Pretty f@&$ing goood!

Rating: 9/10 (26 May 2005)

Love those long winded (yawn) reviews that reek of looking to hate it.
Anyway, i also had the opportunity to catch an early screening and my two word summary is F@$K YEAH! More than two words: i went in with no real expectation as much as hope that it would be a good movie. "Lords of Dogtown" kicked on all levels. Cast was great (was a bit of a concern going in...kids were very good and Heath Ledger has one of those breakthrough performances...give the man a supporting actor nomination). Movie looked very nice. Story was tight and involving. There are more than a few funny and touching moments (the welling of the eyes happened to me). Skating is very good (actors do their fair share...nice dedication). Soundtrack is excellent.
i have seen and loved "Dogtown and Z Boys". i grew up in Southern California and was familiar with Venice's reputation during the 70's and the legends that came out of there (so i have some biases). i loved the throwback feel of a teenage film that chucks the bullsh!t conservative vibe most films representing teens has been putting out for the past 15 to 20 years. The freedom (along with the recklessness) portrayed feels more real and engaging than most of that "can i date the hot guy/girl, get into a good college, and be a responsible cog with a rebellious wink during the weekends" crap.
i do have a minor problem that involves one scene that tries to cram too much in too little time. i see what was trying to be accomplished...it just didn't work for me The before and after that scene is great.
i look forward to seeing "Lords of Dogtown" again.