Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Routine docu about skateboard champ Danny Way.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Waiting for Lightning
What's the Story?
During the days leading up to his monumental skateboard jump over the Great Wall of China in 2005, WAITING FOR LIGHTNING tells the story of skateboarder Danny Way. Born in Vista, Calif., Way's childhood was plagued by the death of his father, the departure of his beloved stepfather, his mother's series of violent boyfriends, his brother's serious injury, and other troubles. He found escape and success through skateboarding, inventing more and more elaborate stunts and building bigger and bigger ramps. It all leads up to the huge, potentially record-breaking, potentially deadly Great Wall jump. Will he make it?
Is It Any Good?
Rosenberg's filmmaking is as pedestrian as it comes. He slickly combines dramatic music, heavily edited talking heads, photos, silly dramatic re-creations, and some "cool"-looking skateboard footage. The construction is more like a TV reality show than a work of journalism or personal exploration; it's meant to keep you tuned in without actually revealing anything. The presence of skaters Tony Hawk and Rodney Mullen only serves as a reminder of how good a documentary like Bones Brigade is by comparison.
"I cannot even imagine what was going through his mind," one interviewee says. Neither can anyone else, because WAITING FOR LIGHTNING director Jacob Rosenberg never really interviews Danny Way in person. The other interviewees speak breathlessly about his bravery and skills but rarely about his humanity. As a result, Way comes across like a cipher -- slightly aloof and distant, slightly reckless and stubborn, and not much like the role model he's painted to be.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Waiting for Lightning's violent crashes and accidents. What makes skateboarders push themselves so hard in such a dangerous sport?
Did the movie inspire you to do push yourself toward a specific goal? Is that goal related to skating or some other activity or sport? Can this attitude be applied to other things in life?
Does Danny Way seem like a role model for kids or teens?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 7, 2012
- On DVD or streaming : March 5, 2013
- Cast : Danny Way , Rodney Mullen , Tony Hawk
- Director : Jacob Rosenberg
- Studio : Samuel Goldwyn Company
- Genre : Documentary
- Run time : 96 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : dangerous sports action, some language and thematic material involving drugs and alcohol
- Last updated : September 21, 2019
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate