Actor-turned-writer/director Jonah Hill has crafted a street-smart, mid-‘90s memory piece about the early days of the sub-culture pop phenomenon sport of skateboarding. Life in Los Angeles is not easy for vulnerable 13-year-old Stevie (Sunny Suljic), who is bullied by his older brother Ian (Lucas Hedges), whom he idolizes. Stevie also feels alienated from his self-absorbed, single mom, Dabney (Katherine Waterston), who had Ian when she was 18 and hasn’t matured much since. One summer day, Stevie spies four punks going into the Motor Avenue Skateshop. Following them, he pretends he’s shopping for a T-shirt while surreptitiously listening to what they’re saying. Slowly, he edges into their midst and is acknowledged by Ruben (Gio Galicia), who sells him an old skateboard. Dubbed “Sunburn,” Stevie is eventually accepted by this rowdy tribe, who include “Fourth Grade” (Ryder McLaughlin), whose nickname indicates the level of his intellect; loudmouthed “Fuckshit” (Olan Prenatt), whose language skills seem nonexistent; and their ringleader, Ray (Na-kel Smith), who dreams of going pro. The teens’ performances are utterly convincing, although Suljic is the only one with a professional background. Making an impressive directorial debut, Hill astutely captures innocent curiosity, adolescent loneliness, a sense of spontaneous self-discovery, and camaraderie. Unfortunately, this otherwise insightful and edgy film ends abruptly without a satisfying conclusion. A strong optional purchase. (S. Granger)
Mid90s
Lionsgate, 84 min., R, DVD: $19.99, Blu-ray: $24.99, Jan. 8 Volume 34, Issue 1
Mid90s
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