Skateland2011
Skateland (2011)
Skateland Photos
Movie Info
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Cast
as Ritchie Wheeler
as Michelle Burkham
as Brent Burkham
as Teddy Tullos
as Mary Wheeler
as David Wheeler
as Kenny Crawford
as Debbie Wheeler
as Deana Trammel
as Clive Burkham
as Candy Boyce
as Jimmy Houston
as Luther Sams
as Jarvis Gerald
as Vance
as Lee
as Tommy Dilday
as Danny States
as Billy Means
News & Interviews for Skateland
Critic Reviews for Skateland
All Critics (30) | Top Critics (14) | Fresh (14) | Rotten (16) | DVD (1)
A film with some engaging performances and a swell soundtrack whose biggest problem is that it wants to be "Dazed and Confused" when it grows up.
Like so many other films set in the Reagan era, Anthony Burns' directorial debut fails to acknowledge the lingering and pervasive angst that shaped anyone growing up in the late Cold War.
Skateland is dedicated to the late teen film icon John Hughes. I think he'd pretty proud.
Indifferently acted, written and directed, the oft soporific "Skateland" is beautifully photographed and boasts a greatest-hits soundtrack, as well as some spot-on art direction.
Though noticeably lacking in originality, Anthony Burns' low-key directorial debut skates by on the charms of its hazy wistfulness and a likable cast.
Anthony Burns's sweetly nostalgic re-creation of small-town Texas in the early 1980s.
Audience Reviews for Skateland
Cast: Ashley Greene, Shiloh Fernandez, Casey LaBow, James LeGros, Haley Ramm, Brett Cullen, Taylor Handley, A.J. Buckley, D.W. Moffett Director: Anthony Burns Summary: Director Anthony Burns and screenwriter brothers Heath and Brandon Freeman tell the story of 19-year-old Ritchie Wheeler (Shiloh Fernandez), who finds his life at a crossroads when the Texas roller rink where he works is forced to shut its doors. Set in the early 1980s, this is a coming-of-age tale in which the hapless but hopeful protagonist must contend with his parents' divorce, shifting friendships and making choices on the path to adulthood. My Thoughts: "I actually really enjoyed this movie. It had the essence of one of my favorite films, 'Dazed and Confused'. I especially got that feeling from Taylor Handley who plays Kenny Crawford. He reminded me of a younger version of Matthew McConaughey. The southern drawl and all. I love the setting of the film. I am a big fan of the 80's and it's films. The movie has a great sound track to boot. The acting is also strong. The film really captures life in the 80's. In those year's the popular hangout was a skating rink. But the closing of it isn't really the main focus the summary leads you to believe it is. It mostly stands for an ending for a new beginning for the character Ritchie Wheeler. It's a great small independent film that in the end doesn't really exceed in delivering the depth it probably intended for. I could have also done with more character development. But as it is, I did enjoy it and would watch it again."
Super Reviewer
They had me at "Electric Avenue" :).....Wonderful little movie set in an era that I loved. Fantastic ending, ta boot. Kudos!
Super Reviewer
It was a time when life was easy...in a place they thought would never change. Good Film. Not exactly what I expected but didn't fail for me. That was a nice era to live in, I love the music and how people used to have fun in there lives. Nice story about love, endings, tragedy, beginnings and everything in between. An iconic tribute to a culture, place and state of mind that defined small town America in the early 80s. It is a universal moment in time, when everything you know to be true starts fading. The story is personal, yet familiar, set against a visually arresting landscape of music and vistas of Americana.
Super Reviewer
Skateland Quotes
| Michelle Burkham: | You have no idea what you want. |
| Michelle Burkham: | Skateland closing is one of the best things that's ever happened to you. |