Prayer of the Rollerboys (1991)

Prayer of the Rollerboys Poster

Griffin, a rollerblader in the not so distant future of an economically wrecked Los Angeles, races against time to save both his younger brother and the city from the fate dealt out by the fascist rollerblading street gang, the Rollerboys.

Introduction
"Prayer of the Rollerboys" is a 1991 dystopian film directed by Rick King and starring Corey Haim as Griffin, Patricia Arquette as Casey, and Christopher Collet as Gary Lee. The film is set in a near-future where financial collapse has actually ravaged the United States, leading to widespread hardship, homelessness, and crime. The story focuses on a supremacist gang known as the Rollerboys, who patrol the streets on inline skates and are led by a charming and ruthless figure, Gary Lee.

Plot Overview
The movie follows Griffin, a wise and durable teenager attempting to take care of his younger sibling Miltie after their moms and dads have actually died. They reside in a grim, post-economic collapse Los Angeles where those with the methods to survive have actually run away, leaving behind a lawless urban landscape ruled by street gangs-- the most effective of which are the Rollerboys.

Griffin's old good friend, Gary Lee, has ended up being the leader of the Rollerboys. Under Gary Lee's instructions, they promote a form of white supremacy, advocating for a "go back to a better time", while secretly making and distributing a harmful and addictive drug called "Mist". Their true agenda is to accelerate society's collapse to reconstruct it in their own image.

One day, Griffin encounters his former love interest, Casey, who now works as a pizza shipment lady. Casey unintentionally ends up being embroiled in the dispute when she witnesses a murder devoted by the Rollerboys. She then serves as Griffin's love interest as he navigates the risky world of the gang.

As the Rollerboys look for to broaden their influence, Griffin's bro Miltie is drawn towards the gang, mesmerized by their pledge of wealth and belonging. Concerned for his brother, Griffin attempts to keep him away from the Rollerboys however to little get. Griffin then unwillingly consents to help Casey, and the police, by working undercover to bring down the gang.

Styles and Social Commentary
"Prayer of the Rollerboys" explores themes of brotherhood, commitment, and the corrupting influence of power. The film serves as a social commentary on youth gangs, drug abuse, the attraction of extremist ideologies, and the implications of financial disparity. It critiques how susceptible groups can be indoctrinated into violent and hateful motions in times of societal distress.

Acting and Characters
Corey Haim's portrayal of Griffin shows a young man torn in between his moral compass and the desperation to safeguard his family in a failing society. Christopher Collet's efficiency as Gary Lee provides viewers a chilling representation of a manipulative and power-hungry cult leader. Patricia Arquette's character, Casey, represents the daily person caught up in the chaos of a society that has lost its way.

Conclusion
In spite of its status as a cult movie instead of an industrial success, "Prayer of the Rollerboys" stays a thought-provoking portrayal of a dystopian future. It echoes the anxieties and socio-political problems of its time, many of which persist today. Although the setting and stylistic option of rollerblading might appear dated, the story explores classic issues about the effects of societal breakdown and the human yearning for connection and defense in the face of hardship.

Additionally, "Prayer of the Rollerboys" poses questions about the duty individuals have for each other in a fracturing world, and the lengths to which one might go to hold onto family and a sense of function. The movie encapsulates a specific brand of early '90s sci-fi and acts as an intriguing reflection on the era's cultural and societal fears.

Top Cast

  • Corey Haim (small)
    Corey Haim
    Griffin
  • Patricia Arquette (small)
    Patricia Arquette
    Casey
  • Christopher Collet (small)
    Christopher Collet
    Gary Lee
  • Julius Harris (small)
    Julius Harris
    Speedbagger
  • Devin Clark
    Miltie
  • Mark Pellegrino (small)
    Mark Pellegrino
    Bango
  • Morgan Weisser (small)
    Morgan Weisser
    Bullwinkle
  • Jake Dengel (small)
    Jake Dengel
    Tyler
  • G. Smokey Campbell (small)
    G. Smokey Campbell
    Watt
  • John P. Connolly
    Pinky
  • J.C. Quinn (small)
    J.C. Quinn
    Jaworsky