They are regarded as legends (largely by themselves) who brought their wave-riding skills on the Pacific breakers to dry land atop new-fangled skateboards.

Technological advances such as urethane wheels and tough new fibreglass meant they could transform concrete paths and empty swimming pools into arenas.

But the ultimate cost was the breakdown of childhood friendships and bonds forged while rebels as marketeers and promoters cashed in on their free spirits.

That's basically the way the story plays out in this dramatisation of the Zephyr Boys - Z-Boys, working class kids from Los Angeles' rough 'Dogtown' suburb.

It helps that Catherine Hardwicke - who directed the impressive teen drama Thirteen - is at the helm and she's roped in some old pros including Heath Ledger as the kids' counter-culture guru Skip.

However, she's also made the mistake of allowing leading Z-Boy Stacy Peralta to write the script - which is a bit like letting Steven Spielberg loose on a malibu board.

He made the superlative documentary Dogtown and Z-Boys but as a writer unafflicted by false modesty, his hysterical tendency to over-glamourise his heroes (mainly him) really kicks in.

In turn, he is a played as a beacon of honesty and decency by John Robinson in a role that may hint at Peralta's board skills but looks like Rick Wakeman on wheels.

On the plus side, the stunts are well choreographed and filmed while the acting - though rudimentary - does captures the boys (and girls) position as outsiders who need an ASBO slapping on them.

However, as an insight into a movement which quickly morphed from the street to the boardroom, the original documentary is a far more interesting proposition.

Tim Evans