Prayer of the Rollerboys

Prayer of the Rollerboys is a 1990 dystopian science-fiction film directed by Rick King and starring Corey Haim, Patricia Arquette and Christopher Collet. The movie encapsulates the brilliance Haim was known for, while exploring themes of society's decay, youth influence, and the dangerous allure of power.

In a not-so-distant dystopian future hinged on drugs, crime, violence and economic collapse, the United States has become a battle zone. Corey Haim stars as Griffin, a pizza delivery boy who finds himself navigating a world immersed in chaos. Griffin is a skilled inline skater, a trait that hasn't gone unnoticed by the dangerous and influential gang known as the Rollerboys.

The Rollerboys, hence the name, are a rollerblading youth gang that has risen to unforeseen power amidst the anarchy, led by the charismatic and manipulative Gary Lee (played by Christopher Collet), who is also Griffin's childhood friend. Known for their distinctive dress of long trench coats and rollerblades, the Rollerboys have become a symbol of both fear and respect - feared for their control over the drug trade and respected for their seemingly utopian vision for society.

The gang distributes a drug called "Mist," which is not only a hot-button revenue stream but has deeper, more sinister implications, perpetuating the societal decline and helping them wield more control. While seemingly asserting a vision to liberate society from the grips of its current predicament, the Rollerboys propagate ideologies of racial purity and social cleansing, echoing unsettling frequencies of fascism.

Into this mix, Griffin's younger brother Miltie (Devin Clark) is introduced. Miltie idolizes the Rollerboys and is at risk of falling into their grasp, which forces Griffin to grapple with his need to protect his only family member and his resentment for the gang. As Griffin becomes more entangled with the Rollerboys, he becomes an invaluable informant for the police.

Griffin then meets Casey (Patricia Arquette), a tenacious and intelligent undercover cop who has enlisted him to infiltrate the Rollerboys. Arquette delivers a memorable performance as a strong-willed female lead, providing both a romantic interest for Griffin and, more importantly, a catalyst to drive him forward in his dangerous mission.

Prayer of the Rollerboys presents an interesting dichotomy between the attractive power and destructive chaos the gang represents. It also highlights the struggles of a disenfranchised youth caught in a society that offers no clear path, forcing them to seek refuge in dangerous places.

The film is noteworthy for its nostalgic use of 1990s elements, particularly rollerblading and grunge fashion against a backdrop of LA's urban landscape. The production design evokes a decaying Los Angeles and compensates for the low-budget constraints with clever use of real-world locations lending an eerily realistic dystopian vibe.

The film also operates as a social commentary on the dangers of uncontrolled capitalism, racial purity ideologies, and the decline of societal order. Amidst its action-filled sequences and rollerblading stunts, Prayer of the Rollerboys paints a haunting portrait of a society on the edge of destruction and the perilous struggle of young people caught within it.

The repetitive motifs of the ominous rollerblades slicing through the ruined cityscape and the chillingly calm demeanor of Gary Lee add to the lingering unease throughout the movie. Corey Haim's portrayal of Griffin as the conflicted protagonist and his struggle against a world crumbling around him is compelling and anchors the narrative effectively.

Prayer of the Rollerboys is a cult classic that combines elements of action, science fiction, and socio-political commentary to deliver a unique cinematic experience that's bound to leave an impression. It invites viewers to witness the unsettling future it ciphered three decades ago, that ironically seems possibly on the horizon today, making it a relevant watch even after all these years.