Grind (2003) User Reviews

Stuck in 2003

[burnzyburns · 7/10 · 15 February 2021]

Grind is more of a skateboard montage then a movie and it is jammed deep into the year 2003. It's probably the most early 2000's teen movie you could ever watch, it's packed with punk rock music for nearly every scene as if someone from Warped Tour directed this movie.

I'm not going to waste time but if you love skateboarding and you love the early 2000's west coast era culture then you'll probably really enjoy this movie. It gave me nostalgia so it achieves something in a sense.

Some interesting cameos we get to see are: Tom Green, Bam Margara, Christopher McDonald and a bizarre appearance from Randy Quaid who plays a clown.

This could've been a terrible watch because the acting is mostly pathetic and it's horribly cringey at times but it has this weird balance and it ends up being not too bad.

Blue Crush meets Road Trip with Skateboards

[mwendel · 6/10 · 28 January 2004]

Take Blue Crush and Road Trip to the asphalt with boys instead of girls. The movie is an entertaining over-the-top story about four friends who decide to make the summer more interesting by trying to live the dream of becoming pro skateboarders. Their path to potential stardom is one full of roadblocks of all shapes and kinds. Don't look for any award winning performances here, but do look for some good laughs and some good and great skateboarding sequences.

Mike Vogel, Vince Vieluf, Adam Brody and Joey Kern provide acceptable performances as stereotype characters sticking to the molds they have been given. Their performances are not bad, nor are they great, which allows the movie to be very watch-able - I don't think you'll be cringing because of poor acting, as you might have in other films. There are a lot of cameos (some good, some bad) in this movie - Randy Quaid, Christopher McDonald, Christine Estabrook, Bob(cat) Goldthwait, and Tom Green are the most recognizable ones.

If you like skateboarding and you're not going to be watching with too critical of an eye you'll enjoy the move even more than most. It's a watch-able, enjoyable movie. Hey, I didn't check my watch once to see if its almost over yet! Enjoy!

Nothing Spectacular, Except for the Skating

[Stoli_Raz_N_7 · 7/10 · 26 September 2005]

This film is just plain fun. The story isn't anything spectacular, but the skating is sick, the babes are all top shelf, and the main characters are just four guys having fun. Their adventures are enjoyable, and the show is slathered with multiple layers of humor and style. Of course this isn't going to be on any critics' top ten lists, nor will it win any awards anywhere, but the extraordinary films that wind up in those categories often have little to no replay value - once you've seen them, they're pretty much done. "Grind" is a film that's so enjoyable, it's easy to watch it over and over and over again. I've already seen it eight times.

I think it's great

[sgreenwald-1 · 7/10 · 27 October 2005]

I agree with another comment that the critics shouldn't have torn this movie apart like some others! It wasn't all that bad. There were those random parts that you don't think should be in there, but it is a funny movie that you can never get sick of!

The crowd that I believe the film is aiming for are those struggling athletes or skaters. There is supposed to be a little more struggle than what they put in, but it isn't a drama, it's comedy. Mike Vogel played his part well, along with Adam Brody. Most of the skating was stunt men, but there were those little scenes where the actors would actually have to skate! These actors actually took plenty of training to learn how to pull off the skating.

This is a movie that you can watch with your friends over and over again and never get sick of!

Beware!!

[Manon_1 · 1/10 · 17 November 2004]

Probably the worst movie I've seen in a long time. The worst part and by far is Vince Vieluf, this guy is not funny, this guy is very annoying and after a while, the scenes where he was the center stage were put on fast forward! If this guy can make it in the movies, well so do I!

This movie is a total mess. Probably the only good thing about it is Mr. Vogel, he was nice to look at.

I was bored from beginning to the end.

Also, I think Adam Brody is usually very talented & they managed to make him very bad in this movie. Stay away from it!!! I feel like I've lost 2 hours of my life.

