I saw this movie over at a friend's house & had to go buy it. I like watching trials, and this was along the same sort of lines. Just using architecture to ride. Anyone seen a trials video called Contact? It has either Ryan Leech or Jeff Lenoski in it - I really can't remember.
shareI enjoyed the movie, but didn't love it. I kind of wish I had rented it rather than bought it. I'm a fan of skateboarding (new and oldschool) as well as documentaries. I think that it is a good story and was told well, however it just wasn't exciting enough to be captivating. That may not be the fault of the film, but just the fact that the story itself, while a good story, just wasn't overly exciting. I think this film would be most thoroughly enjoyed by those who actually skated in the 60's and 70's.
shareYes, I came upon it just by 'surfing' tv and it was on IFC. I thought the film really captured the feeling of the 70's and the music was great. Growing up in the midwest, I had always thought that California was the very essence of cool. This movie reinforced that feeling. I also thought it was cool that one of the men, now in his 40's manages to skateboard everyday. The photography in this film was excellent. Sean Penn made a smart move to narrate this.
shareI thought it was pretty cool. I just loved the photography of all the guys (and gals) in motion - I would even say spectacular.
It wasn't a 'razzle & dazzle' you kind of story. It was more to show how skateboarding was born and the people who brought it up to the level it is today.
I don't know too much about skateboarding - I didn't know how it began before watching this. Just some guys wanting to surf.
I agree - Sean Penn was definitely a great narrator! From what I can remember (I haven't watched this in a little while), Stacy Peralta (dude that helped boost Tony Hawk) still skates everyday. I think Tony Alva does too (the one with the dreads).
Thanks for your opinions!! I'm glad someone else appreciated this as much as I did! :)
I think a lot of people may not have seen it, but I am sure they would enjoy it. I was especially amazed how they seemed to defy gravity in their jumping and turning. I wonder how many broken bones they got during their career!
Stacey doesn't skate anymore, I would say that he created the foundation for hawk then just boost.
Alva skates every day and is a sponsored skater by vans, protec and still owns Alva skates (I believe that Alva and Adams are the only two z-boy that still skate on a daily basis).
This movie changed my life. I won't go into why it did and how my life is different (I tend to dron on about it) But I have seen it so much that I can't recall how many time all together and just completed a custom soundtrack for it.
I would be interested to know how it changed your life, or unless its too personal to talk about..
Me too! I really liked it - hence the origination of this thread!! But I can see how it could totally turn someone on to skating. The photography, the music, the dialogue, and not to mention the incredibly talented guys & gals - REALLY gave me a kind of feeling that I've rarely had before when watching films. I really can't explain it very well - but it is there every time I watch it. I just love how all those awesome pioneers dedicated themselves to the sport without even realizing how serious it was. I mean, they spent everyday, all day skating or surfing. They got better and better and sparked interest from the rest of the world. I don't think (and I think this is mentioned in the film) they ever meant for it to grow like it did. They are and were completely into skating & just went with it. Now I know who to thank!!! :)
shareHi Phunky Mama! Is there a DVD of this movie out, with more additional comments etc.
This movie was cool, without trying to be cool.. You know how so many movies esp. ones geared for teenagers go for a cool vibe, which in turn is just plain grating on the nerves. Hip hop artists and everyone on MTV wishes they could be this cool.
I am hoping to see this movie again on cable. I wholly recommend it! My friend in grade school busted his arm skateboarding, this is when the skateboards were a lot smaller than they are now! Talk a bout a real warrior!
Hey there Shannon!! I've got the DVD and haven't watched it in a while, but it is a good one. It's got a Director & Editor commentary, extra boarding footage, some websites to visit, and a few other things you might be interested in. I bought mine at Hastings - I think they have them at Best Buy as well. You know it won several Sundance Film Festival awards? Awesome!
I know what you mean - it was cool without trying. Sounds like most other 'documentaries' I've seen on MTV. It just drives me crazy!
I haven't seen this on cable tv yet - I don't have the IFC anymore & I would bet that's the only channel that would broadcast it. I didn't know anyone into it back in the old school days. I guess I'm another one living vicariously through this great film! My boyfriend has one of those long, wide boards - kind of like a snowboard with wheels. He gets on it every now and then but has his share of accidents too!! The last time I tried to ride it I had a nice little accident myself! It's all in fun so who cares! :)
I've never skated, or surfed, and I loved this movie.
I showed it to my parents and they loved it....... They kind of get why I started skating again (I'm 33), reguardless of what is going down in my life, when I talk about skating, they see this smile on my face and now connect with me in way that they couldn't before this movie.
The easter eggs got me so charged that I we out for a 45 min sesson at 2 am....
YES !! Saw it on ESPN Classic a few years back and taped it to a DVR. Saw it in Barnes and Noble at 60% off and bought it. Its on my blu-ray in my bedroom and when I HAVE to get up super early, I watch it for 5 minutes and makes me JUMP out of bed. Sean did a great Narration. We need more movies like this with Sean narrating. Kinda makes you feel good.
shareYes, this is truly an important film. Its really about more than skateboarding, its about the origins of an upheaval in youth culture and attitudes.
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