Great Film

Rating: 9/10 (22 November 2006)

I honestly haven't a clue why people write a full page on why they thought the movie was bad. I own the unrated cut, and it really is a brilliant film.
I'm not trying to be biased, since I am very interested in the skateboarding culture, and its origins. When I look back everything was great; the acting, the spot-on story, and well the skateboarding. Some people said the acting was bad when it really wasn't. Heath Ledger playing Skip gave a breath-taking performance, and Skip himself even thought it was great portrayal of himself.
The Story follows the Z boys and their up and downs, and just their successes and failures.Emile gave a brilliant performance as Jay Adams; I was especially impressed with him. Same goes for Victor and John with their hanging out with the real people themselves to get to know them better. Another thing that makes the movie great is the legit skateboarding. The actors really busted their asses on learning how to skateboard on the boards from the 1970's. They barely needed a stunt double; they only used one when the director felt like it was too dangerous for them.
And of course, the director of the film was also brilliant. Catherine Hardwicke was a hell of a director. She really got into the whole thing. For example, when the guys were surfing, she would get in a wet suit, and directed from the water instead of a peer of some sort. Now that is dedication. Also, I loved the mind bobbling shots. It made you feel like you were skateboarding right besides those guys. They really went all out to get some skilled camera men who actually skateboarded to get the shots. Great photography.
Last, but not least just the story. The story is down-right amazing, and intriguing. At the end of the movie, it made you want to know more about them, and what happened to them after the end. I love movies like that. Hands down the story, the music, the direction, the acting, and just everything was very well done. If you want to go see a good movie that has great skateboarding action and is downright entertaining in every way; pick up Lords of Dogtown.