Category: DVD Reviews

Puzzle is celebrating their 10th year in the audio visual stunt market, and their new motto sums up what a few of us try and deny- Free skateboarding! Oh yeah, you can download every new issue, and a whole load more if you visit the Puzzle website- http://www.puzzlevideo.com

So, the latest seasonal offering is Winter 07 and here to warm us up is a mish-mash of contest, demo and straight up skate footage.

This issue kicks off with a Puzzle staple- the Jumble section. This Jumble isn’t your average jumble though because it’s hosted by the Underworld crew from Canada. You might be scratching your head at what a bunch of Canadians are doing on a European video? Well, Blueprint’s Paul Carter rolls with this lot, so I guess that’s the connection. In any case this is a good start to the DVD and I am very very envious of their skate plaza!

Next up, Puzzle send us on the road with the Americans of Analog Clothing, in other words Ernie Torres, Sean Malto, Ryan Smith plus a few euro stragglers. Already that line-up is stellar and representative of skateboarding’s future (minus Ryan who doesn’t really seem to put 100% into the trip like his mates), so you know that anything and everything gets stomped by the Analog crew.

Keeping it in the skateparks- which Crossfire tales this half sentence to remind you to support!- 2006 ended with the Volcom Amster-damn am and the Globe Bowlbash in Holland. These two comps are the real deal when it comes to witnessing Europe’s finest. The Damn Am takes care of modern street skating to the tune of Real’s Nick Dompierre leading the charge, whilst the Globe Bowlbash hanled anything transition related with Andy Scott flying about nonchalantly in fine form.

We’re back on another promo tour for the next section, this time with the Circa team as they skate and party with their new video It’s Time. Pete Ramondetta, Tony Tave, Sierra Fellers, Jon Allie and a few more stragglers charge hard through Europe all the way to the Russian capital, Moscow putting on the odd demo and killing the odd hot spot at their ease. I must say Sierra Feller’s 360 flip over the riverside rail in the UK is no joke.

The curtain call comes for a Mexican skater by the name of Shadi Charbel Ruiz. Again, you might be scratching your head at the inclusion of a South American in a Euro video, but that’s globalization baby! In any case Shadi, who I have never heard of, is a pretty sick skater. 99% of his tricks are landed square over the bolts, and average a height of at least a foot and a half. Shadi stamps his Mexican authority on more than one Barceona spot, so hopefully someone will notice him and pay for him to skate somewhere else in the future…

That’s it, that’s all. Another standard issue installment of Puzzle video magazine ready for you lot to download and enjoy. Happy 10 years Puzzle!

Go visit www.puzzlevideo.com and look out for the next issue that will feature the Crossfire Xmas Jam 06 for the first time.
Ralph L-D

Skating through the traffic is street skating in one oif it’s purest forms. If there is one man who knows this better than anyone else it’s Philadelphia’s finest, Ricky Oyola.

Traffic Skateboards is his take on what skating is all about: a close group of friends supporting and pushing one another as they charge through the city streets annihilating anything and everything in their path.

I don’t use the word “anything” lightly because I saw backside grinds up burnt out cars, ollies out to building map stands and poles of many sizes and severities getting jammed to high heaven. Ricky and Co. released a short Traffic promo which hit everyone’s hard drives faster than Sasser, and had us all salivating in anticipation of their first video, Via. Well, here it is and it’s all good!

Ok, the 20 minute skate tape is where it’s at right now. Honestly, if you get 20 minutes of all killer, no filler footage, then kids will be faster out of the door and dropping boards to the floor than toddlers in search of sweets. Without any climatic introductions, the Traffic team get straight to work catching rides on car bumpers and cruising through the hood in search of something to skate.

The first part of Via is a bit of a mish-mash of people and places, so I’ll summarise it by saying it’s good, but there are really three people on this tape that stand out like sore thumbs: Henry Panza, Rich Adler and the boss, Ricky Oyola.

Henry has the East coast swagger many a white man wants but can’t have, and he backs it up with some serious pop. Ricky Oyola blasts faster and faster until a lot of his skating just burns into your retinas for good. Then there is Rich. I hope a few of you have been keeping tabs on this little man because he’s been quietly killing it sine the golden days of Love Park.

