Dogtown and Z-Boys **** (2001, dir Stacy Peralta) – Classic Movie Review 1494

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‘Old man, look at your life,’ sings Neil Young on the fantastic vintage 70s soundtrack, and here we go.

Narrated by Sean Penn, co-writer/director Stacy Peralta’s skateboarding documentary is an exhilarating experience, with pioneering 1970s Zephyr skating team luminaries Jay Adams, Tony Alva, Peggy Oki, Nathan Pratt, Allen Sarlo, Stacy Peralta and Craig Stecyk among the survivors giving their views of their exciting young lives.

The present-day interviews are intercut with marvellous footage of their skateboarding heyday at Venice Beach, California, in the 70s.

Marc Bolan, Chrissie Hynde, Jimi Hendrix, Z Z Top, Pink Floyd and Iggy Pop bring back the authentic sound of the 70s. Craig Stecyk co-writes with Peralta.

Penn signed on as narrator because he had lived and surfed in the Dogtown area.

There’s a Deluxe Edition and an Extended Edition.

The documentary is reworked as a drama with Lords of Dogtown in 2005.

© Derek Winnert 2014 Classic Movie Review 1494

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