Four out of Five Stars

Rating: 8/10 (1 July 2005)

I think that the Lords of Dogtown was a wonderfully well put together movie. Everything from the opening scene the the ending was perfect. Hardawicke (director) captured that time period perfectly. I love that the opening shows the boys leaving their houses around 5 am to go surfing and how the older locals wouldn't let them. The movie captured the right essence.
Props to Emile Hirsch for acting better than I have ever seen him act. He was great in movies like The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys, but he was even better in Dogtown. He captured who Jay Adams was at that time. The audience could feel the anger he felt inside..also the sadness that he carried. Emile gets two thumbs up from me! Another great actor in this was Heath Ledger as Skip. He had even the way the real Skip would walk and talk down. I was amazed at his performance. That is another two thumbs up from me.
All of the other actors in this did wonderful as well. I just feel that Heath and Emile did the best.
If you have ever seen the documentary "Dogtown and the Z-boys" this movie follows it perfectly, but in movie form. It is not just about skating, it has heart and feeling. It shows what money and fame can do to friendships. If you like this movie, I would recommend 'Almost Famous.' The last shot of them all skating in the pool is just perfect! Please, give this movie a chance!