Review: “Skateland” is refreshingly honest with solid performances

June 13th, 2010 at 1:00 pm by Laff at the Movies under Entertainment

“Skateland” made its Midwest Premiere at Waterfront Film Festival 2010.

brief review, to be updated later with more names, photos, other info…

“Skateland” is a refreshingly honest journey of an 80s teen trying to figure out what to do while life as he knows it comes to an end around him.

The opening sequence of the film sets up the audience into the timeframe of the 1980s… but the use of set design, clothing, music, and even tv clips from 80s are not just a forced device to set us in the decade, it is a very seamless part of the movie that submerges the audience in that decade… and it is neither forced or fake.

The 80s soundtrack is just one of the most obvious elements that take us back to the 1980s, but the mix tapes, MTV, polaroids, ICEEs, moonwalking, plus the Trans-Am and El Camino take us back to that all familiar world. There are also the more subtle use of haircuts (big bangs and feathered locks), headbands, shoes, and other 80s clothing.

Shiloh Fernandez gives a captivating, effortless performance that signals a bright future… his character of Richie is unsure of what he wants or if he can let go of all the familiar things in his life and take a step towards adulthood.

Ashley Greene gives a solid performance as Richie’s friend’s sister and possible love interest… her character is not weepy and clingy like many in this genre, but more strong and independent, but still in those awkward teen years.

There’s also great support from the rest of the cast from the washed up older friend (Brent), the McConaughey-like cool guy (Kenny), a empowered 80s mother (mom), a hard working protective father (dad), the supportive owner of “Skateland”, and the hard-working father of Richie’s friend (Brent’s dad).

Director Anthony Burns turns in a poignant and fresh 1980s story that is more than just a teen out of high school…
its the tumultous time in Richie’s life as his high school years are ending, his parents marriage is ending, job at “Sakteland” is ending, and many of his friendships are ending. While its clearly told from a guy’s point of view, Burns doesn’t overlook the growing strength of his female characters.

“Skateland” adds some needed comedic relief to offsets many of the more serious storylines going on in the movie… including two observation characters (who were origibnally conceived to point out things going on at the parties) but end up as memorable comic relief. But the best scene to break up the tension is the scene around the campfire in the woods as Richie keeps interrupting Brent’s story (with a fun musical addition) that lightens the mood between serious plot points.

Bottomline: a captivating look at the life of a teen dealing with life changes and trying to do the right thing, I give it a 7.0 out of 10… a good movie to find when released on DVD or when it comes out in limited released in late summer/Fall 2010.

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