Not Great, But Not THAT Bad

[DigitalPhreaker · 6/10 · 27 August 2003]

Wow, I was surprised to hear people rip this movie apart like they did Gigli (although it's understandable for Gigli). This movie wasn't all that bad. I thought the cast was pretty good, and I loved Sweet Lou, but he was the Dazed and Confused rip off that someone else said. Granted, I will never buy this movie when it comes out on DVD, but it was worth the few extra bucks for the laugh. If you guys want a good laugh, without a lot of thinking (or plot) then see Grind. 7/10

Some good performances... better than I expected

[Queen_of_Convenience · 10 September 2004]

I originally rented "Grind" because I am a big fan of "Jackass" and four or the guys from that show are in this film. I will get to them in a moment.

First of all, I found the dialogue and the situations too predictable at times. Secondly, the "hot girls" all over the place became annoying very quickly. With that being said, I actually liked the movie. It's not at all something that I would normally like.

Now, I wasn't expecting to laugh much because the type of things I find funny aren't generally things other people find funny. However I did chuckle several times at Adam Brody, who, in my opinion, did the best job of the four main fellows. I'm so glad that there can be actors who are very cute AND dorky like him. I also though Vince Veleuf (sp?) did a great job with what he was given.

I was a bit surprised that they casted Bam off to be a jerk. I mean, he was playing himself, and he often beats the crap out of his dad and destroys things in his house. But I guess it's up to everyone to have their own opinion of him. (I, for one, think he's hilarious.) I was also pleased to see Preston Lacy and Wee-man in cameo roles. However, the most shocking portrayal by a "Jackass" member was that of Ehren McGhehey. I've known Ehren for almost four years to be an adorable young man, commonly going by the alias "Danger Ehren" and wearing a helmet with the Jackass logo on it, big goggles, and dusty coveralls with the word "SCARS" on the back. Seeing him as a ghetto g-thug white boy was incredibly strange. But he pulled it off so well. It was the first time I had to really look at him as "Ehren the actor" and to tell the truth, he did an outstanding job.

I would give this film a 7/10.

Skaters apparently have nothing to look forward to...

[jjgoard · 1/10 · 21 October 2004]

Uh, people who gave this a ten: I get that you're into a hobby that only marginally interests most other people. So am I. (Don't ask.) But do you really think that a much better skating story couldn't easily be made? I would think, at least, it would really upset you that there was no attempt at all to blend the stunt double shots with the actor shots. Couldn't those actors even learn to do some basic tricks?

Almost no laughs. For lots of hot women, I can go online and see them wearing a lot less. For skating, I can see the real skaters doing it. This is as (1) as it gets, kids.

Helps me bring down my IMDb average, too.

Grind - brainless fun

[ysman-1 · 9/10 · 12 September 2005]

I saw this movie on satellite with no preconceived notions. No it's not War & Peace but it was plain goofy fun like a cross between a "Road" picture & "Animal House". People who criticize this movie for not taking skateboarding seriously have totally missed the point. This movie could've been about ping pong & I still would have enjoyed it for what it was. Brainless fun. So if anyone is looking forward to basically shutting their brain down, but still getting a couple of cheap laughs I recommend this movie. It is NOT for young children. Some of the humor is "raunchy" but nothing anyone over the age of twelve hasn't heard in the school yard. It has a fairly basic moral (never give up) and not all the women in it are eye candy. Perfect for the demographic it was aiming for.

Wasn't expecting all of it

[jpschapira · 6/10 · 18 February 2006]

Movies like "Grind" can achieve a lot of great things without necessarily being great. I'm not going to give out or write other movies' names to explain what I said, but it's true and I'll try to cover it. After witnessing this film's horribly edited trailer, I knew something terrible was coming my way; but I also knew I had to see the thing.

Was it worth watching? Yes; but not technically speaking, if you get me. Apparently a producer called Casey La Scala decided to direct a picture and a music producer called Ralph Sall decided to write one. Both of them (also apparently) took that decision knowing that they didn't have experience for the job and that they would come out with something mediocre (I'm sure they knew).