There are several gap out to 50-50s and more than one hairy leap of faith in this ender part, but the overall steady flow and speed will definitely get you amped to go shred. If you could bottle the excitement that flows through us as we’re about to go street skating, then Traffic has got the formula right here with Via.

Watch the Traffic Promo here.

Ralph L-D

In life, there are only three thing the public can’t live without – Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll. Skaters are no different and Porno Paul knows it. A clever market study that took an entire 5 minutes sorted the title for this Welsh video of epicly trife proportions. Teamed up with a selection of Welsh Boyos, Porno is looking to spearhead the skin/skate industry with his Dirty Skateboard Movie.

Lets face it, the golden era of high production porn with 16mm film, lighting, sound and ensuite buffets is over. Today, porn is anyone’s business with the gonzo imprint of a digital hand held camera flooding the market with anything and everything.

Porno Paul grabbed his digicam and stuck it nice and close to the hot action of his fellow friends Saul Evans, Jake Collins, Olly Tyreman, Nicky Cornell, Daryll Cashman and Lee Dainton. In true gonzo etiquette, Porno Paul doesn’t stay behind the camera long and gets his wood out for the viewing pleasure (or displeasure) of the audience too.

Saul Evans is pretty rampant with his skate onslaught and despite the shaky camera angles, I did peek a sweet frontside 360 flingerflip up a generation gap. Jake Collins is small, but that doesn’t mean he holds back on the punishment. This little lad takes it like a man and spins in each and every direction as he climbs the ladder of filth. Ummm… Filth; something the Harrow and Harlow massive know all too well. A sweet selection of tricks is dished out by the Death boys here. Porno should have asked Dibble to whip his cock out- I’ve seen it, it’s at least a foot long!

Taking a break from the solo segments of the Dirty Skateboard Movie, Porno Paul has travelled far and wide and brings good shit from Penzance to Ipswich, passing through London and Wales of course. Highlights for the gangbang flesh fest include Ben Raemers transitional assault, David Davies solid street skills, a rampant drunk making a tit of himself, and footage of Morph in a bath! In fact that last bit might not be so rad…

Back to the skateboard profiling and the next three sections kick the doors off the hinges. Olly Tyreman kills it with some mad stylish moves on many a ramp. Nicky Cornell knows his way around a skatepark as he blast smooth late bigspins over the street course hips and deadly frontside disasters on the vert walls.

Finally, Daryll Cashman will scare a few with the ease at which he skates; A damn good street section that should shut up any haters. Just the opening two tricks are a sign of what’s to come and switchstance is not a problem.

The last part goes to Porno Paul’s idol, Lee Dainton. Although Lee’s probably more infamous for his Dirty Sanchez antics, it must be said that he still has a few moves on him. Coming in last after Daryll is like a slight letdown after such a sweaty flesh fest. I’m more of a spider splash – 12 inch leather god stickman myself, but Porno Paul’s Dirty Skateboard Movie is worth the watch anyway.

Get Porno in your life as a friend at www.myspace.com/pornospage

Ralph L-D

If you’re privy to internet forums and UK magazines, you couldn’t have missed the relentless plugging that’s been going on for an independent video project entitled The Learning Curve.

The man behind the viewfinder is a chap named Phraeza, and he huddles together some of the Thames Valley’s finest skateboarders under the Jahlada banner to represent proper. The line-up includes Chris Peacock, James Edson, Paul Rimmer, Mike Sutcliffe, Leo Rhodes, Fred Albrow, Finn Andres, Carl Magalit, Chris Ault and a good handful of friends and guests that include Louie Barletta amongst others.

The show opens to Chris Peacock who opens the doors onto London’s endless array of spots. For those who don’t know, London is teeming with spots, but most of the best ones are off the beaten track, so it takes dedicated individuals like Chris to find them and enjoy them. In any case, Chris starts The Learning Curve off nicely with a part that opts for the simple but solid approach. Chris also boasts a mean backside flip.

Mike Sutcliffe rides in next and proliferates loads of South African steez on his choice of spots. Mike takes it all in his stride as he pops over massive dustbins, threads the needle down multiple flights of stairs and just cruises around smoother than a pair of Velcro cycling shorts.

