About Roll Bounce

The 2005 movie "Roll Bounce" is a coming-of-age story set in the late 70s. Teenager Xavier, "X", played by Bow Wow, and his friends, who once ruled their local roller skating rink, find their lives shaken up when the rink shuts down. They're forced to venture to a more upscale rink, leading to endless laughs and lessons learned. Directed by Malcolm D. Lee, "Roll Bounce" skillfully combines drama, comedy, and nostalgia for a bygone era.

Making / Production

Produced by Robert Teitel and George Tillman, Jr., "Roll Bounce" sought to replicate the roller-skating subculture of the 1970s. The production team went all out to incorporate authentic costumes, music, and nostalgia-inducing sets and scenes to truly take the audience back in time.

Actors

• Bow Wow (Xavier 'X' Smith): Bow Wow superbly plays X, a teenager dealing with the loss of his mother and challenging dynamics with his struggling dad.
• Chi McBride (Curtis Smith): Chi McBride plays X's father, exemplifying a perfect mix of comedy and yet delivering on the character's emotional journey.
• Meagan Good (Naomi): Naomi, the love interest, played by Meagan Good, adds depth to the narrative with her charm and sparkling performance.
• Wesley Jonathan (Sweetness): Jonathan steals the limelight as Sweetness, the antagonist who plays a pivotal role in pushing X on his quest for greatness.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film is set in the South Side of Chicago but was actually filmed in Los Angeles.
• "Roll Bounce" revived the roller-disco subculture of the 1970s in a prominent way.

Awards

The movie's stellar performances and soundtrack were recognized at the 2006 Black Reel Awards and the 2006 NAACP Image Awards.

Quotes

• "Who is Sweetness? Sweetness is blazin' out there." - Xavier 'X' Smith
• "I may not always be there with you. But I will always be there for you." - Curtis Smith

Music, Soundtrack

• "Boogie Wonderland" by Earth, Wind and Fire
• "Love Rollercoaster" by Ohio Players
• "Hollywood Swinging" by Kool and The Gang