Skatopia: 88 Acres of Anarchy

In 1995 Brewce Martin and a group of friends bought a plot of land in rural Ohio and turned it into a Mecca for skateboarders, punk rockers and other assorted outcasts. Part hippie commune, part post-apocalyptic theme park, Skatopia is a fascinating and strange place and the perfect subject for this fly-on-the-wall style documentary.

The film takes place over six months or so in 2006 as Brewce and his band of misfits prepare for their annual Bowl Bash party. Financial troubles, fracturing personal relationships and a possible prison sentence for assault form the backdrop for a broader story about how people live on the fringes of society. By casting off the rules and limitations most of us live with these men and women (mostly men) also cast off the comforts and securities most of us couldn't live without. The film does a reasonably good job of presenting this lifestyle without bias, neither glorifying nor condemning Brewce for his choices.

The film does tend to meander a little although given the subject matter this may be appropriate. Also some may find the climactic party scenes of alcohol fuelled anarchy set to punk rock overstay their welcome. However if you're willing to go along for the ride this is a fun and fascinating look at a remarkable place and way of life.