SnoReptilePlenty
Memorable, crazy movie
Taraparain
Tells a fascinating and unsettling true story, and does so well, without pretending to have all the answers.
Lollivan
It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.
Ogosmith
Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.
January39
Hmm. This won't take long.He is dull - who is he anyway? Bums around all day, trying to say epic & meaningful things, only to conclude another bong is the way to go.There is no substance here - all I learn is that he is a right waster with limited potential. May be it is me? maybe I missed something that would open my eyes to it? No, wait - sorry, it is just plain bad.There's nothing here, but a day in the life of a dreamer with no dreams and who avoids washing. I finished it still waiting for something to happen - but then I never got the point so maybe that is understandable. Even the skating is poor.O and what is with the puking on the skate ramp! Dirty.
buttyfrench
This is one of those documentaries where one can feel the love that the creator/director has for his/her subject. It's, also, one of those films where the viewer is left out in the cold wondering why the director is so infatuated with the subject. There's just nothing of substance to examine. In this case, the skateboarder is mediocre at, well, skateboarding. Worse, he is a dim bulb and his circle of friends are all lifeless and tragically without original thoughts. Granted, he is not supposed to be some brainy whiz kid that founded his own software company at the age of 12. But Geez, this guy is so much of a zero that I had a hard time understanding how he even finds his way around his own apartment. I found myself nodding off every time that he began to speak. He has this hypnotic way in which he talks that lures one into a waking slumber. God, I am so happy that my 2 boys amounted to something.
Greg Gorelick
I cannot fathom how other reviewers think this is interesting film making, a good love story, or in any way redeeming. My guess is that SWSX is now populated by hipsters, but that's just a theory.The lead character is the epitome of a loser. :I met my girl at a punk show, I was totally drunk". Wow, really? Now they have a kid that he not only doesn't take care of, but the two of them are ill-equipped to.I used to skate, and I can't knock the beers, girls and what not... but holy crap, not one shower was taken in this movie. Wake and bake, beer after beer... it's vile. These were the guys that hung out in the park, never worked, and bummed your smokes... or showed up at the party and leeched off your keg because they didn't have two nickels to rub together. Sadly, this went past high school for these people, assuming they even went to high school.There is no punk rock attitude either. The lead can barely form a sentence.Well... if you want to see people skate pools, I suppose that's one redeeming value of this "documentary" (that anyone could have filmed with a mediocre camera and editing skills). Then again, it's not that hard to get decent skating when you have no job, no ambition, and ignore your kid.Two stars for motivating me harder in my endeavors.
jakerees11
Dragonslayer's a tough film to define and that's what makes it so great. It's not the typical documentary you see today with a big social issue being explored or your expected 'inspirational' character who comes out of the story with a clear cut resolution to their struggles. It exists in the gray areas of life, and explores the beauty and hardships of being young and trying to live your life in an unsure world...It's more old school verite (think the Maysles' Salesmen) with the production value/techniques of a Gus Van Sant or Larry Clark film. It puts the viewer smack in the middle of Screech's life without explanation and let's them experience his life first hand, not letting go until the end credits.From the cinematography, to the editing and awesome soundtrack, Dragonslayer elevates the documentary genre to something really special. I was so happy to see something on the big screen that was so different than the usual reality TV shows and Oprah-fied documentaries out there. THIS IS REAL LIFE SHOWN IN THE MOST CINEMATIC TERMS.But forget what I say- go see this film wherever you can and make your own decision about it.