In this episode: Titus, Jared, and John discuss their Top 10 lists of 2011 and debate about what they think are the worthy, and unworthy, picks.

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by Jackie Richard

Dragonslayer is such an honest glimpse into a complex group of idealistic punk-metal, skate kids that are entirely focused on right now. They live to skate and party and be with friends. Nothing else really means anything.

I love documentaries where the filmmaker stays out of the way. This film was such an honest portrayal of the young skate legend Josh “Skreech” Sandoval, a 23-year-old Fullerton, CA native. Like many street skaters, Josh is a nomad. He bops around from couch to RV to tent to the woods to the streets. He isn’t driven by money, or food, or security, so his character is at times difficult to relate to. Especially because he’s too far gone half the time to say anything insightful. His only ambition is to skate, and to numb and suppress his emotions as much as possible with drugs and alcohol on a daily basis.

While he’s obviously flawed, there’s also such an intense sadness about him that makes his decisions seem more pathetic than outrageous. It was clear from the beginning of the film that his family wasn’t a priority or even present at all. And it’s unclear how many years that’s been the case. The guy definitely had the cards stacked against him.

Contrasting layers of reality helped add dimension to how Josh’s story is portrayed. Life for Josh and his entourage is gloomy and sporadic, but the backdrop of their lives is perpetual Southern California sunshine. Their whole life’s a never ending party, without rules or regulations, yet they appear trapped in their existence.

Director Tristan Patterson captured these complexities really well with the steady pacing, bumpy handheld camerawork, and quick cuts. The film’s editing really helped establish the mixed tone and subtle melancholy that left the viewer doubting how good of a time everyone was really having.

This film definitely offers a fresh look into a youthful subculture that’s existed for decades and that isn’t going anywhere. A subculture that almost feels more like an epidemic than a choice.

THEATRICAL SCREENINGS
OPENS NOVEMBER 4- NEW YORK, NY @ CINEMA VILLAGE
OPENS NOVEMBER 11- LOS ANGELES, CA @ DOWNTOWN INDEPENDENT
OPENS NOVEMBER 18- SAN FRANCISCO, CA @ ROXIE THEATER
OPENS NOVEMBER 18- DALLAS, TX @ TEXAS THEATRE
OPENS NOVEMBER 29, DECEMBER 6- MINNEAPOLIS, MN @ THE TRYLON
OPENS DECEMBER 2- SEATTLE, WA @ NORTHWEST FILM FORUM
OPENS DECEMBER 2- PORTLAND, OR @ HOLLYWOOD THEATRE
OPENS DECEMBER 2- BELLINGHAM, WA @ PICKFORD FILM CENTER
OPENS DECEMBER 9- SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA @ PALM THEATRE

In this episode: Jared reports on RANGO and PAUL and tells us which one he loved and which one he hated… and that’s just the beginning.

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