Documentary Movie Reviews
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Stoked: The Rise and Fall of Gator (2002)
Rate:
7
Viewed:
12/07, 1/20
12/07:
Before I begin to discuss Stoked: The Rise and Fall of Gator, I'll like to be nostalgic for a minute.
During most of the 80's, part of my childhood was being around the skateboarding culture. It was Airwalk this and that,
Thrasher magazines, Vision and Powell-Peralta street wear, and ramps.
During that time, when I leafed through Thrasher magazines, I couldn't help but be impressed with the pictures. Yet I
didn't know who the guys were until I saw Stoked: The Rise and Fall of Gator.
In other words, I had no idea the pictures were of Mark "Gator" Rogowski. While watching the documentary, I realized how
artificial the photo shots were of the vert skaters because when they did it for real, I was surprised to see how ordinary they
looked.
Anyway, it's a good, objective but unfulfilling documentary about what happened to Mark "Gator" Rogowski. There are a lot of
questions I have, but not much is revealed about his childhood life or his parents. When the murder happened, the explanation
is somewhat confusing.
All in all, Stoked: The Rise and Fall of Gator is a trip down the memory lane for anyone who was associated
with skateboarding during the 80's; other than that, there's no need to bother with it.
1/20:
Stoked: The Rise and Fall of Gator brings back memories for me because I was part of the skateboarding culture in the
80's.
As for the story of the murderer himself, Mark "Gator" Rogowski, I didn't know who he was, but his face
was highly familiar to me in Thrasher magazines. After seeing the documentary of what happened, it still feels
unfulfilling. Most of Gator's skateboarding career is covered, but little is touched in terms of who he is, his
family life, and what happened during the murder.
The last time I saw the documentary was about twelve years ago, and I hadn't been up to date with the
new developments until now. Looking up the internet, it appears Gator had been recommended for parole which is subject
for review by the board and then the governor after approval. In all honesty, he doesn't deserve to be released given the
heinous nature of the crime, and it's only happening because he once had a skateboarding career.
All in all, Stoked: The Rise and Fall of Gator is first nostalgia and second the story of a murder.