There’s a new documentary on acult-classic 1980s moviecoming out, and it’s totally rad.A Rad Documentary, a look behind the scenes of 1986’sRad, is coming soon, and Collider has an exclusive look at the first trailer. So, get on your BMX bike and get ready to hit the Helltrack. The trailer goes behind the scenes with the movie’s producers, stars (including leadBill Allenand Olympic gold medalistBart Conner), and stunt riders. All manner of secrets about the film are revealed, including thatRadwas just a preliminary title that stuck, the water in the waterslide scene was bone-chillingly cold, and the Helltrack was just as perilous as it looked in the film.
Our exclusive trailer also features archival interviews with the movie’s director, legendary stuntmanHal Needham(Smokey and the Bandit,The Cannonball Run), who passed away in 2013. The film also promises to examine the fandom that arose around the film, which was a commercial and critical disappointment upon its release but has since become a cult classic among BMX riders and 1980s movie aficionados.A Rad Documentarywill premiere on July 04, 2025, on 700 screens nationwide.
Radstars Allen as Cru Jones, a small-town teenager living with his younger sister and their mother (Talia Shire,The Godfather). He’s faced with the choice of taking the SAT or pursuing his dream of BMX racing; much to his mother’s displeasure, he chooses the latter, qualifying for the brutal Helltrack race. However, he finds that the unscrupulous Federation of American Bicyclists president, Duke Best (Jack Weston,Wait Until Dark), is stacking the deck against him so FAB’s favored racer, Bart Taylor (Conner), can win instead. However, he finds support from his new love interest, fellow BMX enthusiast Christian Hollings (Lori Loughlin,When Calls the Heart), and from a wealthy benefactor, Burton Timmer (Ray Walston,The Apartment). It all comes down to the Helltrack, where Cru and his bike finally get to prove their mettle against every dirty trick in the book.
If you’re a fan ofRad, this really is your year. In addition toA Rad Documentary’s release, the original film will bere-released in theaters this month by Fathom Entertainment. The screenings will be available as a double feature in over 700 theaters.A Rad Documentarywill be released on July 24, 2025. Stay tuned to Collider for future updates, and watch the trailer forA Rad Documentaryabove.
