronic characters, moreover the new-strange Machine sharpens the interest of those old cowboys concerning the odd moving-thing triggers contention among them, strangely some haters keeping posting bad reviews, furthermore for purposes information, apart it was massively aired on TV it just was released in VHS format in Brazil.

Thanks for reading.

Resume:

First watch: 1994 / How many: 4 / Source: TV-DVD-R / Rating: 7.5.

Most excellent madcap drama containing quite a few good one liners, my fave being "did you see that machine spit at me?". Chock full of cool characters ranging from the totally homicidal gang leader and two witless helpers played by dumb and dumber to the coolly clueless motocross racer caught in a warp he never quite got his head around. The action never let up from the opening frame until the last minute when the lustful gang leader finally cut a deal with the owner of the machine and the audience was treated to a truly rousing, hair raising grand finale. I love this genre of film but usually feel short changed after watching one: not so with Timerider. Beautiful scenery, good acting, and an outlandishly ludicrous story made for one and a half hours of dee-light.