Documentaries are normally boring, bland, and informative; in a bad
way. I abhor them. There is nothing more uninteresting to me than
sitting in a dark room watching actual history come out of a
projector. This is probably why I dislike the critically acclaimed
Gladiator. Though Gladiator is a work that I am not fond
of, most films “Based on a True Story” never bother me. Dogtown and
Z-Boys is different. It has something that appeals to everyone.
Skateboarding. Whether you are a fan of the sport or not, I am
definitely not, the “Z-Boys” are interesting enough to make a quality
documentary. What is more fun than watching people break the rules?
Nothing.
Recent films like Jackass have tried
to accomplish just such, but have not succeeded. When watching
Dogtown and Z-Boys, we know that it is entirely real. Sure,
Jackass is full of stupid guys, doing dumb stunts; but the skaters
in this documentary had no one behind them when they were caught
permitting illegal activity or even breaking bones. This information
is rather obvious, but the way the movie is made ensues this even
more. We see the old grainy, hand-held footage, old-style clothing,
and macho, care-free lifestyle of when it was filmed. Along with the
old footage comes new. We get to see how all of the “Z-Boys” made out,
and what “Dogtown” looks like in present day. Everything is
entertaining and informative.
The narration is done by actor Sean Penn. He
provides something very important to the films tone – a stern and
steady sense of calmness. What the “Z-Boys” did was obnoxious, naive,
and ridiculed. To make the movie work and think like a documentary,
the material had to be dealt with in a less wild manor. Penn’s lines
are not used avidly, but when he speaks the information is very
helpful, and goes along with the video well. The though outlandish,
highly dangerous, and not to mention illegal activities are not only
fun to watch, but give some rather valuable background information on
two of the most popular leisurely pastimes in today’s society, surfing
and skating. Most of us hate the obnoxious and rebelling skaters
today, but to see their history is actually quite intriguing, and can
be very valuable as well as insightful.
For a beautiful, new, and unique style of
making documentaries; Dogtown and Z-Boys. We get a fresh new
insight on a sport that our country has grown to be accustomed to. The
insightful interviews with the members of “Dogtown” and exhilarating
skating videos are even at times inspiring. The beautifully done
narration goes along with the prestigious story well. Dogtown and
Z-Boys will never bore, and that’s the great thing about it. These
days, it is crucial when making a documentary, to use watchable
footage. Many critics scowled upon In the Praise of Love
because of how boring they thought it was extremely flat. If a film
company wants their stuff to sell, they must make all of the material
used in a mainstream way. Sony Pictures Classics’ and the “Z-Boys” do
just this.
-Danny, Bucket Reviews