Customer Reviews

Airborne [VHS]

5 star:		(67)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Good: Well, I had to give this movie a 5 because anyone who likes Seth Green and Jack Black today, really need to see this movie. You'll see both of them in early greatness.
It's good to see the supporting roles moving on to become way more well known than any of the stars in these older films. You'll see some supporting roles in this film for years to come, such as Seth's parents and the girl he tries to impress. You'll have to watch it to see who I'm talking about.
Bad: It IS a bit dated and for lack of a better word, cheezy, (hangs head low) but it's funny and nostalgic.
Have fun watching.

In-Line skating movies are a lot like Matthew Modine... box office death. Remember 'Solarbabies' or 'Prayer of the Rollerboys'? No, of course you don't. Moreover, the strange thing is, on paper at least, 'Airborne' would have had producers running for the hills. Virtually every mainstream Hollywood cliche is in this movie. You have your garden variety 'fish out of water' lead character; the lovable clown-prince secondary character; a quasi-Romeo and Juliet love connection (without the death of course); and the 'big race' for the finale. Taking all of that into account - this is a good movie. I repeat, I would rather watch this than the bulk of summer fare that emerges every year. But, why?

First, 'Airborne' was filmed AND actually took place in Cincinnati, OH (normally flicks with no big stars are made in Toronto and/or Vancouver). Its a nice touch.

Second, the characters are genuinely likable. Seth Green plays his role of the hapless and dateless cousin to perfection. A very very young Jack Black is also excellent.

Lastly, Rollerbading isn't necessarily the core of this movie. You could could enjoy it simply by skimming over the skating scenes, but not recommended. The 'big race' at the end of the movie isn't like a hockey game one would expect - but a surprsingly exciting free-for-all downhill event. In fact, the race at the end of the movie is nearly 25 minutes long, but it is filmed so well and with just the right amount of sound effects that it flows remarkably well. This used to be a staple on TBS but has waned in airings as the years have progressed. 'Airborne' isn't even a cult film - so pick it up, you'll watch it AT LEAST 3 times - that's worth a few bucks, right?

I'll have to admit I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. It's not the greatest movie ever made, but I don't think that's what the film makers were trying for. Instead this surfing/rollerblade romp is an entertaining, fun and realistic story of teenagers coping with peer pressure-something we can all relate to. Shane McDermot is well suited for the character of the kid out of water, so to speak, and his way of handling the "bully" situations is a lesson to be learned by all. The roller blade scenes are fantastic to watch, even if you're not in to that kind of thing. Seth Green is perfect as the geeky-but cool-cousin who's always picked on; and Green's performance is a precursor to his talent as Kenny in Can't Hardly Wait. Check this one out-you won't be disappointed!

I just want to start off by saying that I felt compelled to write a review about this movie after reading about why some guy thought this movie was "awful, lacked substance, and was not creative." This person, who I can only imagine plays dungeons and dragons and has a collection of beanie babies goes on to say, "There are plenty of movies of this sort that are filled to the brim with creativity. The Harry Potter series is a case-in-point." Really....you are comparing this movie with Harry Potter?? I would like to know what planet this guy is from considering the two movies are nothing alike; not to mention that fact that they were written in two very different decades.

First off let me say this movie is awesome if you were around in the 90s, which apparently this guy was not! No wonder you don't think this movie is any good....you watch movies like Harry Potter dude.

I grew up watching this movie. It's funny, entertaining, and great to see guys like Seth Green and Jack Black before they were "somebodies". Of course it doesn't have the greatest plot in the world. It was written for teenagers in the nineties. It was totally exciting to watch growing up and brings back great memories today. Even if you didn't watch this growing up, let your kids watch it. They will love it. I personally love it because it reminds me of the days when I used to race around on my rollerblades, hang out on the beaches of California, and engage in good old competition. I have been checking on Amazon for the last year to see when, or if, this movie would ever make it to DVD. It finally has!!! I would pay $30 for this movie if I had to.

If you want to be reminded of simpler, better days (which we will probably never see again) with good entertainment value, watch Airborne. If all you care about are special affects, casting spells, and nerdy kids flying around on broomsticks, go watch Harry Potter and leave the good stuff for those of us who are nostalgic and like entertainment.

When I talk about this film with people who are completely oblivious to its existence may be hard for some to believe considering this film delivers quite superior entertainment with a subtlety spiritual and adrenaline inducing value. This is a valuable gem to have in one's collection and I am happy this has finally entered the dvd format because it has been long over due.

In 1993, the birth of inline-skating just took off full throttle and was quickly adapting to fit the needs of your typical adrenaline junkie. The film Airborne was able to take advantage of this new popular action sport and turn it into a highly successful and entertaining film.

