North Hollywood

North Hollywood is a coming of age movie from 2021 that follows the life of Michael (Ryder McLaughlin), a young skateboarding enthusiast who dreams of becoming a skateboarding professional someday. Michael's father, Phil (Vince Vaughn), has other plans for his son, wanting him to follow in his footsteps and attend college.

The movie is set in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, which boasts of a thriving skateboarding culture. The audience gets a glimpse of the gritty, yet exciting cityscape along with some of its skateboarding hotspots. Michael is a high school senior, just days away from graduation when he realizes that he needs to make a choice between fulfilling his dream of enrolling in a skateboarding academy or attending college.

Throughout the movie, Michael is shown navigating the constraints of his dad's expectations and attempting to stay true to himself. His relationship with his dad and his best friend, Adolf (Armen Nahapetian), play a crucial role in shaping the narrative. On the one hand, Phil wants Michael to follow in his footsteps and attend college, whereas Adolf wants Michael to pursue his dream of skateboarding professionally.

The movie's supporting cast includes Miranda Cosgrove as Michael's girlfriend, who tries to support him through his journey, and Blake Anderson as Coach, Michael's skateboarding coach. The chemistry between the actors is excellent, and each character brings a unique perspective to the story.

The skateboard scenes in the movie are visually stunning and impressive, and the cinematography is exceptional. The audience gets to see Michael's dedication to the sport, which is evident whenever he jumps, flips, and glides through the urban landscape with ease.

The movie's soundtrack plays a critical role in setting the tone of the narrative. It features an eclectic mix of music that ranges from hip-hop to rock to punk, which perfectly complements the skateboarding scenes. The use of music helps to showcase the vibrant energy of North Hollywood and its skateboarding culture.

North Hollywood is a relatable story that touches on the challenges faced by young people as they come of age. Michael's inner conflict between choosing his father's expectations and his passion for skateboarding is something that many people can relate to. The movie sends a powerful message about integrity and staying true to oneself.

Overall, North Hollywood is an engaging and captivating movie, with a great cast, an excellent soundtrack, and impressive cinematography. It is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in the skateboarding culture or coming of age stories. The film's themes and messages resonate with viewers of all ages, making it a timeless classic.