United Skates (2018): Cast & Ratings
United Skates is a 2018 documentary directed by Dyana Winkler and Tina Brown, starring Queen Latifah, Coolio and Alonzo Williams. It runs 1 hour 29 minutes. Critics gave it 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 81 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.2/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 29m (89 min)
- Directors
- Dyana Winkler and Tina Brown
- Genre
- Documentary
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Home Box Office (HBO)
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is United Skates About?
The premise of United Skates without spoilers.
Once vibrant roller rinks served as crucial centers of African-American culture, inspiring the birth of hip-hop and rap music. Now facing closure, a passionate group is working to preserve these historic spaces. They aim to protect not only a vital piece of cultural heritage but also the tight-knit communities that have long found belonging within the rink's walls.
United Skates Themes & Keywords
· 12 tags- african american community
- rollerskate rink
- social justice
- race
- skating
- dance
- hip hop
- roller skate
- underground movement
- underground culture
- city
- roller blades
United Skates Cast
Queen Latifah leads the cast, with Coolio and Alonzo Williams. Directed by Dyana Winkler and Tina Brown; 10 actors are credited in all.
- Co-director Dyana Winkler
- Co-director Tina Brown
-
Queen Latifah as themselves - Coolio as themselves
- Alonzo Williams as themselves
- Vin Rock as themselves
Also Starring in United Skates
· 6 more- Buddy Alexander Themselves
- Maulah Allah Themselves
- Maulud Allah Themselves
- Salt-N-Pepa Themselves
- Shannon Grays Themselves
- Reggie Brown
United Skates Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave United Skates 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 81 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 85/100, strongest in art & craft (88) and weakest in rewatch factor (75).
United Skates Echo Score Breakdown
In terms of overall presentation, United Skates excels at immersing viewers in a vibrant subculture with consistent energy and purpose. Multiple critics highlighted its fluid editing and cohesive narrative flow that avoids scattershot reportage, while audience feedback noted its informative depth on social and historical struggles. The filmmakers’ passion-driven approach reinforces authentic community voices and emotional resonance. Overall, this documentary leaves a lasting impression as an essential and engaging cultural chronicle.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 88
In terms of art and craft, United Skates delivers striking visual compositions backed by polished editing choices. Critics praised its kaleidoscopic color palette and fluid scene transitions that maintain momentum throughout the film. The direction consistently foregrounds both cultural detail and aesthetic cohesion. Altogether, the film’s artful execution significantly enriches its immersive quality.
- Character & Emotion 82
When it comes to character and emotion, United Skates offers compelling portraits of community members that resonate with authenticity. Observers noted the filmmakers’ dedication to ordinary individuals, capturing both joyful expressions and underlying social tensions. The emotional narrative balances celebratory energy with reflections on discrimination and resilience. Overall, the documentary’s character focus fosters genuine empathy.
- Story & Flow 85
Regarding story and flow, United Skates maintains a coherent and engaging narrative structure from start to finish. Reviews highlighted its brisk pacing, seamless integration of cultural history, and avoidance of scattershot reportage. The film weaves archival context with present-day reportage to sustain engagement. In sum, its storytelling approach succeeds in delivering clarity and momentum.
- Sensory Experience 87
In terms of sensory experience, United Skates provides a vibrant audiovisual presentation that captivates throughout. Commentators lauded its energetic soundtrack and clear sound design, while the visual style incorporates dynamic camera work and an evocative color palette. The cohesive combination of music and imagery amplifies the film’s immersive impact. Overall, its sensory elements invigorate the viewing experience.
- Rewatch Factor 75
As for rewatch factor, United Skates offers lasting appeal through its rich cultural exploration and informative storytelling. Viewers found the detailed historical insights and energetic sequences rewarding on repeat viewings, though the film’s documentary format may limit casual replays. Nonetheless, its combination of subject depth and aesthetic flair supports ongoing engagement. Overall, it retains substantial replay value.
-
IMDb 7.2 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 100% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 86%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 81 Metascore
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 74% User score
See on TMDB -
Movie Insider 4.5 /5
See on Movie Insider
United Skates Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 teaser.
- Teaser Hot Docs 2018 Teasers: UNITED SKATES
Seen United Skates?
Movies Like United Skates
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including All the Streets Are Silent: The Convergence of Hip Hop and Skateboarding (1987-1997), Skate Dreams and Get Rollin’.
-
All the Streets Are Silent: The Convergence of Hip Hop and Skateboarding (1987-1997) 2021 -
Skate Dreams 2022 -
Get Rollin’ 1980 -
Derby 1970 -
Soul on Ice: Past, Present and Future 2017 -
Sk8face 2024 -
The Hip Hop Project 2007 -
Rom Boys: 40 Years of Rad 2020 -
Skating to New York 2014 -
Tony Hawk’s Secret Skatepark Tour 2004 -
Skateboard Madness 1980 -
Roller Derby Girl 1949
United Skates FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of United Skates, each answered in a sentence.
How long is United Skates?
United Skates runs 1 hour 29 minutes (89 minutes).
When was United Skates released?
United Skates was released on November 30, 2018.
Who directed United Skates?
United Skates was directed by Dyana Winkler and Tina Brown.
Who is in the cast of United Skates?
United Skates stars Queen Latifah, Coolio and Alonzo Williams, among 10 credited actors.
How is United Skates rated?
United Skates has 7.2/10 on IMDb, 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, 81 on Metacritic and 74% on TMDB.
Does United Skates have a post-credit scene?
No. United Skates has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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