The result is, expectedly, an unfocusedly directed and plainly written feature; which proudly welcomes all the clichés used in the underdog movies and the conventionalism of any movie that doesn't want to fail. It is about skates and skateboarders, and about the million who want to make it and the fifty that actually do.

It puts into the table real professional skateboarders (Bam Margera), a fictional skateboarder that the main characters admire (Jimmy Wilson, played by Jason London), a girl (Jennifer Morrison)…The scenes go from skateboarding demonstrations with punk music where the stunts are stupidly shown and clearly seen by anyone who pays attention, to moments that make the best of the film… The finest example is one of the first scenes, in which the main character, a looser, walks into a skate shop; he wants some boards: "I'm your most loyal costumer", he tells the vender. "Yes, but you never spend", the man answers. Suddenly, Bam Margera walks in and asks for three boards. Without hesitating it, the vender gives the merchandise to him. That scene is later paralleled, and it is done smartly.

Besides that, writer Sall 'tries' to score the film (remember he was a music producer?), that contains anything but original music, and his script is just covered with ideas about "following your dream", giving importance to the family and acknowledging the friendship as it is. That last thing is the constant sustaining factor of Sall's weak screenplay.

Eric Rivers (Mike Vogel) is the main character, the dreamer. Matt Jensen (Vince Vieluf) his dumb friend; the sexist looser bastard when it comes to women. Dustin Knight (Adam Brody) is the centered geek who wants to go to college but can't bail on his friends. Sweet Lou (Joey Kern) is the ladies man and the over the top guy who gives a damn.

The young actors who play these characters are a great thing about this not great piece. Mike Vogel got his first gig with this picture, and as the main character. Around the other experienced youngsters, he managed to dominate the role with determination. Vieluf, able to make anyone laugh by just looking at his face, creates an adorable being as he is disgusting. Adam Brody from "The O.C", has a lot going on for him. Finally is Joey Kern the one who steals the show. Kern is a graduated actor I've seen before and a talented one who can do better and more than what he has until today.

Maybe it's the fact that friendship in all of these films is managed with such a disinterest that ends up being the most realistic element of each movie. It's incredible the way the group gets along, the four of them; the dialogues, the situations, what they live, how they evolve. Believe it or not; it happens. Forget about everything else; the friendship in this movie happens: you can't miss that.

Decent skate movie bogged down by clichés. (spoilers)

[vertigo_14 · 3/10 · 14 April 2005]

'Grind' turned out to be a better skate comedy than I had expected, but it had the potential to be so much better had the filmmakers not been so intent on serving up heavy doses of clichés and comedy homages )such as Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Thrashin', Dazed and Confused, The Search for Animal Chin, and more).

Mike Vogel plays Eric Rivers, a pretty good teen skater, who wants nothing more than to be sponsored. Difficult as it is to go about things the routine way of trying to pass on tapes to his favorite pro-skater, Jimmy Wilson, he figures he might do something different to get the sponsorship's attention. Very simply, he encourages his friends (also skaters) to join him as an amateur skate team, chasing skate demos across the country to participate in and show off their skill. Of course, what would an optimistic comedy such as this be without the routine of misadventures and increasing doubt among the characters to be resolved in the usual happy-ending wrap of with nearly all expectations filled for the main character (in this one, not all of the supporting characters don't get the finale treatment that supporting characters often do)? You should know what to expect.

But, what started out as a pretty good comedy eventually charges downhill as it becomes endlessly bogged down in unnecessary clichés (though some were to be expected in this Hollywood-styled conventional framework of "the underdogs") such as Matt suddenly reunites with his parents while the boys are trapped in the desert (which slowed down the movie even more with the corny tear-jerker dialog), the homage to Thrashin' in the finale where Eric challenges his annoying rival to a vert skate-off (which, although there are great skate tricks involved, becomes utterly ridiculous in attempt to end this stupid movie on as many whims as possible), the supporting character falling for Matt's girlfriend, and much more. This would be about the point where it bails...badly.

