Street Dreams

Street Dreams

Year: 2009

Runtime: 88 mins

Language: English

Director: Chris Zamoscianyk

FamilyComedyDramaActionAdventure

With ten million street skaters in the United States, the documentary centers on Derrick Cabrera, a gifted rider whose lifelong goal is to earn a sponsorship. While his talent is undeniable, he battles financial strain, industry politics, family pressures, and the harsh realities of the skate world before his dream can become reality.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Street Dreams (2009)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Street Dreams (2009). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Chicago, Ohio, Tampa, Ybor City

Street Dreams unfolds across Chicago's urban streets, a road trip to Ohio, and the sunny venues of Tampa, Florida. It uses gritty city spots and suburban rails to frame Derrick and his crew's pursuit of a pro skate career. The Tampa Am contest provides the dramatic focal point where skill, luck, and teamwork collide with the risks of street skating.

🗺️ Urban settings 🛹 Skateboarding culture

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:11

Main Characters – Street Dreams (2009)

Meet the key characters of Street Dreams (2009), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Derreck Cabrera (Paul Rodriguez)

A fiercely determined street skater from Chicago who dreams of going pro by landing the N.A.C. on camera. His obsession with the trick strains his school life and tests his relationship with his father, yet he remains fiercely loyal to his crew. He learns that sponsorship comes from a mix of talent, grit, and the ability to persevere under pressure.

🛹 Skateboarding 🎯 Ambition 👨‍👦 Family conflict

Cash

Derrick's impulsive friend who brings energy and chaos to the crew. He and Reese push limits, and Cash's partying leads to a run-in with the law during the Tampa trip. Despite the trouble, he stands by Derrick as the plan to land the N.A.C. unfolds.

🛹 Skateboarding 🎉 Party life 🚓 Legal trouble

Reese

A loyal member of Derrick's circle who shares the love of skating and the drive to get noticed. He supports the group through practice and competition, helping balance ambition with friendship as tensions rise.

🛹 Skateboarding 🤝 Friendship 💬 Rivalry

Troy

Derrick's rival in both skill and ego. His jealousy and bravado threaten the group's cohesion, and his actions during the rail plan threaten to derail Derrick's chances at the Tampa Am final.

🛹 Skateboarding 😠 Rivalry 🗨️ Ego

Mikey Robbins

The filmographer friend who documents the crew's journey and the N.A.C. attempt. His camera captures pivotal moments, and his loyalty is tested by the group's split and Derrick's mounting pressures.

🎬 Filmmaking 🛹 Skateboarding 🧭 Loyalty

Taylor

Eric Jones's older sister who offers Derrick a supportive counterpoint during the Tampa Am arc. Her presence gives Derrick a moment of connection beyond the street scene and motivates him to push through doubt.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Support 💖 Attraction

Eric Jones

A renowned skater who Derrick meets in Florida and who competes in Tampa Am. He becomes a mentor figure and helps motivate Derrick to finish strong, showing that the skating world can be both demanding and welcoming.

🛹 Skateboarding 🏆 Mentorship 🎥 Celebrity

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:11

Major Themes – Street Dreams (2009)

Explore the central themes of Street Dreams (2009), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎯 Ambition

Derrick's obsessive goal to land the Not A Chance trick drives the narrative, pushing him to defy limits and take risks. The film explores how a single, defining objective can shape friendships, family life, and street cred. It also shows that sponsorship and fame hinge on both talent and perseverance under pressure.

🤝 Friendship

Derrick's crew embodies loyalty and camaraderie, supporting each other through the highs of practice and the lows of setbacks. Conflicts arise from jealousy and ego, but the group ultimately bands together to back Derrick's final run. The story uses acts of trust and teamwork to contrast with moments of betrayal.

⚖️ Risks and Consequences

The pursuit of the N.A.C. leads to dangerous decisions, including tampering with a rail and facing arrest. The film shows how the thrill of skating collides with law, safety, and responsibility. Consequences ripple through Derrick's relationships as he weighs price of chasing a dream.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:11

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Unlock the Full Story of Street Dreams

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Street Dreams Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Street Dreams, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Street Dreams Summary

Street Dreams Timeline

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Street Dreams Timeline

Street Dreams Spoiler-Free Summary

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Street Dreams Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Street Dreams

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More About Street Dreams