The next couple of riders, James Edson and Leo Rhodes, are definite alumni of the Class of 94 back when Lockwood schoolyard and the LA Courthouse were the Sants and Macba of another generation. Today’s brainwashed yoot might find these two a little rusty on the picture perfect style standard that dominates many a contemporary release nowadays, but those in the know will appreciate the Souls of Mischief t-shirt and dangling belt more than any switch tre. Good to see some sick skating from a couple of South England’s workers and lurkers.

Paul Rimmer deserves your attention because he’s consistent and open to skate anything. This part seems pretty testosterone fuelled, but in a good way, not a gay way. Clean pop and flick have Paul laughing his way around ledges and banks alike, and that we like.

The trio that is Fred Albrow, Finn Andres and Carl Magalit embody the modern day mould for skateboarding. There’s flair and fine-tuning, much like there is emotional cool and city swagger. That’s a lot of superlative description to basically say that these three are safe as houses and a good look for future street skating. I must admit that I preferred Carl’s approach solely on his more eager stance to get the job done.

The Learning Curve ends with one of the Thames Valley’s finest graduates, Chris Ault. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Chris skates fast and hard. Not in a ragdoll way, but more of a Mike Ruszcyk way. Pop a block here, rip a rail there, tear into a transition and drive into a downhill. That’s Chris’ skating for you. This is a well-deserved last part for a small tyke that’s taking no prisoners.

Overall, Phraeza and co. can be proud of what’s been achieved with The Learning Curve. To represent the London scene is no easy task, but this signed and sealed documentation definitely cover s a lot of the groundwork. I can imagine if this DVD spreads it’s wings beyond the M25, then the capital can expect a whole new flock of faces coming down to skate some of those wicked spots.

Visit http://jahladathelearningcurve.blogspot.com for podcasts and more. This DVD is in skater owned shops for £5 right now, go pick it up.

Ralph L-D
14.02.07

If you’re tired of waiting for deadlines to finalise and need to get your name out there, then the promo is your best friend. Zoo York have recently re-shuffled their roster and it’s pivotal that everyone recognizes who some of the new rippers are.

Welcome to Zoo York City is a 10 minute promo that introduces us to Aaron Suski, Ron Deily, Anthony Shetler, Brandon Westgate, Lamare Hemmings, Matt Miller, and more familiar faces, Zered Bassett, Donny Barley, Forrest Kirby and Kevin Taylor.

I won’t beat around the bush and make comparaisons with the Zoo York of yesteryear because there aren’t any turntabilists or mixtapes in sight. But, the essential aspect of Zoo York- the East Coast shredding – is still present and that sure serves up a healthy dose of stoke.

The DVD kicks off with a tribute to Zoo York OG Harold Hunter who regretfully passed away. Zoo filmer RB Umali is busy wrapping up a special tribute video for Harold, so stay tuned. The trailer is in the bonus features. That aside, this DVD opens to the wailing tunes of AC/DC screaming about feeling safe in New York City. I must admit that this is a rather bizarre choice of track for such an ‘urban’ company, but times are a-changing and Zoo has changed for the better.

A montage ensues highlighting Donny Barley, Forrest Kirby, Ron Deily, Zered Bassett, Kevin Taylor (never thought I’d see him skating to AC/DC!), Lamare Hemmings and Matt Miller. Matt’s part from another East Coast video, Few And Far Between is also included in the bonus features, and that’s wicked because Matt’s a sweet street technician. My favourite trick from the first montage is a toss up between Lamare’s massive frontside shoveit or Forrest’s backside 360.

The next section announces a formal introduction to the newest additions to the team- Brandon Westgate, Anthony Shetler and Aaron Suski. Jay-Z hollas in the background as the trio go on a mission to kill each spot they skate. Brandon boasts some big pop for a youngster and his 360 flip over the hubba is a sure sign of great things on the event horizon.

Anthony Shetler doesn’t hold back either and skates a good variety of spots. His biggest moves are reserved for handrails though with some deadly serious smith grinds and kickflip backside tailslides. The last part goes to Aaron Suski with some heavy Led Zeppelin synchronising his all-terrain assault through the East Coast and abroad. Aaron is a powerhouse and hopefully Zoo York will help him get more of his footage out because you can never have enough.

