haphazard72
This was an OK movie. It wasn't great, it was...OK.The cinematography was pretty good, but it could've been more.The acting was OK too, though Caleb is one angry looking dude- for the whole movie! He's a young guy with a good future ahead of him I think though.The story was a common one- a broken family goes through a hardship which brings estranged members together again. Not original, but it worked for this movie.The one aspect that may or may not appeal to viewers though is the Christian (or religious) message within. Early on you get an idea where the storyline is going. Towards the end, it's in your face a bit, but not offensive.That is probably the one aspect that will not win over many people- you either are already a Chrisitian, or you are open to the message, or you can just ignore it and watch the movie, or it'll be a deal breaker and you'll hate the whole thing because of it.For me, it didn't bother me, but I'm sure for others it may....
mvahalova
The movie has some good shots visually, and slow motion camera helps to view the trick properly if you wanna learn some. Otherwise the story telling is too slow, movie is trying to capture too many important themes and thus the spectator looses the attention. I also believe that it is religious propaganda that could not be more obvious. As the main character only starts winning when he gets a skateboard with Jesus on it, is misleading message to the public. It should not be about believing in Jesus what makes your life better, but the message should be that through believing to yourself and working on your goals and yourself will bring you what you crave for.
rand_raak
Good message - gotta forgive ourselves and others. Writers/actors true to their beliefs without gagging me with them, and without the bad acting, writing, and directing often found in a "Christian" movie. There is hope. Liked the authentic skating and real skaters. It could have been shortened up, paced-up in spots - we get the angst without dragging it out quite so much. Yet it doesn't short-sell or oversimplify the pain of the situations that a lot of young guys, absentee fathers, and single moms deal with. That's life for a lot of people, we don't just get over it like society tells us to. Movie doesn't rely on gratuitous sex or violence to sell itself,which is nice to see for a change.
mrs_gib
Amazing film for everyone. Great for those looking for cool tricks and undeniable action. Makes you think and feel at the same time as you see the damage of estranged relationships and the power of rebuilding them through forgiveness and what can be accomplished. The viewer is taken on a journey of real life circumstances and how they can turn your world upside down. The strongest way to open a heavy, shut door, is through an open heart of forgiveness - moving forward to all the possibilities life has to offer. The skate scenes are electric and leaves you saying, "I want to try that!" and with faith, hard work and dedication, YOU CAN! Believing in yourself and the forgiveness of others is a life-changing lesson that all can benefit from.