Lords of Dogtown

Emile Hirsch, Rebecca De Mornay, Johnny Knoxville

The film follows the surf and skateboarding trends that originated in Venice, California during the 1970's.

Flixster Users

83% liked it

Critics

55% liked it

PG-13, 1 hr. 45 min.

Directed by: Catherine Hardwicke

Released: June 3, 2005

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DVD Released: September 27, 2005

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Top Flixster Reviews


  • October 6, 2008
    Skip: "You gotta approach every day as if it's your last!"

    The true story of the kids who created modern skateboard culture is recreated in this drama. In the early '70s, skateboards were seen as a fad of the 1960s that had all but died out, but in a rough-and-tumble Veni... ...( read more )
  • January 2, 2008
    really enjoyed it
  • December 9, 2007
    I was going to give 3 stars just because of Emile Hirsch and Heath Ledger's performances, showing the promise of there big careers. Then they decided to give Johnny Knoxville a part in the movie and ended up ruining that as well for me. Besides all of those thing nice camera work... ...( read more )
  • September 22, 2007
    Very cool dramatisation of the pioneering Zephyr skateboard team and the effects of power in the mid-70's. Great performance from a relatively new cast and the story is involving and sincere. The biggest highlight for me was the awesome retro soundtrack. Appropriate and just plai... ...( read more )
  • August 26, 2007
    Standard film, mediocre, nothing further, worth one watch or two.
  • June 28, 2009
    This is a great film not only based on real people and real events it just feels so real and fun and amazing seeing how it all started and how they actually where pioneers in this and brought it to a new level. these guys really did it

    The film follows the surf and skateboardi... ...( read more )

Critic Reviews


View more Lords of D... reviews at RottenTomatoes.com
June 6, 2005
Kurt Loder, MTV

[I]t vibrates with a bouncing-off-the-walls energy that sucks you right into the action. full review

June 3, 2005
Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com

Lords of Dogtown stays afloat, largely because many of its actors transcend Hardwicke's heavy-handed storytelling. full review

June 3, 2005
Amy Biancolli, Houston Chronicle

When the film works dramatically, it works because of [Emile Hirsch and Heath Ledger]. full review

June 3, 2005
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Not only is there no need for this movie, but its weaknesses underline the strength of [Dogtown and the Z-Boys]. full review

June 3, 2005
Kyle Smith, New York Post

Peralta has actually told this tale once before, and done a better job, as the director of the 2001 documentary Dogtown and Z-Boys. full review

June 2, 2005
Edward Havens, FilmJerk.com

Being a little skate punk pre-teen... I found the film to be a fascinating window to my own past, despite the film's obvious flaws. I doubt others will be as forgiving. full review

June 2, 2005
Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer

The film doesn't hold together in any compelling way. full review

June 2, 2005
A.O. Scott, The New York Times

Lords of Dogtown, from start to finish, is pretty much a blast. full review

June 2, 2005
Colin Covert, The Minneapolis Star Tribune

Peralta's script doesn't have a satisfying dramatic structure. full review

June 2, 2005
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

Directed with vigor and wit. full review

Comments


  • mariefuller80
    August 4, 2008
    These kids can act, and they also maintained their balance on dangerous skateboard stunts.
  • SnugglingBunny
    June 25, 2008
    I thought this film was bloody fantastic.
    So cool :)
  • hails94
    April 26, 2008
    I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!
    BEST MOVIE EVER!!!
  • a7madoh
    January 29, 2008
    I like the end..
  • ThrillerxXx
    July 9, 2007
    I love this movie..It's awesome! Skateboarding/surfing guys and good acting doesn't get much better!
  • adravenc
    June 23, 2007
    this is my favorite movie in the world i luv sk8boarding sooo much!
  • desinb
    May 24, 2007
    I LOVE THIS MOVIE SOOOOOO MUCH...LOL...HOTT GUYS,SK8BORDING/SURFING HOW MUCH BETTER CAN IT GET?
  • CrankDatPeterPan
    May 16, 2007
    this movie rules shows how tony alva and them renverated skateboarding to be how it is today
  • bigpixels
    November 10, 2006
    I file this one under "regret renting". I love skateboarding, surfing and all the heroes that are portrayed, it's just a shame that it had to be such a badly executed movie.
  • emogrl3
    September 24, 2006
    this movie totally rocks and it has rilly hott guys in it. plus it they can skate and surf. how much better does it get then that?

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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