Skate Shop Encounter, Reelive

Stevie
Stevie

Can you teach me how to do that?

Ezra
Ezra

You gotta learn how to fall first.

Stevie
Stevie

Fall?

F**kshit
F**kshit

Yeah, man. You think you can skate without wiping out?

Stevie
Stevie

I don't know.

Ezra
Ezra

You just gotta get back up, that's all.

Pool Party, Reelive

Stevie
Stevie

What are you guys doing?

F**kshit
F**kshit

Chillin', you want in?

Stevie
Stevie

In on what?

Ezra
Ezra

Just living, dude. You wanna hit this?

Stevie
Stevie

Hit what?

F**kshit
F**kshit

The freedom, bro!

Tension with the Mom, Reelive

Mom
Mom

Where have you been?

Stevie
Stevie

Just hanging out.

Mom
Mom

Hanging out where?

Stevie
Stevie

At the skate park.

Mom
Mom

You can't just disappear like that!

Stevie
Stevie

Why not?!

Mom
Mom

You need to tell me!

Stevie
Stevie

You don't understand!

Heart-to-Heart with the Crew, Reelive

Stevie
Stevie

Do you guys think I’m good enough to skate with you?

F**kshit
F**kshit

You ain't gotta be 'good enough', man.

Ezra
Ezra

Yeah, we just want you to be you.

Stevie
Stevie

But what if I'm not what you want?

F**kshit
F**kshit

Dude, we don't care about all that.

Ezra
Ezra

Just skate, bro.

Skating in the Streets, Reelive

Ezra
Ezra

You gotta let it flow, man.

F**kshit
F**kshit

Feel the board under you!

Stevie
Stevie

What if I fall?

Ezra
Ezra

You will. And then you get back up!

F**kshit
F**kshit

And you’ll do it better next time!

Stevie
Stevie

Alright, I’ll try.

Conflict with the Older Skater, Reelive

Older Skater
Older Skater

Who do you think you are?

Stevie
Stevie

I’m just here to skate.

Older Skater
Older Skater

You think you belong here?

Ezra
Ezra

Back off, man.

F**kshit
F**kshit

Yeah, he’s cool.

Older Skater
Older Skater

I don't think so.

Stevie
Stevie

I just want to be part of the crew.

Emotional Break, Reelive

Stevie
Stevie

I don’t feel like I fit in anywhere.

Ezra
Ezra

What do you mean?

Stevie
Stevie

I can’t even talk to my mom.

Ezra
Ezra

Why not?

Stevie
Stevie

She doesn't get me.

Ezra
Ezra

Sometimes talking helps, man.

Moment of Triumph, Reelive

Stevie
Stevie

Did you see that?!

F**kshit
F**kshit

Hell yeah!

Ezra
Ezra

You finally did it!

Stevie
Stevie

I can’t believe it.

F**kshit
F**kshit

Now that’s how you skate!

Ezra
Ezra

Welcome to the crew!

Nighttime Confessions, Reelive

Stevie
Stevie

What do you guys do when you’re sad?

F**kshit
F**kshit

Skate.

Ezra
Ezra

Or just talk about it.

Stevie
Stevie

I always feel like I’m not enough.

F**kshit
F**kshit

You gotta stop thinking like that.

Ezra
Ezra

You’re good as you are, man.

Advice from the Mentor, Reelive

Stevie
Stevie

How do you know what to do?

Mentor
Mentor

You just gotta find your own way.

Stevie
Stevie

But what if I mess up?

Mentor
Mentor

You will, plenty of times. But that’s how you learn.

Stevie
Stevie

What if others judge me?

Mentor
Mentor

Forget them, they don’t matter.

Awkward Family Dinner, Reelive

Mom
Mom

Stevie, can you pass the salt?

Stevie
Stevie

Sure.

Dad
Dad

How’s school going?

Stevie
Stevie

It's fine.

Mom
Mom

Just fine?

Stevie
Stevie

Yeah.

Dad
Dad

You need to open up.

Stevie
Stevie

You wouldn’t understand.

Challenge to be Better, Reelive

F**kshit
F**kshit

Come on, hit that ramp!

Stevie
Stevie

I don’t think I can.

Ezra
Ezra

You have to try!

Stevie
Stevie

What if I fall?

F**kshit
F**kshit

So what? You get back up!

Ezra
Ezra

Plus, we’ll be right here.

Understanding Consequences, Reelive

Ezra
Ezra

You ever think about what could happen if we get caught?

Stevie
Stevie

I try not to.

F**kshit
F**kshit

Living in the moment, right?

Ezra
Ezra

Yeah, but there’s a line.

Stevie
Stevie

What happens when you cross it?

F**kshit
F**kshit

Then you just deal with it.

Finding Belonging, Reelive

Stevie
Stevie

I really appreciate you guys.

Ezra
Ezra

Why’s that?

Stevie
Stevie

You make me feel like I belong.

F**kshit
F**kshit

That's what this is about.

Ezra
Ezra

You’re one of us now.

Stevie
Stevie

It means a lot to me.

Confronting Fear, Reelive

F**kshit
F**kshit

You got this, just jump!

Stevie
Stevie

What if I don’t land it?

Ezra
Ezra

The only way to find out is to try.

F**kshit
F**kshit

And if you fall, we’re right here.

Stevie
Stevie

Okay, I’m going.

Ezra
Ezra

Let’s see it!

The Power of Skating, Reelive

Ezra
Ezra

You ever feel like skating just makes everything better?

Stevie
Stevie

Yeah, like I'm free.

F**kshit
F**kshit

Right? It clears my head.

Ezra
Ezra

But what happens when we stop?

F**kshit
F**kshit

Then we just deal with life.

Stevie
Stevie

I guess...

Discovering Authenticity, Reelive

Ezra
Ezra

You gotta be real with yourself, man.

Stevie
Stevie

What’s that mean?

F**kshit
F**kshit

It means don’t try to be someone else.

Ezra
Ezra

Yeah, just be you, dude.

Stevie
Stevie

I’m working on that.

F**kshit
F**kshit

It’ll come.

Farewell to Innocence, Reelive

Stevie
Stevie

Things are changing, huh?

F**kshit
F**kshit

Yeah, but that’s life.

Ezra
Ezra

We’ll always have this.

Stevie
Stevie

I’m gonna miss this.

F**kshit
F**kshit

Me too, man.

Ezra
Ezra

Remember, we’re always here.

Stevie

I'm just trying to figure it all out, you know? This place is intense.

Stevie

mid90s, Reelive
Ray

You got to be nice to people, you know? It goes a long way.

Ray

mid90s, Reelive
Fourth Grade Boy

Skating is hard. It hurts. But when you land a trick, it’s worth it.

Fourth Grade Boy

mid90s, Reelive
Fuckshit

What, you want to hang out with a bunch of losers?

Fuckshit

mid90s, Reelive
A group member

You think you can kick it? You can’t kick it.

A group member

mid90s, Reelive
Spencer

Dude, you're really good at skating. Like, really good.

Spencer

mid90s, Reelive
Ray

We’re all good at something, just keep trying.

Ray

mid90s, Reelive
Dabney

You’re not a kid anymore, you need to grow up.

Dabney

mid90s, Reelive
Ray

Sometimes you got to let go of what’s comfortable.

Ray

mid90s, Reelive
Fuckshit

This is what friends look like, man.

Fuckshit

mid90s, Reelive
Ray

The world is hard, you have to show everyone who you are.

Ray

mid90s, Reelive
Spencer

You’re only as good as your last trick.

Spencer

mid90s, Reelive
Fourth Grade Boy

Don’t worry, everyone feels lost sometimes.

Fourth Grade Boy

mid90s, Reelive
Ray

You’re gonna make mistakes; just learn from them.

Ray

mid90s, Reelive
Dabney

Life is not a game; it’s more complicated than that.

Dabney

mid90s, Reelive
Fuckshit

Just enjoy the ride, man.

Fuckshit

mid90s, Reelive
Ray

When you’re on the board, it’s just you and the ground.

Ray

mid90s, Reelive
Fuckshit

We're not perfect, but we're family.

Fuckshit

mid90s, Reelive
Stevie

Sometimes it feels like no one understands you.

Stevie

mid90s, Reelive
Dabney

You just have to find your own way through all this.

Dabney

mid90s, Reelive
Ray

Every scar tells a story.

Ray

mid90s, Reelive
Spencer

Your life doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.

Spencer

mid90s, Reelive
Fuckshit

Just be yourself, man. Anyone who tells you different is lying.

Fuckshit

mid90s, Reelive

Gimme the Loot

Gimme the Loot by The Notorious B.I.G., Played during skateboarding scenes

Everybody Knows

Everybody Knows by Danny Elfman, Background music during group interactions

I Think I’m in Love

I Think I’m in Love by Jamie Iovine, Used in a montage of skateboarding adventures

Kool Thing

Kool Thing by Sonic Youth, Played during a party scene

Move It On Up

Move It On Up by Curtis Mayfield, Closing credits


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The First Skateboarding Scene

In this scene, we see Stevie, the lead character, stepping into the skate shop for the first time. The atmosphere is vibrant, filled with the sounds of skateboards rolling and laughter. As he watches older kids effortlessly perform tricks, we feel his mixture of intimidation and awe. The moment peaks when one of the skaters invites him to try, leading to a shaky attempt that ends with him falling but smiling. This moment signifies the beginning of Stevie's journey into skate culture and friendship, marking a pivotal change in his character arc.

Context: This scene establishes Stevie's desire to fit in and find his place in the world, showcasing the youthful excitement and fear of new experiences.

Stevie's Breakthrough Trick

After weeks of practicing, Stevie finally lands his first big trick at the skatepark. The camera captures the moment in slow motion as he rides down the ramp, confidently executing the move in front of his friends who cheer him on. The joy and exhilaration on his face are palpable. This moment serves as a turning point for Stevie, gaining acceptance from the older skaters and solidifying his bond with them.

Context: This scene signifies Stevie's growth and acceptance within the skateboarding community, representing a shift from being an outsider to a valued member of the group.

Facing Family Struggles

A tense moment between Stevie and his older brother, Ian, reveals their complex relationship. Ian confronts Stevie about skipping school and hanging out with older kids, leading to a heated argument. The dialogue is raw, filled with unfiltered emotions, as Ian expresses his frustrations. This confrontation deepens the audience’s understanding of Stevie’s home life, showcasing the lack of supportive figures in his life.

Context: The conflict reinforces the theme of familial bonds and the struggle of teenagers seeking independence while dealing with unresolved issues at home.

The Party Scene

At a friend's house party, the atmosphere is chaotic and charged with youthful energy. Stevie, eager to fit in, takes a drink and gets swept up in the wildness. The contrasting visuals of loud music mixed with intimate moments of vulnerability create a complex emotional tapestry. It reaches its peak when an unexpected fight breaks out, illustrating the unpredictability and intensity of adolescence.

Context: The party encapsulates the thrill and dangers of teenage life, highlighting how peer pressure can lead to reckless decisions.

The Heart-to-Heart with Fourth Grade Girl

Stevie shares a rare moment of sincerity with a girl from school. They sit outside and talk about their dreams and insecurities, revealing their vulnerabilities. The quietness of the scene is a sharp contrast to the chaos of the skater’s life, creating a feeling of intimacy. This exchange builds a deeper connection between them and provides a glimpse into Stevie’s longing for true understanding.

Context: This scene emphasizes the theme of searching for connection amidst the noise of adolescence and highlights Stevie's desire for emotional support.

Skateboarding in the Streets

The skaters ride through the streets, showcasing their skills and camaraderie. The excitement builds as they navigate urban landscapes, performing tricks on curbs and stairs. The joy and freedom on their faces speak volumes, contrasting with Stevie's internal struggles. This scene captures the essence of youth and rebellion, making it a standout moment.

Context: The scene symbolizes liberation and the thrill of youth, reinforcing the idea that skateboarding serves as an escape from daily life.

