Is Fruit of the Vine Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1999)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Fruit of the Vine (1999), audiences are invited back into the world of Documentary. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "FRUIT OF THE VINE is a super 8mm film that documents the incredible and often dangerous lengths that skateboarders go to in order to ride deserted, empty swimming pools. It is not a historical documentary, but a collection of stories shot in 1999 while Coan and Rick traveled from southern California to Seattle and around the east coast in search of pools to ride. FRUIT OF THE VINE profiles the people who search for, find, break into, and ultimately glean some use out of these pieces of the American suburban wasteland."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Fruit of the Vine, Tony Alva delivers a serviceable performance that keeps the narrative moving. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Fruit of the Vine worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Fruit of the Vine is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 74 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.