So, for a 10 minute promo, Zoo York’s Welcome to Zoo York City is pretty tight and jam-packed with good footage. A new full length video will definitely establish who’s running things from out East. This is just a taster.

You’ll be stoked to know that this promo is downloadable if you sign up for Zoo York podcasts here!

Ralph L-D
02.02.07

Antiz has come a long way since their debut video, Antizipated, released back in 2003.

They are still only a blip on the industry radar but they thump to the pulse of the underground. Already with the title, Z-Movie, their second offering mocks the cinematic cognoscenti who hail big productions as big bucks. With a shoe string budget and plenty of imagination, Paul Labadie, the Antiz lens boy and part-time editing vampire, and the boys have created a small masterpiece that gives the finger to all those who think a company video rhymes with hi-definition visuals and club class tickets to all the best spots.

Inspired by their favourite movies, each rider’s section is introduced by parodies of famous scenes be it The Big Lebowski, Taxi Driver, Clockwork Orange or others. An important point that has to be made is that Antiz aren’t stupid and they know that grubby kids are going to pirate their hard work quicker than Dennis Busenitz bombs hills, so Z-Movie is free! All you need to do to get a copy is send a stamp addressed envelope to the office, or support them properly by purchasing one of their latest boards that come mounted with a copy. Failing that you can watch it through a cheese grater via various video hosting websites.

Z-Movie is a good chance to find out who the new faces are on the team. One of the latest additions to the team is young Sam Partaix from France, and he opens the show to the funkiest of renditions of Marvin Gaye’s famous Grapevine melody. Sam’s got style and the aptitude to diversify his skating. You will see more of this young fellow very soon.

The next part is shared between Antiz’ first amateur Ben Thé, and Swedish genius Love Enroth. This part is short and sweet, but Love fans might be disappointed at the lack of their loved one’s footage. There is a good reason for this: Love suffered some bad back problems for almost a year which prevented him from dropping any major hammers. Oh, and Love has bid farewell from the Antiz manor to start up his own operation back home. Good luck dude!

Introduced by a favourite scene from Reservoir Dogs, Julien ‘Juju’ Bachelier maims his rollerblading victim to the jolly tune of Little Green Bag. Juju is all about good times and perseverance – two qualities that any self-respecting European pro needs in these tough times. Take note of the number of different spots Juju shreds on his sled and you’ll understand why this guy loves to travel so much. I spotted Dubai, the Canary Islands, San Francisco and more. The ladies man breaks many a spot’s heart.

Antiz wouldn’t be where they are if it wasn’t for the support of their friends, so a two-song section is dedicated to all those who have shared a beer, a bit of wax or a stretch of floor space with the crew. I know that some people will complain that this friends section runsa little long, but take a look at some of the faces whizzing across your screen; there are cameos from Ali Boulala to Javier Mendzibal. Look out for the last guy, Michel ‘Musl’ Mahringer – he’s Antiz’ ‘flow’ rider. Last trick – Oof!

The next section defies the rules of video production by mixing some heavy rail annihilation to the grimy bass lines of an urban dub track. I’m sure a few of you will brush off Tom Derich‘s section for not being brown corduroy and rail-heavy, but then you notice that 75% of his section is switch. Ahh! Now you’re impressed!

Julian Dykmans might want to quit his day job for acting, but I think he should stick to the skating for the time being because he boasts a distinct mastery of the no-comply and 360 flip. Watch this section to enjoy a picture perfect no-comply noseblunt.

A name on a lot of people’s lips is Julien Forones and there’s a good reason for it: This section. Julien charges with his catlike agility at some of the most gnarly and unthinkable banks, rails, gaps etc. His opening slam could have shaken a majority of adrenalin junkies alone. Furones might be another of Spain’s best kept secrets, but Antiz just turned him pro so all that will change soon enough.

Apparently, after clocking in so much footage for the friends section, Antiz decided it would be wiser to give the Yama Skateboard gang their own section. Thus pursues 3 minutes of unrelentless annihilation of all sorts of spots. The Yama guys run along the same tracks as the Antiz team which means balls to the wall moves, and good times all around. Now you know.

