Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Disney rollerblading movie addresses gender and race issues.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Brink!
What's the Story?
In BRINK!, Andy "Brink" Brinker (Erik von Detten) has his skills, principles, and friendships tested when he tries out for a sponsored rollerblade team to help bring in extra money for his family.
Is It Any Good?
A solid sports movie, with abundant rollerblading action sequences, this also works on an emotional level. Brink (von Detten) goes from a happy-go-lucky boy to a teenager carrying the weight of family money worries, moral dilemmas, and judgmental friends. Von Detten makes Brink relatable at every step. Elsewhere, Val, is a controlling bully and is portrayed suitably slimy by Sam Horrigan. Christina Vidal also gives a stand-out performance as Soul Skater Gabriella, who takes people to task for addressing the team as "guys," dislikes dresses, and is armed with barbed comebacks against the racism and sexism she encounters.
Screenwriter Jeff Schechter also gives periphery characters emotional beats, too. Soul Skater Peter (Patrick Levis) discusses his stepfather problems and Brink's dad, Jimmy (Geoffrey Blake) is particularly moving during a heart-to-heart with his son. Much like Schechter managed in a similar scene in Beethoven's 3rd, the father-son moment is a joy to watch, with emotional heft and a positive message that gives equal time and respect to father and son. A fun ska-punk soundtracked time capsule, Brink! is a successful sports movie and emotional journey.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the gender and race issues raised in Brink! How is Gabriella treated by the boy characters? How does she handle this? Is she correct to handle it in this way? How would you behave if you were in Gabriella's position? Tips for battling stereotypes.
Brink lies to his friends to join the X Bladz. How could he have handled the situation differently? How can I use media to help my kid's communication skills?
Sponsorship is portrayed in a negative light in the movie. What do you understand sponsorship to be? Why might it be seen as problematic? What examples can you give of sponsorship in sport?
Val sabotages the race track and causes injury to a Soul Skater. Is winning at any cost the most important thing or should sport be a more positive experience? Discuss the balance between hard work and having fun when it comes to sport.
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : August 29, 1998
- Cast : Erik von Detten , Sam Horrigan , Christina Vidal
- Director : Greg Beeman
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Disney Channel Original Movies
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Teamwork
- Run time : 99 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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