Crisis with Ian

After a night of partying, Stevie finds Ian collapsing under the weight of his own issues. In a moment of vulnerability, Ian confides in Stevie about his failures and regrets, revealing a darker side of adulthood. This raw exchange marks a pivotal emotional beat for both characters, bringing them closer but also highlighting their differences.

Context: This crisis moment sheds light on the burdens of growing up and the consequences of one's choices, affecting Stevie’s perception of his brother.

The Skate Shop Showdown

A clash occurs at the skate shop when tensions rise among the group. Insults fly, and emotions reach a boiling point. This confrontation reveals underlying issues, such as jealousy and insecurity, leading to a physical altercation that disrupts their camaraderie. The chaos encapsulates the fragility of friendship during adolescence.

Context: The showdown illustrates how quickly friendships formed in youth can become strained, emphasizing the theme of loyalty and betrayal.

Winter Skate Session

In a snowy winter skate session, the group's playful spirit shines through. They attempt tricks, slipping and laughing in the snow, evoking a sense of joy and camaraderie. This moment contrasts sharply with the darker themes explored earlier, showcasing the bliss of being young and carefree before reality sets back in.

Context: This scene uses the playful joy of skating to emphasize the fleeting nature of youth, underlining the importance of cherishing these moments.

Stevie's Emotional Breakdown

In a touching moment, Stevie breaks down after a particularly hard day. Alone in his room, he feels the weight of his emotions and struggles with feelings of inadequacy. This scene is raw and honest, pulling back the curtain on his internal dilemmas and highlighting the pressures he faces. The quiet intensity captures the heart of his character.

Context: Stevie’s breakdown portrays the isolating experience of adolescence and the profound impact of familial relationships on mental health.

Confrontation with Smokey

An unexpected confrontation occurs between Stevie and Smokey, one of the older skaters. Tension fills the air as Smokey challenges Stevie’s loyalty. The dialogue is laced with anger and frustration, culminating in an emotional standoff that tests Stevie’s resolve and values. This moment is pivotal, pushing him to choose between fitting in or staying true to himself.

Context: The conflict serves as a metaphor for adolescence, revealing the difficult choices that shape one’s identity during formative years.

The Moment of Truth with Ian

Ian delivers a heartfelt speech to Stevie, addressing their brotherly bond and sharing his regrets. He expresses hope that Stevie will chart a better path. This moment resonates deeply, as it highlights the complexity of their relationship. The vulnerability displayed by both brothers signifies growth and understanding.

Context: This pivotal moment showcases the theme of family dynamics, emphasizing the importance of support as they navigate their struggles.

Skating in Memory of a Friend

After the tragic loss of a friend, the group comes together for a tribute skate session. The atmosphere is somber yet filled with unspoken camaraderie. They skate quietly, reflecting on their loss. This scene symbolizes the power of community and shared experiences in dealing with grief, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Context: This moment underscores the fragility of life and the profound impact of friendship, reinforcing the importance of cherishing every moment.

The Final Competition

The group participates in a local skate competition, filled with nerves and excitement. Each skateboarding moment is captured with intensity, soaring cinematography, and an electric atmosphere. As they compete, there’s a palpable sense of unity and determination. It culminates in Stevie landing his biggest trick, symbolizing his growth and acceptance within the team.

Context: This competition serves as a metaphor for Stevie’s journey, showcasing personal growth, friendship, and the power of perseverance.

Bittersweet Farewell

As the summer comes to an end, the group has a heartfelt farewell. Each character reflects on their journey, sharing laughs and tears. The camaraderie shared among them shines through as they part ways, leaving a sense of nostalgia. This ending resonates with the audience, evoking feelings of bittersweet growth and change.

Context: The farewell moment encapsulates the ending of childhood and the inevitable transition into the adult world, emphasizing the importance of memories.

Joy Ride

Stevie steals away with his friends for an impromptu joyride. The thrill of the adventure and the genuine laughter of youth create a sense of freedom and joy. The visuals capture the energy of the moment, reminding viewers of the remarkable highs of adolescence, even amidst personal turmoil.