Hugo Liard is heavy metal. The long hair, the tattoos, the tight jeans and the thirst for blood all characterise Hugo’s approach to skateboarding. That said, it is also a well known fact that many an Axe player can produce some of the sweetest riffs and complicated chords, and Hugo’s skating is no different. Pigeon-holed as a rail skater – which he kills of course – there are many more tricks to Hugo’s game.

The last part to Z-Movie has logged up a lot of illegal downloads and forum banter. There was even talk of big name pros calling Steve Forstner to praise what he has accomplished in this final section. Already the Big Lebowski homage as an opener has you stoked, but then the onslaught begins and you just sit there fuelling on the fire that this young Austrian man produces. There are a few tricks in this section that stretch the borders of safety, and sometimes the look on Steve’s face says it all. But essentially, Steve is just tearing up spot after spot with his trademark nonchalant style.

The overall effect that Z-Movie creates is one of unadultered fun. This video is full of spots you’ve never seen, and a few that you’ve seen several times already, but the Antiz guys never went out of their way to try and get something better than the next man. Essentially, this video demonstrates how skating with your friends and taking full advantage of world travel can be the best thing imaginable. You can’t help but think that Antiz is trying to point out a problem that persists within today’s industry and media. Conformity and money were never there when we all started rolling about on this here four-wheeled whiz-plank. Think about that.

Skateboarding and good times edited down to some wicked music (I would name the songs and bands but the print was a bit small for my old eyes. Sorry) and clever Hollywood cameos. I wouldn’t normally boast the bonus section of a DVD, but this one is worth it with tours from Italy and Oregon, Belgian bowl shredding, more friends and a host of trailers and promos from the various sponsors that helped make this dream a reality. I’m a fan, and you should be too.

Watch the trailer here. Check out everything else Antiz here: Antiz Skateboards

Ralph L-D
30.01.07

“Suffer the joy…” Ahh, an oxymoron that announces a road movie about the trials and tribulations of the Toy Machine skateboard team! A much anticipated chapter to the Blood Sucking Corporation’s book of deeds, Suffer the Joy illustrates a team that has defined skateboarding through several eras. Would Ed Templeton and co. do it again..?

Well, to begin let me state the ‘joyous’ moments of this opus. It seems things have settled at the Toy machine camp after several mix and match line-ups that had the company a little lost for identity at times. Toy machine is good and healthy again (possibly due to the boss’ vegan ethics..?), and this new release puts the team back on the map as movers and shakers of the ever popular skateboard trends.

The emotional wardrobe of each rider is laid bare as almost every spec of skateable terrain gets a good thrashing. Add to that a slick choice of background music ranging from Hawaiian strumming to classic Sonic Youth, and artistic visuals of a strong calibre, and this video is a treat to watch. Essentially though, one must strip away the fancy packaging and comment upon the skateboarding itself- the key element that brings these 35 minute promos together, n’est ce pas?

So, to remain on a positive tip, I’d have to say that Johnny Layton is a beast. No chasm is too deep, nor breadth too far for this man’s ollie. Let Johnny’s ender play testament to his abilities. I’ll give you 50 tries and Reese Forbes legs and you still won’t make it! The other heavy hitter, and newcomer to the team, is Nick Trepasso. Some of you might remember Nick from old Bootleg dealings, but forget all that because the ripper has scrubbed up (or down..?) and brought some smooth skills to the table with extra flick and catch to boot. Is this Nick’s second chance at catching the limelight? I think so.

Before Nick, the previous new face for Toy machine was Matt Bennett who also brought a trick with him: the Bennett grind in other words a backside 180 to backside smith grind (opposite to a Barley grind). With the albatross of being a one trick wonder around his scruffy neck, Matt shrugs off the pretence and puts out a sick part full of regular and switch bangers. Pay attention to this part.

Finally, good ol’ Ed. T. This guy has nothing to prove, but he still skates as hard as possible despite the age difference. Classic but brief, Ed’s part acts as a reminder of just how much influence the old dog has had on street skating; Just count how many impossibles, his team mates throw out.

