Dogtown and Z-Boys (2001)

"Dogtown and Z-Boys" is a captivating exploration of the birth and evolution of extreme skateboarding. Set against the backdrop of the mid-70s Venice-Santa Monica surf scene, the film follows a group of innovative surfers turned skateboarders, who, during a lull in the surf, began to redefine what was possible on four polyurethane wheels. These audacious pioneers, known as the Z-Boys, honed their craft on the asphalt slopes of school playgrounds and the steep hills near the Zephyr Surf Shop where they hung out. Inspired by the surfing style of Larry Bertleman, they further cultivated their unique techniques in the empty swimming pools left barren by California's drought. The Z-Boys' groundbreaking maneuvers and tricks astounded the 1975 Del Mar Skateboarding Championship, shaking the foundations of the sport's status quo. Beyond the glory of the championship, the documentary delves into the subsequent splintering of the team as commercialization entered the scene and alluring offers from better-financed pro teams began to fracture their unity. The film concludes with insightful profiles of the Z-Boys' stars, including Jay Adams, Stacy Peralta, and Tony Alva, whose impact on skateboarding still resonates today. "Dogtown and Z-Boys" is a vivid journey through the tumultuous 70s heyday of skateboarding, its decline in the 80s and its lucrative resurgence in the 90s. It's a thrilling ride through the cultural landscape that transformed a land-bound pastime for surfers into an acrobatic, extreme sport that would forever change the face of athletics.

Dogtown and Z-Boys is a documentary movie featuring Sean Penn and directed by Stacy Peralta.

It is possible to buy Dogtown and Z-Boys on Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube.