“Gleaming the Cube” is a 1989 film about a young skateboarder named Brian who is on a mission to solve the mystery of his adopted brother’s death. Brian skates through life like a graceful falcon in flight, but when he discovers his brother’s murder, he sets out like an arrow from a bow, determined to find the truth. With his board as his weapon, he navigates through the city’s streets like a skilled warrior in battle. Along the way, he encounters obstacles as daunting as an army of giants, but refuses to let them bring him down. In the end, Brian emerges victorious – raw and triumphant – like a phoenix rising from the ashes.
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Review
In the mid-80s, skateboarding was exploding in popularity and Hollywood was quick to cash in. One of the most notable attempts was the 1989 film “Gleaming the Cube,” starring Christian Slater as a young skateboarder out to solve his brother’s murder.
The movie is a classic underdog story, complete with a mustache-twirling villain played by Steven Bauer. But what sets it apart from other sports movies of its era is its incorporation of skateboarding culture and its ability to capture the thrill of riding on four wheels.
Directed by Graeme Clifford, “Gleaming the Cube” follows Brian Kelly (Slater) as he tries to unravel the mystery behind his half-Vietnamese adopted brother’s death. Along the way, he encounters various obstacles and learns about himself and his heritage.
One of the most memorable aspects of the movie is its soundtrack, which includes bands like The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Vandals, and Agent Orange. It perfectly captures the rebellious spirit of skateboarding and adds an extra layer of coolness to the already hip film.
But beyond its surface-level appeal lies a deeper message about acceptance and understanding. Brian’s journey takes him from suburban California to downtown LA, where he meets fellow skateboarders who share his passion but come from different backgrounds. The film portrays these characters with respect and dignity, subverting common stereotypes in Hollywood at the time.
Another standout aspect of “Gleaming the Cube” is Slater’s performance as Brian. He effortlessly embodies the character’s charisma and determination, making him a relatable hero for audiences both young and old.
The supporting cast also shines, with actors like Tony Hawk (yes, THAT Tony Hawk) making cameos alongside more established names like Bauer and Richard Herd. Each character feels fully realized and integral to Brian’s journey.
Despite these strengths, “Gleaming the Cube” was panned by critics upon its release. Many felt that the plot was too convoluted and the skateboarding scenes were overly stylized. But over time, the film has gained a cult following and has become a touchstone for fans of both skateboarding and ’80s nostalgia.
One reason for this popularity is undoubtedly the impressive skating stunts performed by professional skateboarders like Rodney Mullen and Mike McGill. These moments are genuinely thrilling and show just how much dedication goes into mastering this unique sport.
But “Gleaming the Cube” is more than just a showcase for cool tricks and rock music. It’s a film that takes its themes seriously, exploring issues of identity, loyalty, and justice in a meaningful way.
Perhaps its most lasting legacy is its ability to inspire young people to take up skateboarding themselves. Countless kids who saw the movie in theaters or on VHS went out with their own boards to try their hand at the sport. In this way, “Gleaming the Cube” helped to popularize skateboarding even further and cement its status as a legitimate form of self-expression.
Looking back on “Gleaming the Cube” now, it’s clear that it was ahead of its time. It embraced diversity before it was trendy and combined slick filmmaking with profound themes in an effortless way. It may not have won any Oscars or broken box office records, but it left an indelible mark on both pop culture and skateboarding history.
In conclusion, “Gleaming the Cube” may not be perfect, but it’s impossible not to be swept up in its energy and spirit. It’s a film that captures a specific moment in time while also transcending it with timeless messages about perseverance, community, and self-discovery. Whether you’re a die-hard skateboarder or just appreciate great movies, “Gleaming the Cube” is essential viewing that still holds up today.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 101
- Release : 1989-01-13
- Genre : Crime, Thriller, Action
- Cast : Christian Slater as Brian Kelly, Steven Bauer as Al Lucero, Richard Herd as Ed Lawndale, Ed Lauter as Mr. Kelly, Le Tuan as Colonel Trac
- Crew : Stacy Peralta as Second Unit Director, Elisabeth Leustig as Casting, David R. Ellis as Stunts, Buddy Joe Hooker as Stunt Coordinator, Buddy Joe Hooker as Second Unit Director
- Popularity 11.458
- Budget : $10,000,000
- Revenue : $2,777,280
- Company : 20th Century Fox, Gladden Entertainment, The Rank Organisation
- Summary : An Orange County teenager’s carefree life of ditching class and skateboarding abandoned pools comes to a screeching halt when someone close to him dies. The cops rule the death a suicide, but the bereaved skater believes he was murdered. It’s up to him to solve the case, with a skateboard.
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