Now, I must refer to the suffering… I know fully well that Ed is an artist and Toy machine is a company based around aesthetics as much as it is around kick ass skateboarding, but a few faces on the Toy machine roster look like a mock up for the next Gap catalogue. Floppy hair and dirty denim, brown cords and lazy lines are laced through Austin Stephens and Josh Harmony‘s sections. Are you really pro..?

One scumstash skater who is, is Billy Marks. When will a part do Billy justice. I’ve seen the little gnarler skate in the flesh and I know his abilities, but whenever it comes to putting out an anticipated part, all I get is retinal infection from epileptic hammer-fest footage. I actually think Billy is as good as a certain Caswell berry, but that’s my opinion, so who cares..? Last but not least, Diego Buchieri.

With a section that falls victim to the same symptoms as Billy’s, Diego attcks the good old bank/curb combos, and the pre-requisite gaps. Diego’s gnarly, I won’t deny him that, but I’m afraid a good portion of his section was old footage, or footage that has long since been one-upped notably the ender. Sorry.

I’ll end this review with the honest truth: I really liked this new Toy Machine video. I think Suffer The Joy definitely sets itself apart from the rest of the chafe, and deserves a place of your shelf. But I saw this video (and I’m certain many others did too) on the internet, leaked to the infamous Youtube site. That’s a shame and I hope, that having read this you’ll hunt down a copy and purchase it.

Ralph L-D
08.01.07

The original Unabomber was an estranged man turned ‘terrorist’called Theodore “Ted” Kaczynski who wrote a manifesto entitled Industrial Society and its Future – a study that raised fears over modern technology within society.

British skateboard nomads, Unabomber, might support the fears that contemporary skateboarding and its industry are dangerous and disillusioned. Their response is skateboarding in its rawest form. Skate everything, skate now and skate hard. Urbane Mob is the latest installment to this possible manifesto. 20 minutes of unadulterated sick skate footage representing the new face of a British skate company that deserves your support.

My last point should not be dismissed. Unabomber has changed a lot since its conception and this DVD is an introduction to the new team bar good old Frank Stevens. Also, Urbane Mob gets right to the point- no frilly introductions, segue-ways or jazzy tunes. The editing technique is simple and efficient with the use of 8mm footage being sparse and limited. The soundtrack is heavy and moody, but definitely strong enough to get certain tracks stuck in your head.

Scott Whittaker opens the show and puts out a great section with lots of lines and clean skating. Scott’s style and skating might be a step away from the quirky and rugged profile some might associate with Unabomber, but honestly this part is a perfect opener that gets you stoked. Liam Sproat drops through next with a good introduction for the youngest upstart on the team. A few things could be refined, but essentially Liam is someone to keep an eye open for. Scoring a spot on the Unabomber team doesn’t translate in forum polls, magazine coverage and sponsorship deals. Riding for Unabomber means you’re riding for all the right reasons, and Liam proves this point. A friends section ensues and then we have the delight of viewing a full Frank Stephens section.

Ahh! Frank is a true individual who lets his skating do the talking. This Unabomber veteran hasn’t got anything to prove and dishes out some serious beatings to all kinds of spots. Without applying a bracket, Frank’s skating is gnarly as his 50-50 into a bank, or picture perfect backside 360 will show. A couple of the other older Unabomber troops get a few tricks in Frank’s part and it’s a real pleasure to watch.

Speaking of gnarly, one British skater who full deserves the prefix to their name is Ben Grove. Ben charges spot after spot and does so in such a manner as to wonder if he’s actually aware of the risks he runs. Perhaps over shadowed by the onslaught, I very much appreciated the backside 180 to fakie flip line at Sheffield’s Devonshire Green skatepark. Style to a T.

The end part is undoubtedly the strongest and Oxford’s Tom Watts fits the role perfectly. Tom is a proper machine with ridiculous board control and balls slipped into those skin tight jeans. I must say, I prefer the loose clothes myself… In any case, Tom puts out a relentless attack on all surfaces and even charges switch at some perilous spots.

In total, Urbane Mob represents the rawer side to what British skateboarding can offer, and Unabomber leads the charge. The team even spreads its wrath overseas as numerous Belgian spots gets proverbially ‘shut down’ for a while. Clocking in at 20 minutes, a brooding soundtrack and some sick skateboarding, the new Unabomber video is good to go!

