Where was Roll Bounce filmed?
2005
City Locations
Summit (USA), Lynwood (USA), Chicago (USA)
Location Types
House, Unusual, Unique
Location Styles
Modern Building, Modern Car, 70`s
About Roll Bounce
Roll Bounce is a 2005 American comedy-drama film directed by Malcolm D. Lee and written by Norman Vance Jr. The movie stars hip-hop artist Bow Wow as Xavier Smith, a teenager living in Chicago in the summer of 1978. Xavier faces new challenges when his neighborhood roller-skating rink closes down, forcing him and his friends to find a new skating place.
To deal with the loss of his mother, Xavier turns to roller skating as an outlet for his emotions. Alongside his friends Boo (Marcus T. Paulk), Naps (Rick Gonzalez), Junior (Brandon T. Jackson), and Mike (Khleo Thomas), he becomes deeply passionate about roller skating and dreams of participating in Sweetwater's annual Roller Jam Skate-Off.
With their worn-out skates held together by sheer determination, Xavier and his friends enter the competition at Sweetwater, a popular roller-skating destination. Along the way, they encounter a talented skater named Sweetness (Wesley Jonathan), whose skills captivate Xavier and ignite his competitive spirit.
While initially reluctant, Xavier eventually finds the courage to pursue his dream of winning the Roller Jam Skate-Off. The film explores themes of friendship, family, and personal growth as Xavier navigates the challenges of adolescence and learns to overcome obstacles.
Roll Bounce offers an entertaining and heartfelt story with realistic characters, showcasing the value of hard work, friendship, and determination. Whether you're a fan of roller skating or simply enjoy feel-good movies, this film will leave you with a smile and a desire to lace up your skates.
Roll Bounce Locations
Roll Bounce, the 2005 comedy-drama film directed by Malcolm D. Lee, was predominantly filmed in Chicago, Illinois. This vibrant city was the backdrop for most of the movie's scenes, showcasing its unique landmarks and culture. One notable location featured in the film is the Lynwood Sport Center, which was transformed into the fictional Sweetwater Roller Rink. Situated at 2030 Glenwood-Dyer Road in Lynwood, this roller rink brought the on-screen roller skating world to life. Another scene occurred at Fleetwood Roller Rink, located at 7231 Archer Avenue in Summit, a suburb of Chicago. With its retro charm and lively atmosphere, visiting these locations would allow film fans to immerse themselves in the nostalgic roller-skating culture depicted in Roll Bounce. Exploring the surrounding areas of these filming locations would provide an opportunity to discover other points of interest and landmarks that make Chicago a fascinating destination. Whether you're a fan of the movie or simply interested in experiencing the city's vibrant energy, a trip to these film locations would undoubtedly be worthwhile.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the childhood experiences of director Malcolm D. Lee inspired Roll Bounce? Growing up in New York City during the late 1970s, Lee spent countless hours roller-skating with his friends. This personal connection adds an authentic touch to the film's portrayal of the vibrant roller-skating scene of the era.
The Palisade Garden scene in Roll Bounce
Fleetwood Roller Rink, 7231 W Archer Ave, Summit, IL
The Palisade Garden roller rink serves as a central location for the group of friends to showcase their roller-skating skills and immerse themselves in the vibrant roller-skating culture of the 1970s. The scene captures the essence of the Palisade Garden, with its distinct interior and exterior features.
In Summit, IL, Fleetwood Roller Rink is a popular destination for roller skating enthusiasts of all ages. This family-owned business has provided a fun and exciting skating experience since 1957. From public skating sessions to birthday parties and private events, Fleetwood Roller Rink offers a range of activities for everyone to enjoy. With friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere, it's the perfect place to create lasting memories with friends and family.
The closest bus stop to Fleetwood Roller Rink is Archer/72nd Ct., a mere 1-minute walk away. Ensure a smooth journey by consulting local transit schedules and routes.
Group skating at the Sweetwater Roller Rink scene in Roll Bounce
Lynwood Sport Center, 2030 Glenwood Dyer Rd, Lynwood, IL
Xavier "X" Smith (Bow Wow), a 16-year-old, and his friends Junior (Brandon T. Jackson), Boo (Marcus T. Paulk), Naps (Rick Gonzalez), "Mixed" Mike (Khleo Thomas), and their new neighbor Tori (Jurnee Smollett), spend their summer indulging in roller skating at the upscale uptown rink called "Sweetwater." Unfortunately, their skating adventures at Sweetwater are overshadowed by the disrespectful behavior of the reigning champions of the five-year roller disco contest, Sweetness and his crew, known as the Sweetwater Rollers.
Lynwood Sport Center is a sought-after roller rink that caters to Lansing, Homewood, Calumet City, Tinley Park, Flossmoor, and the neighboring areas. Offering many activities such as roller skating, video poker gaming, and adult lessons, there's something for everyone to revel in. The facility also houses a pro shop for various roller skating parts and supplies.
If you're wondering how to get there, don't worry – it's not too difficult. Whether driving from nearby towns or hopping on a train from downtown Chicago, plenty of options are available to make your way to this popular destination. So why not gather friends or family and head to Lynwood Sport Center for thrilling fun and entertainment?
Xavier's house scene in Roll Bounce
1223 E 85th Pl, Chicago, IL
Following the tragic loss of Xavier's (Bow Wow) mother, his home life becomes tense and strained. With his father Curtis (Chi McBride) now responsible for taking care of Xavier and his sister Sonya (Busisiwe Irvin) while also working on restoring his late wife's car, tensions rise. Curtis fails to understand Xavier's passion for skating and views it as a mere waste of time, preferring that Xavier stay home and help with household chores instead.
East 85th Place is a street located in Chicago, Illinois. It is home to various properties, including single- and multi-family homes. Some of the properties on East 85th Place have been renovated and offer amenities like multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. The street is situated in neighborhoods like Stony Island Park and is known for its diverse housing options.
Traveling to 1223 East 85th Place can seem daunting if it's your first time in the city, but with a few tips, you can navigate to your destination easily. The quickest and most efficient way to reach the address is by car. If you drive from downtown, take Lake Shore Drive until you reach Luella Avenue and 85th Place, and drive for two blocks until you reach your destination.
Conclusion
Roll Bounce was predominantly filmed in Chicago, Illinois, showcasing the city's vibrant culture and unique landmarks. However, some scenes were also filmed in other locations. Ontario, California, served as a backdrop for certain scenes, utilizing its historic roller rink, the Skate. Additionally, the movie filmed scenes at 2115 E. 90th Street in Chicago, where Tori gets hit with water balloons. Another significant filming location was the Lynwood Sport Center, known as Sweetwater Roller Rink in the film, located at 2030 Glenwood-Dyer Road in Lynwood, IL.
Overall, Roll Bounce utilized various locations to capture the essence of roller skating culture and the story's setting. From Chicago's energetic streets to the skating rinks in Ontario and Lynwood, the film offered diverse backdrops that added depth to the narrative. By blending these locations, the movie effectively depicts the characters' journey and the vibrant roller skating world.