REVIEW: 12 O’CLOCK BOYS
these guys’ whole life. It’s their
passion, their hobby, their drive,
their pride, their friends and their
adrenaline rush – just like any
motocross racer or FMX rider out
there – it’s the same thing.
The risks that the 12 O’Clock
Boys take are right up there
with, if not above, those found in
regular motocross or FMX. For
a while, death was a very real
part of being a 12 O’Clock Boy.
Pulling high-speed wheelies on
tarmac, with zero protection - in
full-on traffic, whilst trying to
one-up your mates by pulling
tricks and dropping hands - is
not something to be taken lightly.
Especially when all this is done
whilst trying to avoid a beating/
arrest by the po-po – it’s gnarly!
Aside from the risks, and the
lifestyle associated with the 12
O’Clock Boys, the other aspect
of what they do that probably had
the biggest impact on me was
the sheer level of skill that these
guys have developed on their
bikes. They are not just good at
wheelies – they are unbelievable.
I doubt most former world
motocross champions could give
these guys a run for their money
on one wheel. Their wheelies are
fast, controlled, individual and
downright steezy.
The film is shot with a cool
combination of shaky, hand-held
action footage, and stunningly
cinematic slow mo scenes. Both
of which will take your breath
away.
I think one of the main feelings
this film left me with, is that it
doesn’t matter who you are, or
where you come from - dirt bikes
are rad, and they can truly make
life worth living. They can give you
the optimism, and the feeling of
freedom that you can’t get from
most other things in life. When
you’re on a dirt bike no one can
tell you what to do – not even
the Baltimore PD. Your problems
become irrelevant, and your
mind becomes focused. The 12
O’Clock boys have overcome
bigger obstacles than most to
simply ride their bikes, and that
passion and dedication is what
being a 12 O’Clock boy is all
about. Even for viewers who don’t
ride dirt bikes, the film doesn’t
pick sides and offers a simple,
authentic portrait of a community
within a community without
judgement.
I highly recommend you check
out what I found to be a unique
and inspirational documentary.
Not everyone grows up in the
motocross mecca of SoCal, but
that doesn’t mean you can’t ride
your dirt bike like an absolute
boss! T
Words: Adam Simpson
Pictures: Eric Brittain / Alexander Dondero
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