Review of Thrashin' (1986) by Zee G — 20 Nov 2005

The plot is yet another retelling of Romeo & Juliet, this time set in the early 80's LA area skate scene. Anyone familiar with that scene might wonder why the hero of the tale is the Val outsider but in that role Josh Brolin is inoffensive. His Juliet, Pamela Gridley, is also inoffensive. These two bland characters are naturally drawn together as like calls to like because none of the supporting characters, no matter how broadly caricatured, is as unexciting as these two. The secondary plot--Brolin's attempts to become a pro sponsored skater--is what really matters. The viewer doesn't have much incentive to care about whether "Corey" makes it or not but the skating is what makes this movie. The credited cast and skate doubles for Thrashin' represent a Who's Who of skating at the time and there are some amazing performances.

There are also some amazing goofs--there are points in more than one scene wihen it is beyond obvious that the skater is a double in a bad wig--but these mistakes only add to the fun. Although the movie was originally sold as an action/drama film, it's more of an action/comedy film; if you watch it expecting classic plotting and brilliant acting youll be disappointed but being willing to laugh both with and at the movie makes it a good time.