On this day August 29, 1986, Thrashin’ premiered in theaters. Directed by David Winters, the action drama starred Josh Brolin, Robert Rusler, Pamela Gidley, Brooke McCarter, and Sherilyn Fenn. Set in the world of 1980s skateboarding, the film follows Corey Webster, a talented skater from Los Angeles who falls for the sister of the leader of a rival skate gang. As the competition between the two groups heats up, Corey must prove himself both on and off the skateboard.
Thrashin’ captured the excitement of the growing skateboarding culture during the mid 1980s, featuring downhill races, freestyle competitions, and plenty of memorable stunt work. The film also included appearances by several professional skateboarders and a young Red Hot Chili Peppers performing in a nightclub scene.
80s insight: While Thrashin’ was not a major box office success, it became a favorite through cable television and home video. Today it is remembered as one of the definitive skateboarding movies of the 1980s and a nostalgic snapshot of the era’s skate culture.
