When skaters Mickey (Mahut) and Idriss (Diop) bear witness to a blood splattered drug deal in a Parisian multi-storey, the pair soon flees to the nearest police station to report the crime. With a recording of the offence on hand and sympathetic cop Sylvie (Brakni) on their side, it seems like an open and shut case.
However, as the youngsters are about to hand over the incriminating evidence, the nefarious drug dealers waltz into the station, revealing themselves to be crooked cops. A gruelling chase through the streets, alleyways and rooftops of Paris ensues as the boarders skate for their lives.
Skate or Die is a simple enough piece of cinema; high concept and with a title that delivers everything you need to know. Beyond the skateboarding gimmick, theres very little to distinguish it as its own animal. The teenaged protagonists are both likeable enough with all roles handed well, but they hardly break the mould. Likewise, the crooked cops are the usual brutes weve seen time and again and while the gruelling chase sequences are inventive enough, they dont scale new heights.
But despite this, Skate or Die stands as a perfectly solid and enjoyable ride. The visuals are superb, with the director utilizing the urban setting and delivering a sleek and contemporary looking film. As Ive mentioned, the chase sequences arent overly impressive but theyre handled with enough flair and imagination to make the most of any shortcomings. And, while the story isnt a fresh formula, theres enough twists in the plot to keep you entertained.
The film also boasts a terrific soundtrack, packed full of contemporary sounds and some ear pleasing remixes. Understandably, the director has pushed for an unrelenting playlist of tunes and while this approach usually serves things well, not all transitions are smooth and theres little breathing room left between scenes.
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Overall Verdict: A slick, urban thriller; Skate or Die makes for an entertaining 90 minutes. If only mainstream audiences had the palate for foreign language cinema, Skate or Die might have found a tidy audience at the box office.
Special Features:
Making of
Trailer
Reviewer: David Steele