Dirt-biker docu “Mind of the Demon: The Larry Linkogle Story” is as entertaining as “Anvil!” and similarly driven by the true-life tragicomedy of overgrown boys spinning their wheels. Pathologically gnarly Evel Knievels for the new millennium, the record-setting “Link” and his buds are seen revving up countless jumps and flips, innovating the billion-dollar industry of freestyle motocross. Equally a tricked-out parody of extreme-sports docus and the real deal, Adam Barker’s pic goes the distance in only an hour, offering action, hilarity and even psychology via an “addiction specialist” who analyzes Link’s near-fatal flirtation with drugs. DVD distribs should hop on.
Raising his middle finger with regularity, Linkogle lost his spleen after a bad crash and gravitated to painkillers, the kicking of which would prove an even bigger challenge to the biker than doing stunts for Vin Diesel on “XXX.” Alcohol and inner demons have also posed threats to Link’s fun-loving ways, but Barker’s carnival atmosphere remains lively with the help of droll editing and hardcore tunes from Black Flag, Circle Jerks, and Suicidal Tendencies. Motorhead‘s Lemmy Kilmister contributes amusingly laid-back, limey-flavored narration. Copious crash footage is shockingly enjoyable to watch.