Context: This joy ride symbolizes the fleeting nature of youth and the importance of seizing joyous moments while facing life’s uncertainties.

The Birthday Party

Stevie's simple birthday celebration is marked by awkwardness and a sense of longing for acceptance. As his friends struggle to connect, it highlights the difficulty in forging true friendships. The scene is emotionally charged, showcasing the disparity between Stevie’s expectations and reality.

Context: This moment emphasizes themes of isolation and the desire for connection, resonating with anyone who has felt out of place.

Chasing Dreams

Stevie passionately talks about his desire to become a pro skater while skating with his friends. The excitement in his voice and the joy in their reactions amplify the moment. It underscores the youthful determination to chase dreams, reflecting the hope and ambition present in adolescence.

Context: This moment captures the essence of youthful dreams and aspirations, revealing the universal desire for greatness.

Slice of Life

A quiet scene shows Stevie at home, observing the mundane moments of life, such as his mother cooking and his brother on his phone. This contrasts the excitement of the skate scene, grounding the narrative in everyday reality. This mundane slice highlights the challenges of finding identity within family life.

Context: This moment emphasizes the struggle of balancing home life with the thrill of adolescence, showcasing the multifaceted nature of Stevie's experience.

Revelation of Secrets

Stevie overhears a conversation revealing his brother’s struggles with substance abuse. The shock and fear on his face speak volumes, marking a significant turning point in how Stevie perceives their family dynamics. This revelation deepens his emotional conflict.

Context: This moment underscores the theme of hidden struggles within families, reshaping Stevie's understanding of what it means to be family.

Skateboard Duel

In an impromptu skateboard duel, Ian showcases his skills against his friends. The competition is friendly yet fierce, highlighting the bond they share. The high-octane energy resonates with viewers, reminding them of the joy of friendly competition.

Context: The duel represents the playful yet competitive nature of skateboarding culture, celebrating friendship through skill and fun.

Full Circle

In the film's closing moments, Stevie reflects back on his journey as he stands atop a ramp, capturing the essence of growth and reflection. The camera pans out to show his friends below, a reminder of how far he’s come. This scene encapsulates the themes of friendship, growth, and the bittersweet nature of growing up.

Context: The culmination of Stevie’s journey emphasizes the inevitability of change and the importance of cherished memories, resonating strongly with the audience.


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Authentic Skate Culture

Director Jonah Hill insisted on using real skateboarders for the casting, leading to a more authentic depiction of the skate culture of the '90s.

Why it matters: This choice enhanced the film’s realism and allowed the actors to embody the authenticity of their roles, resonating deeply with audiences familiar with skate culture.

Casting Process

The casting of Sunny Suljic, who plays the protagonist Stevie, was hugely influenced by his skateboarding ability rather than traditional acting experience.

Why it matters: By focusing on skate skills, Hill ensured a genuine representation of the youth culture that elevated the film's credibility and relatability among teenage viewers.

Improvised Dialogue

Many of the dialogues were improvised, allowing the actors to express their characters more naturally and make their interactions feel spontaneous.

Why it matters: This approach added a layer of authenticity to the film, engaging audiences with a more genuine portrayal of friendship and adolescent life.

Documentary Style

The film was shot using a 16mm camera, providing a grainy look reminiscent of '90s home videos.

Why it matters: This choice not only evoked nostalgia but also contributed to the film's intimate storytelling style, immersing viewers in Stevie's world.

Jonah Hill's Personal Connection

Hill drew from his own experiences growing up in Los Angeles during the '90s, sharing personal stories with the cast to create authentic scenes.

Why it matters: This personal touch lent a deeper emotional layer to the narrative, making the portrayal of adolescence resonate strongly with many viewers.

Skating and Acting Blend

The actors underwent extensive skateboarding training to ensure believable performances on their boards.

Why it matters: This preparation not only improved their physical performances but also helped them connect more deeply with their characters' lifestyles.

Real Skate Parks

The film was shot on location at real skate parks throughout Los Angeles, lending authenticity to the setting.

