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Jun 10, 2009 Web Exclusive By Nick Hyman

Stacey Peralta has reinvented himself a few times, going from child skateboarder to team surfer to successful documentary filmmaker. His first two films, Dogtown and Z-Boys and Riding Giants, took his love of skating and surfing to the big screen with largely successful results. It saddens me to report that his third and latest documentary, seemingly about the Crips and Bloods gangs in Los Angeles, is his weakest effort to date. The meandering and unfocused effort film does have its bright spots, but it also feels rushed and scattered.

For one, the film documentary spends a great deal of time exploring race and class in Los Angeles before even mentioning to the subjects of the title, though the use of Forest Whitaker as narrator helps this extended intro go down easy. Once the film finally begins to reaches the Bloods and Cripstackle the gangs, Peralta’s stylistic flourishes falter, and the documentary sputters along on fumes. Perhaps Peralta was afraid to delve deep into his intimidating street gang subjects, for a compelling explanation of why and how these gangs exist is never really provided here. WStill, with talking heads who include USC professor Todd Boyd, football player/actor/social activist Jim Brown, and rappers Snoop Dogg and Lil’ Wayne on the special features, the DVD is worth a rental, but it’s not essential viewing. (www.docurama.com)

Author rating: 5/10