Watch trailers here and here.

Ralph L-D
22.01.07

This video drops under the banner of independent cinema, but essentially it’s just a bunch of friends who got together and filmed some amazing footage. Jereme Roger’s Neighborhood show cases the talent of six super-ams: Eli Reed, Justin Schulte, Daryl Angel, Lamare Hemmings, Torey Pudwill and Jereme Rogers.

Jereme is actually pro, and deservedly so, but initially he was one of the first super-ams to appear at the dawn of the new millennium, so he gets honourable mention. Just to save a few of you some time, I must state that this production is probably targeted at the younger zone of the age spectrum with no pool skating, powerslides or other 80’s smooth moves. Middle aged shredders can stop reading now.

Ok, for those of you who are still reading, a couple of things must be established. The line between professional and amateurs has been blurred beyond recognition. Do we need to enforce new rules? I mean, all the amateurs in this feature have got more pop, flick and catch than a lot of their professional counterparts, and it’s all going straight to the bank, both financially and spot-wise. The second thing that needs to be pointed out is the esteem rewarded to switchstance skateboarding. When you see just how much incredible skating goes down in JRN switch, then you’ll understand why the novelty has worn thin. Today’s modern street skater knows no boundaries, and a walk through Jereme’s neighbourhood will prove that.

So, let’s get reviewing… When I first watched this video I squirmed at the below average title credits and intro animation: Garish colours, wobbly lines and undertones of serious plagiarism in regards the Monty Python-esque theme DVS Skate More produced. Being a journalist by profession, my research nerve itched so I scratched a little deeper and found out that the title and inspiration for this video actually came from a very famous American children’s TV show- Mr. Rogers Neighbourhood. This show ran for almost 40 years, but if you weren’t born and raised somewhere within the USA, chances are you’ve never heard of it. That detail out of the way, and suddenly the cheap animated skits pass by without any second thoughts.

JRN clocks in at a cool 30 minutes maximum, including the bonus footage that rolls a few minutes after the credits- no hidden chapters here. 30 minutes is perfect timing to get you and your mates stoked to go rip it up in the streets.

A brief introduction to each of the skaters involved in this project hails the East Coast ripper Eli Reed opening the show with a part crammed full of powerful switch skating. Underrated is the obvious word that comes to mind. Justin Schulte rolls up next and strings together some very smooth lines with a rather effortless style, even if his intro leans us towards the idea that Justin might be a stresser. With the rise of new amateurs taking the shape of a Tsunami, Daryl Angel washed right over me, but this video has got him back on my radar with his more well-rounded than technical contributions.

A brief friend’s section ensues and then the real stylers start to appear. Lamare Hemmings is a face you will soon see all over the place in 2007, and quite rightly so because this kid has lost all of his debut kiddie looks for a taller, broader frame packed with pop and style.

The part before last is my favourite. Call me biased but the facts just keep pointing in one direction and that’s towards Torey Pudwill. This kids consistency; skill and overall attitude are a winning combination of ingredients to create a very worthwhile professional. I don’t think Torey wants to jump the gun though, so a few more appearances in the amateur ranks will do him nicely. Just so you know, Torey has spent the last 6 months or so without a board sponsor. Is the industry blind??? Not anymore.

And so the ringleader steps up to claim last part. Jereme Rogers blew onto the scene in the shadow of one of the most influential videos to drop in the last decade, thus throwing him into the limelight with big sponsors, big money and big stress. Jereme handled all of it like he handles his skating- Smoothly. Whilst most pros and ams run to the latest hot spot in a bid to produce acceptable coverage, Jereme goes back to an OG street spot, the Los Angeles courthouse, and re-writes a few chapters of the manual: Kickflip noseslide frontside shove-it noseslide? Backside tailslide backside 180 noseslide? You get the picture… Add to his deep bag of tricks, and knack for taking switch skating to some hefty gaps and rails, and Jereme is the tip of the future. Just for personal reference, Jereme pops and catches audibly one of the baddest (bad meaning good!) varial heelflips I have ever seen.

Take a stroll through the neighbourhood and get schooled on what the future holds.