Why it matters: Using actual skate parks not only validates the skater's experiences but also enhances the film's credibility within the skateboarding community.

Cameo by a Skateboarding Legend

Tony Hawk makes a cameo appearance in a skateboarding scene, adding a layer of authenticity and credibility to the film.

Why it matters: Hawk's involvement served as a bridge connecting the film to the skateboarding world, appreciated by fans and further highlighting the culture portrayed in the movie.

Influence of 90s Film Aesthetics

Hill intentionally referenced films like 'The Goonies' and 'Kids' for inspiration in presenting youth culture.

Why it matters: This homage to past cinematic style helped situate 'mid90s' within a nostalgic tradition while establishing its own unique voice.

Careful Character Development

The character of Ray, portrayed by NA-kel Smith, had originally been written with a more aggressive personality, but through collaboration with Smith, he became more laid-back.

Why it matters: This shift allowed for a more nuanced portrayal of friendship dynamics, showcasing the importance of positive influences in Stevie's life.

Soundtrack Selection

The film features a carefully curated soundtrack of songs from the '90s that Hill personally loved, helping to establish a genuine atmosphere.

Why it matters: The music not only evokes nostalgia but also deepens emotional connections to the scenes, making key moments more impactful for viewers.

Real-life Inspiration

The character names and some storylines were inspired by Hill's real friends from his youth, making the narrative deeply personal.

Why it matters: This connection imbues the film with authenticity, inviting audiences to empathize and reflect on their own friendships and childhood experiences.

First-time Director's Unique Vision

Jonah Hill's approach as a first-time director led to an environment where the young cast felt safe to take risks and express themselves creatively.

Why it matters: This encouragement fostered trust among the cast, leading to genuine performances that feel organic and relatable.

Minimalistic Approach

Hill chose to limit dialogue in many scenes to allow body language and physical expressions to convey emotions.

Why it matters: This choice deepens the audience's connection with the characters, reinforcing that sometimes actions speak louder than words.

Influence of Skateboard Aesthetics

The visual styling of the film, including camera angles and edits, was inspired by skate videos, aligning with the culture it depicts.

Why it matters: It creates a familiar and engaging visual language for skateboard fans while effectively pulling non-skateboarders into the subculture.

Casting Family Relationships

The role of Stevie's older brother, played by Lucas Hedges, was created from Hill's desire to explore sibling dynamics in youth.

Why it matters: This relationship adds complexity to Stevie's journey, offering insights into family struggles that many audience members can relate to.

Symbolism of the Skateboard

Stevie's skateboard is a metaphor for his journey toward identity and adulthood, which Hill emphasized throughout the narrative.

Why it matters: This notion resonates on a thematic level, giving audiences a deeper understanding of Stevie's struggles and growth as he navigates adolescence.

Casting Open Call

An open casting call was done for skateboarding roles, which brought in a diverse group of actors and real skaters.

Why it matters: This not only ensured a more diverse cast but also provided real representation of the culture within the film, making it feel more immersive.

Editing Choices

Hill was involved heavily in the editing process, ensuring that the pacing and scenes remained true to the feeling he aimed to convey.

Why it matters: His hands-on approach in editing preserved the essence of the film's intended emotional resonance, creating a more profound experience.

Exploration of Friendship

The film heavily emphasizes the theme of friendship, rooted in Hill's youth experiences, encouraging the cast to develop those bonds on and off set.

Why it matters: This exploration allowed for genuine interactions between characters, making the scenes feel more authentic and relatable to viewers.

Color Palette Inspiration

The film's warm color palette was inspired by '90s film aesthetics, with careful consideration to evoke nostalgia.

Why it matters: This choice amplifies the emotional impact of the film, connecting audiences to their own memories and experiences from that era.

Themes of Teenage Struggle

The film tackles various challenges faced by teenagers, such as bullying and family dynamics, through real-life experiences Hill shared with the cast.

Why it matters: This grounded portrayal allows viewers to reflect on their own struggles, creating a relatable narrative that resonates across generations.


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