Where to watch Prayer of the Rollerboys
2 1/2 Stars
Corey Haim is at his best in the role of Griffin, a natural on the blades and a man not easily persuaded by his childhood friend Gary Lee to join the Rollerboys. When in flat soled shoes Griffin works as a machine gun toting pizza delivery man, who one night rams the company van into a burning house to save the life of a stranger trapped inside. Turns out the house is actually a front for an illegal Myst grow operation and the man saved from imminent death is none other than a high ranking member of the Rollerboys.
Sensing they have an angle, a shadowy police organization recruits Griffin to infiltrate the gang and aid in bringing down the juvenile delinquents. Think of it as Point Break on rollerblades, the films even share the same screenwriter in W. Peter Iliff. The script has a few nice touches such as Harvard University relocating to Japan and concentration camps for undesirables or poor people. The production values are notably higher than other similarly budgeted films from the era with particularly impressive cinematography that captures some dynamic race and chase scenes.
Watching this film and reflecting on the tragically short life of Corey Haim is a depressing experience. Haim was a child actor that became heavily involved with drugs and never was able to make the leap into adult roles. Prayer of the Rollerboys is one of the last times Haim would appear onscreen looking healthy, fit and sober. He is effective in the role and brings a specific energy to the film that enriches the material. He more than holds his own against a young Patricia Arquette in their scenes together.
Director: Rick King
Stars: Corey Haim, Patricia Arquette, Christopher Collet
I thought this one was pretty interesting as a what if concept, and I enjoyed Haim too– I watched it not long before he died, so at that time, there was a sense that he was just getting things back on track after The two Coreys. Really too bad he didn’t get a chance to see that through.