Watch Roll Bounce
- PG-13
- 2005
- 1 hr 52 min
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6.2 (7,899)
Roll Bounce is a 2005 coming-of-age comedy-drama film set in Chicago in the late 1970s. The film is directed by Malcolm D. Lee and stars Shad Moss, Nick Cannon, Meagan Good, Jurnee Smollett, and Bow Wow. The film follows the story of 15-year-old Xavier "X" Smith (played by Shad Moss), a roller skater who tries to find solace in his passion after his mother's recent death.
Xavier lives in the South Side of Chicago with his father, Curtis Smith (Chi McBride), and his little sister Sonya (Khleo Thomas). The roller rink, where he and his friends spend most of their time, is temporarily closed down after a fire. The skaters find a new rink at the north side of town, Sweetwater Roller Rink. The skaters from the south side go head-to-head against the skaters from the north side at Sweetwater in a Roller Disco competition to determine who's the best.
Xavier and his friends Earl (Marcus T. Paulk), Naps (Rick Gonzalez), and Boo (Brandon T. Jackson) are dealing with growing pains in their lives as they come of age in the late 1970s. They're challenged by the more affluent and successful North Side teams who have more money and better equipment. The boys get new gear and start practicing their moves to prepare for the competition. They're determined to win, and the prize money is $5000. Xavier is also trying to deal with his father's overbearing behavior and garner the courage to ask out his longtime crush, Naomi (Meagan Good).
The usual crew of good guys competes in various challenges and rollerskating events as they pursue their dream of winning the competition. There's also a subplot about Xavier's struggle with losing his mother and the strain it has put on his relationship with his dad. Curtis is dealing with his grief for his late wife while trying to raise his kids, and he tends to use an authoritarian approach. Xavier often feels suffocated and wants more independence, but he understands his dad's perspective.
Roll Bounce features an impressive soundtrack from the '70s that includes tracks from Curtis Mayfield, Earth, Wind & Fire, Donna Summer, and Kool & The Gang. The costume and set designs capture the essence of the 1970s with afros, platform shoes, and bell bottoms. The movie features a lot of nostalgia for the period, and it's fun to see the characters' reactions to the changes happening in society at the time.
As the competition nears, Xavier and Naomi start spending more time together, trying to get to know each other better. Earl and Naps help Xavier get ready for his date by giving him a makeover and putting him in a ridiculous suit. Xavier makes a disastrous attempt to woo Naomi at a black-tie formal event, but he learns some valuable life lessons about self-confidence and staying true to himself.
The competition itself is a fun roller derby with great music, eye-popping costumes, and dazzling lights. The skaters try to impress the judges with their moves and acrobatics as the audience cheers them on. The competition is a chance for Xavier and his friends to prove themselves and show that they're capable of achieving their dreams.
Roll Bounce is a feel-good movie that's packed with heart and soul. It's a coming-of-age tale that will resonate with anyone who's ever been a teenager trying to find their place in the world. The cast has excellent chemistry, and the movie is refreshing and original. This film is worth watching for the roller-skating alone, but it's the relatable characters, fantastic soundtrack, and hilarious moments that make it a must-see.
Roll Bounce is a 2005 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 59.