Dragonslayer

The economic crisis offers one huge benefit to 23-year-old Josh Sandoval, aka Screech: the number of deserted swimming pools in California for him to skate in is greater than ever. Screech doesn't let life get the better of him. The film dips in and out of his hectic existence in 11 short chapters. We see him as he shovels swimming pools clean, takes part in a European skate competition with little success, pushes his young son Sid Rocket around in a stroller, enjoys romantic moments with his new girlfriend Leslie, takes drugs with friends, and has long skating sessions in empty swimming pools - all to the accompaniment of an energetic soundtrack. A warm Californian glow and the dynamic but intimate camerawork reveal Screech at vulnerable moments. The director has a keen eye for the toughness of skating life, as well as its more appealing aspects. He casts no judgment on the life Screech leads and makes almost no effort to attribute his occasionally destructive behavior to a troubled youth - although hints are made through a casual phone conversation with his mother. It all makes for a poetic portrait of a loner who is smart enough to recognize that he's facing a difficult future, and he's looking for ways to tackle it.