Beautifully shot, wonderful performances

Rating: 9/10 (5 June 2005)

I just came from seeing this film. Even though I'm a mid-30s So Cal female, I must admit I knew nothing of the Z-boys and wouldn't have even thought of seeing this movie if the reviews weren't as positive as they are. I actually purchased the fabulous soundtrack first (all '70s era hard rock hits) and then saw the movie. It's wonderful. The look of the film is gritty and very realistic, including beautiful shots of surfers surfing in between the pylons of an old abandoned pier. The three teen-aged boys that form the heart of the story are given distinct personalities and are well developed. This is a coming of age story in many ways, but done realistically and without the lectures. The boys deal with their new found fame in different ways, which has consequences for their future lives. There's also a very emotional storyline involving the boys' fourth friend. The casting is superb. They're unknown to me, but I was caught up in their performances. Their youthful bravado and irreverence are infectious. Heath Ledger's character is a bit unsavory, but he disappears into the role. It was beautifully filmed, had fine direction, wonderful dialog, was fast paced, and had a kick-a$$ soundtrack. To sum it up, I never skateboarded in my life, but this movie makes me feel as if I missed something really cool.