BMX Bandits is a 1983 Australian action comedy film directed by Brian Trenchard-Smith and starring Nicole Kidman, Angelo D’Angelo, and James Lugton. Featuring Kidman in her first major film role, the movie is about three teenagers who become involved in a bank robbery after they discover a cache of walkie-talkies.
BMX Bandits was a critical and commercial success, and helped launch Kidman’s film career. But is BMX Bandits worth watching today? Here’s everything you need to know about BMX Bandits.
The Plot
After their BMX bikes are destroyed during a freak supermarket parking lot accident (don’t ask), P.J., Goose and Judy (Nicole Kidman) decide to go fishing. But the kids catch more than they bargained for when they discover a sunken box full of illegal Police walkie-talkies. After a small debate, P.J., Goose and Judy decide to sell the walkie-talkies so they can make enough money to buy new BMX bikes.
But the kids soon discover that they aren’t the only ones using the walkie-talkies. A group of bank robbers were planning on using the walkie-talkies to listen to the Police. And the robbers want their walkie-talkies back by any means necessary.
Can P.J., Goose and Judy use their BMX skills and walkie-talkies to save the day? Of course they can!!! Otherwise we wouldn’t have a movie.
BMX Bandits Cast
The BMX Bandits cast features several young actors, including Nicole Kidman in her first major film role. Kidman plays Judy, one of three teenage friends who love to ride BMX bikes. The other two friends are played by Angelo D’Angelo as Goose and James Lugton as PJ. Together, the cast brings an energetic and fun-loving spirit to the film that captures the excitement and thrill of youth culture and BMX biking in the 1980s.
- Angelo D’Angelo – P.J.
- James Lugton – Goose
- Nicole Kidman – Judy
- David Argue – Whitey
- John Ley – Moustache
- Bryan Marshall – The Boss
How Old Was Nicole Kidman in BMX Bandits?
Nicole Kidman was born June 20, 1967 in Honolulu, Hawaii. She was only 15 year-old when she landed the role of Judy in BMX Bandits (1983).
Did Nicole Kidman Have A Stunt Double In BMX Bandits?
Yes. Nicole Kidman did have a stunt double in BMX Bandits. After the production team was unable to find a female stunt double with a similar build, height, and BMX stunt riding skills, they hired an 18-year-old boy in a wig to do her stunts.
The other actors also had stunt doubles. Look for scenes in the film where people are wearing BMX face masks to obscure their identity.
Other Popular BMX Movies From The 80s
BMX Bandits is just one of the famous BMX movies from the 80s. Other popular films in the genre include RAD (1986) and Freestyle (1989). These films helped to popularize BMX biking and culture, and they continue to be enjoyed by fans of the sport today.
BMX Bandits Promotional Campaigns
If you think the plot sounds cheesy, just wait until you see the advertising campaigns and artwork promoting the release of BMX Bandits.
Here’s a great 1980s BMX Bandits commercial that ran on TV.
Nicole Kidman also did several TV appearances promoting the film, including an Australian show called “Young Talent Time” (1971-1988). She even got to sing along with the kids in the audience.
Here’s a mix of promotional artwork for BMX Bandits. The images below include the original movie poster, the VHS jacket and some newer art from DVD releases.
This was the original movie artwork. The phrase “A High Flying Ride to Adventure” might be one of the worst movie tag lines of all time.
Did you know BMX Bandits was part of the “Cinema Club”? Oh boy!
Ooh la la! The French version! Le Gang Des BMX (The Gang of BMX).
Get ready for a wild ride!
Nicole Kidman looks so confused in this picture. Yes, you are holding a walkie-talkie.
Is BMX Bandits Worth Watching Today?
BMX Bandits incorporates two of the most beloved items from the 1980s – BMX bikes and walkie-talkies. In 1983, it was a huge hit with younger audiences and received four nominations from Australian Film Institute. However, watching the movie today can be challenging due to the amateur acting, a ludicrous plot, and unimpressive BMX stunts.
Despite its shortcomings, the film offers an enjoyable and exciting experience for those who are fans of Nicole Kidman, BMX biking, and the 1980s. If you want to witness a young Nicole Kidman pulling off some BMX stunts and have a good laugh, grab a drink and enjoy the ride.
Was Nicole Kidman in BMX Bandits? Here's everything you need to know about one of the biggest BMX movies from the 80s, BMX Bandits. #bmx #bmxbandits Share on X“If you want to witness a young Nicole Kidman pulling off some BMX stunts and have a good laugh, grab a drink and enjoy the ride.”
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Frank Wilson is a retired teacher with over 30 years of combined experience in the education, small business technology, and real estate business. He now blogs as a hobby and spends most days tinkering with old computers. Wilson is passionate about tech, enjoys fishing, and loves drinking beer.
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