Mitchell (Shane McDermott) is your stereotypical Californian; he is mellow, poetic, deep, pretty and extremely tolerant. After catching hours of intense waves, his parents deliver the awful news that he is to stay with his cousins in Cincinnati, Ohio because of the grant they received to explore wildlife animals (Go, figure). It is from this moment, we observe Mitchell struggle to assimilate into his new habitat. Ohio proves to be a difficult environment to adapt to as the extended cold winter months, the excessive snow, the childish behavior of the alpha male students, and his socially awkward cousin Waley (Seth Green) render the adjustment quite difficult indeed. However, Mitchell is a charmer; he is a real lady killer and a true gentleman in the sense that he can effortlessly attract any woman at Cincinnati High, even Jack's sister, Nikki (Britney Powell). Mitchell's character is incessantly pushed to it's limits when the Alpha male hockey players, more notably, Jack (Chris Conrad) attempt to make his life a living hell at school by mocking his attitude and behavior in speech class or by pulling childish stunts such as putting sand in his locker or disassembling an entire desk for him to fall out of. (It goes to ridiculous lengths with these Ohio students)

Mitchell falls prey to their game, but does not participate in it for he knows he is much smarter and much too cool to demote his signature Californian character to the callow and childish Alpha male status. His acceptance into this group of Jocks may come off as quite sudden but is all the more appropriate and justified when he "pants's" one of the opposing hockey team players in a street hockey match.

It is after this event where Mitchell is broached by the same hockey jock's that initially gave him a rough time in school with an opportunity to really prove himself:
TO RACE DOWN DEVILS BACK BONE

Yes, this film boils down to possibly one of the most exciting, dangerous and entertaining rollerblade races in cinema history. Similar to the Jock's bullying and teasing of our beloved protagonist, this race goes to ridiculous lengths as well. If anyone were really to attempt a race like this, I would say you have a 95% chance of dying and a 5 % chance of dying twice. These guys are dangerous and utterly insane, but when you are 17 years of age in high school, the concept of acceptance transcends far beyond any young man's rational thought, and ultimately, acceptance becomes worth any price tag, even death.

I describe this movie very simply, and it is a " a feel good movie"; moreover, it's conveniently timed, (85 minutes) the characters are likable (well,most of them), the plot is cheesy and appropriate, the ending is predictable but never falls short of its delivery, the sound fx are impressive, the soundtrack is consistent, and the friendships that follow are quite plausible. I highly recommend this film to be adopted into one's film library because this film deserves to be more than a mere rental, but a permanent and valuable addition. Maybe I am exaggerating, maybe I am going to ridiculous lengths in describing how good this film is, but as Mitchell describes his philosophical and poetic dream to Waley, "I am what I am." Enjoy.

Airborne is a good all-around movie that you probably never hear about. I've watched it a few times on tv, and it's a good movie. It's a realistic tale about how teenagers cope with peer pressure and how to overcome it in a round about way. It's about a surfer who moves in with his cousin and has to change schools. A lot of pranks are played on him and one of the bullies happens to be the brother of the girl that he likes. He doesn't gain any respect until he shows up at a street hockey game one day. And then it finally comes to the best part of the movie. The bullies were impressed by his performance in the street hockey game and invite him to be on their team as one of the rollerbladers that will skate down a treacherous hill and through the city in what everybody modestly calls "Devil's Backbone." The goal is for all five skaters on the team to cross the finish line first. Along the way there are cars coming at them, sharp turns and steep hills to overcome, and anything you'll find in a major city as obstacles to overcome. Not to mention that everything goes and they all fight each other along the way to gain the lead.

The skating sequence in the movie is awesome fast paced action and the rest of the movie is a good example of what it's like to go through the burden of changing schools and coping with peer pressure. An all-around great movie.

I am a 52 year old father of four (and grandfather of one). I first caught this movie while channel surfing one day. I was hooked immediately! I thought the plot, characters, casting and stunts were superb. I subsequently rented the video and about wore it out, especially the final downhill race sequence. I, too, bought inline skates as a result of this movie and am now enjoying skating on a regular basis.

I absolutely LOVE the movie Airborne!! It is hilarious, from "Beep, beep, got 'ya!", to "Father, lets go make the carmel corn!", this movie will have you rolling over laughing, and watching over and over. If you have never seen this movie, I urge you to rent it or buy it! I have watched it a million times, and know practically all the lines, and you will too, once you watch it and see how incredibly funny it is. (To all of you other fans-I am so excited to know you exist! It's so cool to know that other people love this movie as much as I do!)

Wow! That's all I could think, much less say once I was done watching this amazing movie! I mean, Shane McDermott is perfect as the surfer who gets trapped in a bad sitch(love the costumes!)...he deals with all the macho pigs in cincinatti so well, it makes me want to jump into the tv and join in the fun! I swear, there is not one bit of punch-kick-death junk that there is in most movies today. Ok, yeah, there is a few---but that's from the bad guys (Jack and Blaine) so what! What's truly important about this movie is that Mitchell(Shane) does NOT fight anyone. Yeah, he may get a little steamed a few times in this flick. But he never lost his cool, which just goes to show that you can win w\o violence. "You don't have to fight the shark to fight for the wave" "La ola es mia(the wave is mine)" and this movie rocked! So when's Shane doin another movie??? Can't wait!!

This movie was fantastic. It features a young Oz from Buffy and really brings back childhood memories of the Midwest. I wish it would come out in DVD. I am surprised that Shane McDermott is a real estate agent for Bay Reef Century 21 in Galvaston Texas. I truly thought he would make it as an actor. Anyway the movie is great and is a good one to watch whether young or old.