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Documentary

United Skates (2018): Cast & Ratings

United Skates (2018) movie poster

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.

IMDb rating
7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes
100%
Echo Score
85
Metascore
81
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United Skates (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 29m (89 min)
Directors
Dyana Winkler and Tina Brown
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

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
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Cast & crew

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.

Also Starring in United Skates

· 6 more
Ratings

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).

85 /100

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.

Videos

United Skates Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 teaser.

United Skates (2019) | Official Trailer | HBO
  • Teaser Hot Docs 2018 Teasers: UNITED SKATES

Seen United Skates?

FAQ

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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