Aside from that, the movie does have some good moments, tremendous skate sequences scattered throughout, and a decent soundtrack. Look for many cameos by memorable faces: Stephen Root, Dave Foley, Christopher MacDonald, Bobcat Godlwaith, Tom Green (who is particularly funny), Pro-skaters Bucky Lasek and Ryan Sheckler (who offers a good inside joke), and especially Bam Margera who appears frequently throughout the picture, although not in the apishly immature form you may be used to. It is not the best that I have seen, but for a middle-of-the-road comedy about skateboarding teens (with one in particular chasing an ambition), this may be worth watching.

Some pretty funny stuff.

[furiousneon · 10/10 · 24 August 2004]

I picked this movie up for like 4.99 on DVD at a rental place nearby..and i have to say it was worth it. Although im not a big fan of skateboarding or the X-Games as a whole..i enjoyed this movie. It was pretty funny. It goes by at a steady pace and the characters all have a pretty good chemistry with eachother, especially considering that the lead roles are all newcomers. There are a few notable cameo's(Bam Margera, Tom Green). The story itself isnt anything great. It's not original or anything, but it still seems pretty fresh. Its funny through out and considering that im not a skateboarding fan and i enjoyed it, Id recommend this to anyone. Its some pretty funny stuff.

Funny!

[craaashhole · 7/10 · 7 May 2004]

I was at Hollywood Video one day and saw Grind which I vaguely remembered having come out in theaters. I remembered seeing the trailer and thinking that it looked stupid because of the cameos from the guys in Jackass, but I decided to rent it and see how bad it was. I went in to the movie with the worst of expectations, but it was actually really funny. Vince Vieluf's portrayal of Matt Jensen is really pretty brilliant because you can never go too big with a character like that. Adam Brody is adorable and funny. Joey Kern is perfect as Sweet Lou and Mike Vogel does well with the all-American midwestern white guy. I enjoyed all of the cameos and the skateboarding sequences were well done, even if they were cliche. I have since bought this movie and have watched it probably 15 times as well as recommended it to every friend I have.

All I can say is give Grind a chance.

I wish I would have walked out after the previews

[scharkweek · 1/10 · 22 August 2003]

First off, I have been skateboarding for a few years now, so my bias is automatically going to be that this movie is only taking advantage of the recent popularity of skateboarding. But for the heck of it, I gave the movie a chance. When I walked into the theater, I noticed that there were maybe 10-20 other people. Never a good sign. The movie begins, and this is when the real joke began. The movie portrays the sport of skateboarding as a big flashy show with hot bikini babes running around. There is so much more to it than big shot names in big shot competitions. With several failed attempts at making the movie a comedy as well, this movie did not manage to make me laugh once. Replayed jokes and reused character styles make this movie a giant re-run. The plot was very predictable with the ever present "lets accomplish something, we fail a few times, and then when all seems lost, we finally succeed." Don't waste your time on this one. It was a sad attempt at exploiting the quickly growing popularity of skateboarding.

It was at least entertaining....

[virogenix · 20 November 2004]

OK so maybe this was not an Oscar performance by well, anyone. But really, let's face it, there are worse movies. And, yeah, it entertained me while it lated. So while I can't say that this will be on my top ten favorites by any standards, I guess it wasn't so bad. The cameos of Bam and Tom Green were decent. And any movie with clowns and midgets can't be totally terrible, right? The music didn't totally suck. There was "Gross Humor", which I personally like. The ending was a bit campy. To be honest, it would take a real moron not to follow it totally it was so transparent. On the whole, I say watch it. It is a good there is nothing better on flick. It won't totally bore you because it is fully devoid of anything worth learning.

A group of skates go from point a to point b

[StevePulaski · 6/10 · 14 November 2011]

Grind is a film that will amuse its targeted audience and people who are just looking for silly escapism. Where's the harm in that? None, if that's what you're looking for, but those seeking out charm, wit, and style in their characters and plot will have to keep their head held high and continue to walk along the long road of film.

