Watch Off the Edge

Off the Edge is a 1976 drama film that follows the story of Mike and Eddie, two young men who have aspirations of becoming professional skateboarders in California. It is directed by Boris Sagal and stars Jeff Campbell as Mike, Blair Trenholme as Eddie, and Ron Hajak as Steve. The film starts with Mike and Eddie arriving in California from the East Coast, determined to make it big in the skateboarding scene. The two friends quickly learn that it's not as easy as they thought it would be. They meet a group of skaters who are more experienced and talented than they are, and struggle to keep up with them. Mike and Eddie's friendship is put to the test as they face setbacks and personal problems while trying to achieve their dreams.

The film showcases the raw energy and excitement of skateboarding in the 1970s, with beautifully shot scenes of the skaters performing tricks in various locations around California. The soundtrack, which features music from the likes of Santana and the Bee Gees, adds to the film's youthful energy and rebellious spirit.

As the story unfolds, we see Mike and Eddie's relationship come under strain. Eddie, who has a more carefree attitude towards life, begins to resent Mike's intense determination to succeed in the skateboarding world. Meanwhile, Mike becomes increasingly focused on his goal to become a professional skater and starts to neglect his personal relationships. Ron Hajak's character, Steve, serves as a mentor to the two friends, helping them to navigate the challenges of the skateboarding scene.

Throughout the film, there are moments of humor, drama, and tragedy. One scene in particular features the group of skaters participating in an illegal racing event on a winding mountain road, which ends in a tragic accident. This scene serves as a pivotal moment in the film, highlighting the danger and risk that comes with extreme sports.

As Mike and Eddie's dreams of becoming professional skateboarders become more distant, they start to question whether their pursuit of success was worth sacrificing their personal relationships and risking their lives. The film ends with a poignant scene that leaves the audience contemplating the choices they make in pursuit of their own dreams.

Overall, Off the Edge is a classic 1970s film that captures the spirit of the time and the excitement of the skateboarding scene. It showcases the importance of friendship, the pursuit of dreams, and the risks that come with extreme sports. The film is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of skateboarding and the counterculture of the 1970s.

Off the Edge is a 1976 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.