Lords of Dogtown
Original Theatrical Version
They Came From Nothing To Change Everything.
Based on the true story of the legendary Z-Boys, Lords Of Dogtown tells the radical tale of three teenage surfers from Venice Beach, California, who took skateboarding to the extreme and changed the world of sports forever.
Member Reviews
Doesn't Do The Era Justice - FilmJunkie
This is the (pretty much) true story of the birth of skateboarding culture in America. Anyone who have ever read anything about those days in Dogtown have most certainly heard the names Stacy Peralta, Jay Adams and Tony Alva. Personally, I had read a lot about Peralta, being that he is a filmmaker now, and I knew that he was involved in this moment in history, but I didn't know this much about those days.
The film follows these three boys from their early days in Venice Beach through becoming 'Z Boyz' to the quickly aquired fame that they each found. It takes place from 1975-1978 and was written by Peralta, thus offering a certain bias, and directed by Catherine Hardwicke (2003's 'Thirteen').
The film has an interesting story, certainly, but it too often gets caught up in the fairly dull personal lives of the boys. Yet despite the seeming fixation on their troubled home lives, etc, you never really find a connection with any of the characters. Emile Hirsch plays Adams like the young Brando he wishes he was, but instead of seeming macho and hell-bent he comes across as a teenager trying on his big brother's badass clothing. John Robinson plays Stacy with the same still blandness he brought to his debut in 2003's 'Elephant', however where it was intended and needed there, here he proves himself to be nowhere near the actor we all wish he was. Finally Victor Rasuk (2002's 'Raising Victor Vargas') does well enough with an underwritten part that calls for him to play an over-sexed ego maniac.
Without a doubt, the performance of the film goes to Heath Ledger as Skip the surfer guru who creates the Z-Boyz and is always down for a party. Ledger is almost unrecognizable under a mop of hair and strange false teeth, but he totally captures the essence of the culture that the rest of the film tends to gloss over. He is the rebellion personified and it is a great chance for Ledger to step outside of the roles he is normally offered.
All in alLordy Lordy A Good Movie - Mr._Zip
Discover the beginning of skate culture in this film written by skateboard legend Stacey Peralta and directed by Catherine Hardwicke of 13 Fame. A feature length version of his doc Dogtown and Z-Boys, Lords Of Dogtown brings the story Tony Alva, Stacey Peralta and Jay Adams into your living room. Great stunts, great action and an amazing performance by Oscar nominee Heath Ledger.Lords of Dogtown - rockdog5
Great movie,excellent casting and acting portray the era perfectly.Involvement of actual protaginists of this compelling story make it a compelling example of storytelling ."Heroes" of the story are portrayed as real,warts and all .Bonus features add to story by giving a where are they now element.
Member Reviews
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Doesn't Do The Era Justice - FilmJunkie
This is the (pretty much) true story of the birth of skateboarding culture in America. Anyone who have ever read anything about those days in Dogtown have most certainly heard the names Stacy Peralta, Jay Adams and Tony Alva. Personally, I had read a lot ...Lordy Lordy A Good Movie - Mr._Zip
Discover the beginning of skate culture in this film written by skateboard legend Stacey Peralta and directed by Catherine Hardwicke of 13 Fame. A feature length version of his doc Dogtown and Z-Boys, Lords Of Dogtown brings the story Tony Alva, Stacey Peralta ...Lords of Dogtown - rockdog5
Great movie,excellent casting and acting portray the era perfectly.Involvement of actual protaginists of this compelling story make it a compelling example of storytelling ."Heroes" of the story are portrayed as real,warts and all .Bonus features add to story ...