š¬ Basic Info
- Title: Skategoat (2024) Letterboxd+1
- Director: Van Alpert Letterboxd+1
- Subject: Life and rise of skateboarder Leandre Sanders (aka āSkategoatā), from Venice Beach skatepark rat to pro status OutLoud! Culture+1
- Runtime: Approximately 85 minutes Rotten Tomatoes+1
- Genre: Documentary / Sport / Coming-of-age Perth Happenings+1
ā What Works ā Strengths
1. A Raw, Authentic Portrait of Skate Culture
Skategoat excels at capturing the texture of Venice Beach skateboarding life ā the noise, the bowls, the graffiti, the raw energy. As one reviewer put it:
āVan Alpertās lens captures a decade of Leandreās life ā¦ documenting his struggle to perfect his skateboarding and to survive.ā OutLoud! Culture
This isnāt just a glossy sport doc; the film honours the scruff, the grind, the real-world context behind the tricks.
2. Compelling Subject with Real Stakes
Leandreās story has more than just high-speed ollies; he emerges from a challenging background ā gang-connected neighbourhoods in LA, a younger brother, a skatepark-based existence. The documentary doesnāt shy from the backdrop. One review notes:
āBorn into a world of gangs and crime, a young boy dreams of becoming a pro skateboarder.ā Letterboxd+1
The stakes are genuine: risk of crime, risk of folding into street life, risk of failing to escape. The narrative is about survival as much as success.
3. Engaging Visual and Sound Style
Reviewers praise the filmās style: the footage spans many years, capturing tricks, the evolution of skate gear, street fashion, the āno-stanceā approach that Leandre uses. From OutLoud Culture:
āThe filmās soundtrack pulses ā¦ interviews with skateboarding legends provide insight ā¦ā OutLoud! Culture
The combination of skate visuals, street aesthetic and cultural rhythm gives the film momentum.
4. Inspirational Arc
Many reviews mention the motivational quality: someone from adversity using skateboarding as an outlet, forging their own path. For example:
āIt would have been easy for Sanders to turn to a life of crime but he chose to take a different route.ā Perth Happenings
This sets the film up not just as sports entertainment, but as human story of perseverance.
ā ļø What Doesnāt Fully Work ā Weaknesses / Caveats
1. Limited Context for Wider Skateboarding World
Some viewers felt the film is more about Leandreās journey than about placing it in the broader history of skateboarding. One review comments:
āThe story is mostly about Leandre ā¦ we donāt get much context about the evolution of skating ā¦ or why his skating stands out so much.ā Letterboxd
If youāre looking for a deep dive into skateboarding lineage or culture, you may feel the documentary brushes past some of that.
2. Character Reflection & Depth
While Leandreās physical journey is compelling, some critique that the film could dig deeper into his internal world ā the fears, the motivations, the social dynamics beyond skating. The same review notes that while the subject is great, it doesnāt always provide extensive introspection. Letterboxd
For viewers expecting a full psychological profile, this may feel lighter.
3. Genre Familiarity
The coming-of-age plus sport-doc format is familiar. Some narrative beats may be predictable: early promise, setbacks, major breakthrough. While the film executes well, those familiar with the genre might feel the structure is expected.
š§ Themes & Key Takeaways
- Escape & self-determination: Leandreās move from Venice Beach bowl rat to travelling, living abroad (Australia) and carving a niche shows how passion + choice can redirect life paths. Monster Children
- Community & mentorship: The film emphasises the role of friends, local skate park culture, and informal support (āthe kindly mama Katieā, skate friends) in enabling an alternative to gang life. Perth Happenings+1
- Evolution & identity in sport: Leandreās āno-stanceā skating (mixing goofy/regular) becomes part of his identity and signature. The documentary reflects how sport style is part of personal style.
- Persistence over talent: The film repeatedly shows that doing the work, showing up, taking footage, building a body of work over years ā these matter more than moments of glory.
- Skateboarding as social mirror: The backdrop of Venice Beach, gang risk, street culture all reflect larger socio-economic realities. The skatepark becomes a place of possibility as much as risk.
šÆ Final Verdict
Skategoat is a strong, dynamic documentary that will appeal to both skate-culture fans and viewers looking for a solid personal journey with real stakes. While it may not revolutionise the sports-doc genre, it delivers its story with heart, authenticity and energy.
Rating: 8 / 10
- ā Why it earns this: A compelling subject, high-quality skating visuals, real-life stakes, emotional resonance.
- ā ļø Why it doesnāt score higher: Slightly limited in exploring skating culture globally, somewhat predictable in arc, and less introspective than some may hope.
Recommended for:
- Fans of skateboarding and sport documentaries.
- Viewers who enjoy coming-of-age stories with real-world adversity and hope.
- Anyone who wants a vivid look at how passion can become purpose.
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