DVD Review: Stoked - The Rise and Fall of Gator (B)

Stoked: The Rise and Fall of Gator (2002)
Directed by Helen Stickler
Starring Mark 'Gator' Rogowski, Tony Hawk, Jason Jesse, and Brandi McClain
MPAA: UR
Grade: B

Review by Bobby Nashville

I was stoked to see Stoked: The Rise and Fall of Gator and it definitely didn't disappoint. If you like Dogtown and Z Boys (as I did) then this is a must see. Stoked: The Rise and Fall of Gator tells the story of ex-skateboarder Mark Rogowski.

Mark Rogowski was one of the hottest skateboard stars of the 80's. His nickname of Gator fit his skateboard style (aggressive) and his real life personality (short tempered). He smoke, drank and boarded his way to superstardom during a time when boarders became superstars. When the sport started to lose steam, Gator lost his identity and slipped into some treacherous waters. The documentary shifts gears as the film documents Gator's personal problems, ultimately leading to murder.

This film has alot of style but refuses to turn into a music video. It moves along nicely, tells the story from multiple views (including Gator's own) and is a very good look into the rise and fall of a pop culture icon.

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