Concrete Kids

Concrete Kids is a 2018 coming-of-age film that provides an engaging tale of two best friends, Simon (played by Christopher Romero) and his cousin Theodore (Myles Strampello), who are facing different challenges in life but find solace in skateboarding.

The movie is set in a rough urban neighbourhood where Simon and Theodore skate around defunct construction sites, trying to avoid gangster bullies who are always on their tail. Theodore and Simon are close, though Theodore comes from a more affluent neighbourhood while Simon's life is marked by poverty and his parents' marital struggles.

Theodore is struggling to come to terms with the recent loss of his mother, who was brutally murdered near her upscale Manhattan apartment. The incident has left Theodore with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, causing him to worry about his own mortality regularly.

Meanwhile, Simon's household is plagued with financial issues and marital difficulties, which make his life challenging, and he turns to skateboarding for a sense of solace. His father is an alcoholic who lost his job and tries to hold the family together and rekindle his wife's love.

Despite their different backgrounds, the two boys share a love for skateboarding and a passion for saving the local skatepark, which is set to be demolished by the city's authorities. The boys constantly devise tactics to outsmart the local gangsters who want to claim the skatepark as their territory.

The film is shot in a way that perfectly captures the energy of New York City, with its bustling streets, eclectic buildings, and dynamic skyline. Director Lije Sarki uses the stunning visuals to create a compelling narrative and a vivid sense of life in the city.

Throughout the film, the two boys face numerous challenges as they try to keep the skatepark open. They form a tight bond with other skaters, including Mouse (played by Jacob Messex), who lives in a homeless shelter but still manages to lead the pack. As they practice their skateboarding and develop their skills, they also form lasting friendships that transcend the challenging realities of their lives.

The film incorporates beautifully choreographed skateboarding scenes that are an excellent portrayal of how skateboarding culture has evolved and the skillset that comes with it. The well-choreographed skateboarding scenes are combined with graffiti art, spoken word poetry, and hip-hop music tracks, which give the story a vibrant and engaging feel.

Despite its overall feel-good vibe, the film acknowledges the challenging realities the two boys face each day. Simon's father struggles with alcoholism, while Theodore is perpetually traumatized by his mother's death. The movie shows how the boys are coping with the challenging realities of life and finding shelter in skateboarding and their friendships.

Concrete Kids is a traditional coming-of-age tale that explores themes of friendship, life and death, camaraderie, and growing up on the fringes. The film delivers on its overarching message, which is that hope endures even in the face of significant adversity. The story is less about skateboarding but more about the resilience of youth who are persistently fighting against the odds.

Overall, CONCRETE KIDS is an excellent movie for young adults interested in relatable coming-of-age stories about honing one's craft and finding solace in unlikely places. It's a heartfelt story with relatable characters, a powerful message, and well-executed visuals. The movie's themes of perseverance, friendship, and the human spirit make it a must-watch for teens and adults alike.