I'm not a person who skateboards. I know many who do and see no problem with it. If I attempted to do some of the things I've seen my friends do I'd probably either be in a wheelchair or be boasting to everyone. Grind makes no subtle approach that it's a film for the skaters in the world. That's not to say that if you don't shred some rails at all you'll be lost, but for a regular patron the "cool" factor on the skating scenes wears thin after a while. I'll put it this way; they are delightfully repetitive.

The story is slim, but efficient. A group of metal-heads want to venture out to Santa Monica to partake in a huge skateboarding event. They create a fake company named "Super Duper," and they hit the road. The group is made up of Eric (Vogel), Sweet Lou (Kern), Dustin (Brody), and Matt (Vieluf) who delivers the most laughs.

Everyone in the film reaches the point of likability, but no one dares to break the stereotype of just some ol' skater punks. Everyone just works out of their gender and personality roles. Notice how I didn't say anything special about each of the boys. Because they're so vaguely similar it's hard to distinguish them apart sometimes.

Much of the MTV Jackass crew make appearances throughout the film. Preston Lacy, Ehren McGhehey, Jason "Wee Man" Acuna, and Bam Margera are all seen in certain points of the film. They're like the sprinkles on top of a bland sundae. They harm absolutely nothing, but they're not a whole big part of the experience.

The best scenes take place when the group doesn't feel the need to impress the camera with their skater lingo and just be themselves. While they release some of their inner-selves to us, they only give vague representations of what they should begin to unleash throughout the whole film. Not just parts few and far between. If these characters had shown more to their persona, it might've made for more of a coming-of-age story rather than just an all out party.

Grind is charming with its amusement in itself and glistening in its innocence because it isn't trying to be bigger than it should. Take one look at the poster, and you know the film. I like how it isn't trying to hide anything from the viewer, but at the same time I don't like how it doesn't provide the viewer with enough character development to actually get familiar with them. Before many people jump all over me and say it isn't about that, stop and think. Would this film be more remembered and relatable to its audience if it developed some characters instead of caricatures? Starring: Mike Vogel, Adam Brody, Vince Vieluf, Joey Kern, Jennifer Morrison, Bam Margera, Jason "Wee Man" Acuna, Preston Lacy, and Ehren McGhehey. Directed by: Casey La Scala.

Worst thing to happen to skateboarding since Bam Margera.

[amercanpyscho138 · 1/10 · 16 June 2006]

Well, once again, the great art of skateboarding has been beaten with a brick by trendy teen movie creators. I mean, if you're really that amped to focus a movie plot around skateboarding, it least do some research to find out what's actually possible on a skateboard and what's not. You've got angles revealing the fact the stunt doubles can't even do half the "Mcvarial 900s" in the film. As a skateboarder and filmer of skateboarding, this movie is complete mainstream trash. If you want to see the true cinematic greatness of skateboarding, go out to your local skate shop and buy one of Jon Holland's many Transworld Skateboarding films. Roll forever.

LONG LIVE RANDY QUAID

[xpunkgrrrlx · 7/10 · 21 August 2003]

Overall, this movie was allright. There were a few good lines here and there, nothing to write home about...except the GENIUS SCENE FEATURING RANDY QUAID!! GOOD GOD!! It's worth the money just to see him. Go do it! NOW!

Worst Movie EVER!!!

[red_head_rocker56 · 1/10 · 10 March 2006]

This was the worst movie that I have ever seen in my whole life. I love skateboarding movies, but this just ranks in one of the worst that I have ever seen. It would be better if there were actual actors. It is all about these punks who want to go on a tour or something (sorry if I got the storyline wrong, Its not like I actually payed attention). And the director squeezed some romance and some "funny" parts. If funny is acting like a total jackass and being so dumb that its not funny anymore, than this movie is for you.

But don't worry, they win and get the girls and its all a happy ending. That whats happens in low-budget, retarded movies.

