Robert Brink - Writer

Flick: Extremely Sorry

November 18, 2009 | Skip To The Comments (2)

Flick: Flip’s Extremely Sorry
Words: Rob Brink
The Skateboard Mag, December 2009

I lost track of how many times I’ve been asked: “So what did you think of the Flip video?” since it premiered four days ago. And, to be honest, most of those people are only inquiring so they can reply with their opinion anyway… the quintessential segway into “Well I thought it was…”

Reviews; critics; opinions… does skateboarding really need ‘em? It is bettering skateboarding? Is some “writer’s” sophomore year-esque term paper about Extremely Sorry going to change whether or not you’re going to rush out and watch it? Probably not… and rightfully so. Guess what? That very writer busted his ass to get a ticket to the premiere or an advance copy and rant about it before anyone else anyway.

Should we be thinking less analytically, yet more creatively about skateboarding?

A true review of a video, album, movie, performance… whatever… can’t really be done until way down the line. It takes months, even years, to absorb a work and be able to look at it objectively and constructively.

Few people liked or cared about Beethoven and Mozart while they were alive and in their prime. To most, they were drunk, sex-crazed, womanizing maniacs who happened to have a knack for composing on the piano. In death, with the passage of time, people were able to see the misunderstood, unappreciated genius in all they were doing. To this day we can’t escape their influences in our daily lives.

Michael Jackson is far more beloved now than he was nine months ago.

You want see Extremely Sorry as much as the next guy. So do it. We’ve waited years for this thing. Was it good? How could it not be with dudes like Geoff, Lance, Apples, Bob, Luan, Boulala, David, Rune, Penny, Willow, TX and Shane fucking Cross?

Critics want as much attention as the people they are criticizing. How many times have you read a music review comparing something to the Beatles’ White Album? Or saying “Can so and so save rock ‘n roll?” or “Can so and so save hip hop?” That’s because a critic just wants to be known for making a prophesy; for proclaiming something that no one else could’ve also proclaimed; to be responsible for swaying opinions and sales; for a pat on the back—to have their quote regurgitated elsewhere by Monday morning quarterbacks. Oh and let’s not even get into the underlying agendas and associations said critic might have.

A true “critic” would tell you to form your own opinion… then tell you his/hers, after the fact, in a friendly and fun conversation. Fuck lists of tricks and who should or shouldn’t have had last part. Seriously.

Here you go: Flip’s Extremely Sorry is the best video ever and the worst video ever and everything in between: because that’s the spectrum of opinions the world of skateboarding will have about it. Where you fall in all of that is up to you. Personally… I’m looking forward to having my own copy to watch again over a beer and pizza with some friends… before we go skateboarding.