Torque

Right now you can watch Torque in Australia on Amazon Prime Video — and it is funnier than its reputation suggests. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. Its 5/10 TMDB score, built from 646 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. Martin Henderson's performance alone is worth the time investment. There is no real reason to keep putting it off — it is right there on Amazon Prime Video.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Torque is worth clearing space for. The jokes in Torque land because the characters underneath them are worth caring about. Biker Cary Ford is framed by an old rival and biker gang leader for the murder of another gang member who happens to be the brother of Trey, leader of the most feared biker gang in the country. Ford is now on the run trying to clear his name from the murder with Trey and his gang looking for his blood. The chemistry Martin Henderson and Ice Cube bring to it does a lot of the heavy lifting. It hit screens in 2004. The real test of any comedy is whether it is still funny once you know all the jokes, and Torque holds up on rewatch in a way that separates it from one-off curiosities. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

For viewers who want something light without wanting something stupid, Torque respects your intelligence. It has built its own audience without needing a direct comparison. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single evening. Martin Henderson is funny in a way that holds up on rewatch. Put it on when you need something guaranteed to land.