Jereme Rogers Neighborhood is sponsored by Studio 411, Billabong, Monster Energy, Core Exclusive, Boost Mobile and The Skateboard Mag.

Ralph L-D
15/01/07

www.getfam.com

As major skate video productions keep pushing back release dates in a hope to up the ante one knotch higher, and optimise shifting units, only to be raped and bootlegged onto the net before the credits have rolled, the sure-shot videos worth copping are the independent ones.

Get Familiar is Washington DC local, and East Coast steadfast Chris Hall‘s private project, and by running things solo, he gets good dibs at who gets to feature: Bobby Worrest, Fabio Cristiano, Casey Rigney, Donny Barley, James Craig, Reese Forbes, Zach Lyons, Joey Pepper, Mark Gonzales, Daewon Song and Darren Harper. Whoa! That’s a heavy line-up, and all of them come correct in the perfectly timed and mounted 40 minutes of footage.

With that many riders, plus a friends section, this review could get a bit long-winded and steal the merit this production deserves, so I’ll try and keep it short and sweet in resume. Bobby Worrest starts the show and all you really need to know about is his opening and ending lines. Creativity, acceleration and power mixed together to make a firestarter part.

Fabio Cristiano breaks it out like any self-respecting South American would with a solid part dubbed to some Portuguese rapping. Fabio has a good backside 360 on him.

Casey Rigney came as a surprise because I usually associate his name with video magazines and 3rd place ratings in street comps. Well, this is Casey’s time to shine as he throws down some heavy street tech manoeuvres.

After three amazing street parts, it’s about time someone took care of some transition- in the streets- and there’s only one man for the job: Donny Barley. Expect plenty of wallrides, thread the needle lines and ballsy moves.

Right, I might mix up the order here but that doesn’t really matter because the skating’s good all the way through with Get Familiar.

James Craig is back and in top form again. Wahey! I had honestly begun to doubt if James would ever make it back after his knee injury, and I’m glad to say he’s stamped his authority on this part.

Reese Forbes might be Leo Sharp’s estranged brother, either way this part illustrates the phrase “Witness the fitness”. Power pops and mad speed from Reese.

Joey Pepper has been a favourite of mine since his Aesthetic’s debut, and aesthetics are exactly what this Bostonian’s about. Speed and smooth skills play for one of the finer parts of Chris Hall’s video. On a side note, Joey, Reese and James all skate to some trippy headshop rock, and I must say it’s groovy.

Zach Lyons reps Washington in style and I reckon the retail price of brown corduroy will go up a knotch after this part alone. This kid has got a lot of pop for such a lanky frame, and I’m pretty sure Zach’s heading for bigger and better things in the very near future.

And then there were three.

I must admit that Mark Gonzales is quite a character who can produce epic footage even without his skateboard, but I was slightly worried when I heard classroom rumblings of madman antics and senile accusations in regards the Gonz. Either you get it or you don’t, and if you don’t then you probably haven’t understood skateboarding.

Daewon Song proves yet again that this year was his skateboarding wise with a part that rips every imaginable piece of architecture a new asshole. Just watch the body language on his 360 flip to fakie over the doorway at Channel Street. That’s control, and that’s why Daewon was crowned Thrasher’s Skater of the year for 2006.

Darren Harper seals the deal, and the jury might still be hung on this badboy done good. Darren was born and raised in the hood, so I can imagine image and wealth play an important role in everyday life. Possibly a skate video faux-pas bringing in homey Dre Black to rap over his part and blend the footage into a sub-rap video, Darren almost gets the thumbs down, but… The music is actually good (personal taste, obviously), and Darren does more than his fair share of incredible skating to top this video off. Just in case you thought Darren was too cool for school, Chris managed to edit in a hefty slam by Harper, and judging by the height Darren can carry his healthy frame (read- nipple height to us minions) it must have hurt.

Voila! Approximately 40 minutes of great skateboarding from a good selection of skate heads that you might already be familiar with, or need to get familiar with. Oh, and if you’re not already out the door after watching, check out the bonus section for old footy of various East Coast royalty such as Pepe Martinez (R.I.P.), John Igei, Chris Hall himself or Reese Forbes.

Click here for trailer.

Ralph L-D
09.01.07