Lords of Dogtown

Rating: 5/10 (23 July 2008)

I recognised the title of the film, but I had no idea what the story was about, or that it is based on true events. Basically it is all about a group of brilliant young skateboarders, known as the Z-Boys, raised in the mean streets of Dogtown in Santa Monica, California. They are perfecting their techniques in empty swimming pools of unsuspecting suburban homeowners, pioneering a thrilling new sport and taking part in skateboard contests. Starring The Girl Next Door's Emile Hirsch as Jay Adams, Victor Rasuk as Tony Alva, John Robinson as Stacy Peralta, Michael Angarano as Sid, Nikki Reed as Kathy Alva, Heath Ledger as Skip, Rebecca De Mornay as Philaine, Johnny Knoxville as Topper Burks, Ugly Betty's America Ferrera as Thunder Monkey, the real Jay Adams as Party Guest, the real Tony Alva as Oregon Man at Party, Charles Napier as Nudie, the real Stacy Peralta as TV Director, Tony Hawk as Astronaut, Alexis Arquette as Tranny, and a special appearance by YouTube star Tillman the skateboarding bulldog. For me the only good reason to see this film is for some familiar faces, the skateboarding tricks and a pretty good soundtrack, that's about it. Worth watching!