Set in the early 80's in small-town Texas, Skateland follows the summer of life-changing events for 19-year-old skating rink manager Ritchie Wheeler. The soundtrack includes music by New Order, Blondie, Def Leppard, Talking Heads, and A Flock of Seagulls.
Skateland is one of the selections in the Lone Star States section here at the 2010 SXSW Film Festival. It was shot and set in Texas. I was fortunate to have attended the World Premiere of this wonderful and evocative movie at the Sundance Film Festival.
This is Anthony Burns' feature directorial debut and is certainly a moving and emotional calling card. As acknowledged in its closing credits, it is dedicated to and owes much to the late John Hughes, who helped develop the coming-of-age genre into a true art form. Those who grew up in the 1980s, especially anyone who is fond of the era's music, will find a lot to like about this film.
I rated the film a 5/5 and selected it as one of my Top 5 Picks (see MY REVIEW and PICTURES of the Q&A).
Skateland will be shown at the Paramount Theatre tomorrow night at 9:30 PM. A party was held earlier today at Wet Bar just south of downtown Austin to celebrate the film's "hometown" premiere. Most of the cast and crew members who I met at Sundance attended the party. Also present was the one lead actor who had missed Sundance due to another film shoot, Ashley Greene. It was a pleasure to meet and speak with her today, particularly after having missed her (as did everyone) in January