2000s gold

[landonzimmerman-40765 · 10/10 · 21 September 2020]

Great movie, deserves a better rating. As a skate comedy it nailed it.

Better than given credit

[AshGurl2897 · 6/10 · 14 February 2004]

The critics ripped this one off. It made a measly 2.5 million in the box office. That's really a sad number, but it doesn't deserve it. This movie, while it does have it's moments of childish humor, does show some really awesome skating footage and there are times when some of the characters are likable. Much like the understated, "Josie and The Pussycats", in the end the main characters have grown up and learned a lesson. Through their experiences they have found themselves and become better people.

Sure, the acting isn't great and the cameo appearances by such minute dirties as Tom Green, Bobcat Goldthwait and Randy Quaid tends to send the show into lulls, but in the end it doesn't emerge totally in the dumper. The innocent, cute acting of up and coming Adam Brody (The O.C.), as Dustin Knight makes up for the disgusting antics of Vince Vieluf. The soundtrack also soars with such excellent punk and rock riffs as "Too Bad About Your Girl" by The Donnas,"I'm Just A Kid" By Simple Plan, "Boom" by P.O.D. and "Poetic Tragedy" by The Used.

In the end, this isn't a great movie, but a fairly good one. It's worth a look if you are a skater, think skaters are dumb/crazy/amazing, enjoy the acting ability of the lovable Adam Brody, or like punk rock music. Most viewers over the age of 30 will find it boring and or dumb, but they can think what they want. Let the young generation have it's day. Rock on!

Not for grown ups

[kgwest · 4/10 · 2 November 2005]

Our to pre-teens and a bunch of their mates all of which have skateboards, freestyle bikes etc.. thought this was great. They laughed at all the jokes, ood & ard over the tricks and looked suitably concerned whenever things seemed grim. My husband & myself however knew everything that was about to happen well before it did and grew more and more irritated by the over the top stereotypical characters. Not even the skateboarding managed to save it for us having seen a bit more of it than the kids we were not quite so easily impressed. On the upside they were totally entertained on a rainy afternoon loving so much they even watched the making.

great movie

[DaniiBabii728 · 10/10 · 13 March 2005]

I've seen this movie many times and ill watch it again. I absolutely love it! The first time i watched this movie was at my friends house and hes a skater so i thought i would be bored to tears with another skateboarding movie, but i was totally wrong its funny and interesting! You might think you wont like it if you don't like skateboarding but i don't like to skate and i still loved this movie. The characters are wonderful skaters and great actors and the plot is hilarious! Even thought i don't know anything about skateboarding i still understood the movie and there were even so people in it that i knew like bam margera and Ryan sheckler. You will fall in love with this movie - not asleep!

Adam Brody is the Jar Jar Binks of Grind

[dlermajr2003 · 7/10 · 21 July 2005]

Grind was a pretty funny film and it seemed to have an understanding plot. But how in the world did Adam Brody get a role in it. How did Adam Brody get a role in anything. I wouldn't even have cast him in Full House if the show had still been around today. Anyway, Adam Brody aside, the rest of the cast made the film enjoyable.

I especially like the cameos by Tom Green, Bobcat Goldthwait, Dave Foley, and Bam Margera. It was interesting that Bam came out as an a**hole in the film. I'm just curious. Was he supposed to be himself in the movie? If so, why is he credited as "Chad" on this website.

They even had a little "Dazed and Confused" reunion, since Jason London and Sasha Jensen are in the movie as well.

If you're a skateboard fan, then you'll most likely be a fan of this movie. If you like a good comedy, then this film will do okay. I have at least 15 or 20 comedies that I like better than this one.

Don't get me wrong, I still recommend it.

$h!t on a screen and you get grind

[brandonharvill568 · 1/10 · 25 August 2003]

This movie looks as if it were made by a 2 years old boy. I made better movies with my cousin...when i was 5 years old. I can't think of a single positive thing to pull out of this movie, except that it failed miserably at the box office and there wont be any sequels.