Torque
Performance & Direction: Torque Review
Last updated: February 17, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Torque (2004) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Torque features a noteworthy lineup led by Martin Henderson . Supported by the likes of Ice Cube and Monet Mazur , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Torque
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2004, Torque is a Action, Comedy, Crime film directed by Joseph Kahn. The narrative delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Martin Henderson.
Story Breakdown
In this high-octane feature, Joseph Kahn establishes a narrative structure that follows a classic action blueprint: establishing the protagonist's world, introducing a formidable antagonist, and escalating the stakes. 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 film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments for Martin Henderson, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.
Ending Explained: Torque
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Joseph Kahn, Torque attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension involving Martin Henderson, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Torque reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Torque Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Torque incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a action, comedy, crime film directed by Joseph Kahn, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Martin Henderson's character.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Torque adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Torque?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Action films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: Torque
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $40.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $46.5M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Torque Budget
The estimated production budget for Torque is $40.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Torque
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Where to Watch Torque Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeTorque Parents Guide & Age Rating
2004 AdvisoryWondering about Torque age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Torque is 84 minutes (1h 24m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.3/10, and global performance metrics, Torque is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2004 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Torque worth watching?
Torque is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 5.3/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Torque parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Torque identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Torque?
The total duration of Torque is 84 minutes, which is approximately 1h 24m long.
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Critic Reviews for Torque
This eighty three minute live action cartoon is brought to you by Pepsi. Yes, Pepsi, the choice of a new generation. Also, Mountain Dew. Do the Dew! And finally, Doritos...I can't remember what the Doritos tagline was, but they were delicious! Motorcycle enthusiast and all-around annoying gearhead Ford (Martin Henderson) is fresh back from tooling around Thailand, where he spent six months finding himself and hiding out from the law, who want him on drug charges. He looks up his old girlfriend Shane (Monet Mazur), who was harassed by FBI agents McPherson (Adam Scott) and Henderson (Justina Machado) looking for Ford. Villainous Henry (Matt Schulze) is also looking for Ford, trying to get some motorcycles back. Trey (Ice Cube) and his motorcycle gang have just turned down Henry's drug deal, brokered by Trey's ne'er-do-well brother Junior (Fredro Starr), who is promptly killed by Henry. Henry's scary Goth girlfriend China (Jamie Pressly) pins the murder on Ford. Ford, his two bland sidekicks whose names I didn't catch, and his equally bland girlfriend are soon on a desert run to Los Angeles, with the cops and Trey's gang hot on their trails. If you can ignore your pounding headache and make it through this thing, there are some good points. Martin Henderson plays a nice leading man who is not perfect, I was reminded of Kurt Russell in "Big Trouble in Little China." Ice Cube has the best terminal scowl in the business- when he's unhappy, you believe it. Pressly is good as China in a too-small supporting role. Adam Scott is a riot as the unorthodox McPherson. But- some of the action scenes here must be seen to be believed. Other action scenes are beyond belief, even after being seen. The entire film is like one long video game, where all logic is tossed in favor of tons of impossible stunt work and a simplistic story my seven year old son could have dreamed up. It may have helped if I thought the cast and crew were in on a big joke, winking at the audience but there are too many wasted chances, and too many earnest performances, to make me think we are supposed to take all of this lightly. The idiotic product placement could have been played with a la "Wayne's World 2," yet it also seems serious. In the end, "Torque" is just as loud and annoying as the motorcycles themselves. I found a few diamonds in the rough here and there, but the headache medication hasn't kicked in yet for me to recommend it.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
