Skatetown USA

I found this movie on DVD at missed movies dot com, but it was clearly dubbed off a mid-grade VHS copy, so expect it to play like an episode of Chips your uncle recorded on his brand-new $800 VCR, back in 1981. If I were Patrick Swayze, I would've bought the rights to this movie years ago and buried it. One must be impressed with his skate/dancing prowess though. His "gang" looked like they could get beat up by the gang in the Michael Jackson Beat It video.

It's basically a long, disco rollerskating music video, with a few jokes from Flip Wilson and the Unknown comic thrown in the mix.

Besides seeing Horseshack and Marsha Brady, one of the pizza guys at the snack bar was the therapist in There's Something About Mary, although I can't seem to find his credit in either film.

This is the very definition of a guilty pleasure film.

Teenage blondes in hot pants and mini skirts, Scott Baio, Marcia Brady, stoners, food fights, midgets, cross dressers, and "Introducing Patrick Swayze" it all takes place within one night within the wall of Skatetown USA!

The plot: Yes, there actually is a plot. True to the Greek unity of time and place the entire film is set in one night inside a roller disco which appears to be the space ship from 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' only BRIGHTER!

The night starts with Scott Baio placing huge bets that his rookie friend Stan can sweep the roller disco competition. But there are troubles in techno paradise as Patrick Swayze and his Ron Jeremy look alike gang arrive on scene and black mail Flip Wilson (no puns intended) Skatetown USA's owner into rigging the contest.

Swayze's performance boldly says that no closet can hold him. But Stan's puts John Travolta performance in 'Staying Alive' to shame.

All in all this is a fun film that never takes itself to seriously. There's some good music which is difficult for the 70s and some really impressive dance scenes. There's also plenty of PG T&A.

As with "Xanadu", "Roller Boogie", etc. you have to watch this one and decide for yourself. If you liked those other disco movies, you'll very probably like "Skatetown U.S.A."

The basic plot consists of clashing roller skate gangs and who's going to win the contest.

Actually it's not bad in some respects. Much better skating sequences than Xanadu for example. And the cast combined a lot of teen talent of the time; Baio, Swayze, etc. (In fact I believe this was Swayze's first film). The story is predictable and weak, but it's the music that makes this type of film. I also liked the wild-haired DJ!

I wish this film would be released on video. My copy is a 16mm print with mono sound. I'm sure a stereo track would enhance it quite a bit.

Skatetown U.S.A. has never been released on video and I've never heard of it being aired on TV so it might be tough to find a copy.

I really wish they would release this on DVD. You gotta love those late 70's early 80's movies about Rollerskating. If you liked Rollerboogie, you'll love this! It's not a work of art, but it's a lot of fun, especially if you grew up in that time period. If anything it's fun to laugh at and say, "I really liked this crap?" How can you beat the all star cast of Scott Baio, Maureen McCormick, and that blonde guy who "acted" with Scott Baio as the jerky jock in Zapped. If you loved the 70's and afterschool specials, I highly suggest (if they ever release this) to give it a viewing. You'll laugh, you'll cry (that your actually having fun watching it), and it just might become your favorite movie about late 70's Rollerdisco.

Skatetown, U. S. A. Is a nostalgic trip to the glittering world of 1970s roller discos, where style overshadows substance. The film follows a dreamer drawn into Skatetown's vibrant skate scene, including a gang led by the charismatic Ace (a young Patrick Swayze). While Swayze and the era's disco-inspired visuals add charm, the plot is predictable, characters are underdeveloped, and dialogue feels cheesy. Early appearances by future stars like Scott Baio provide intrigue, but the film lacks depth. Best enjoyed as a campy, retro time capsule, it earns 4/10 for its kitschy appeal and historical value.