A dirt bike motorcycle enthusiast as well as a 3D aficionado, I looked forward to this production and enjoyed the screening. I greatly appreciated the film opening with the Free Style motorcycles. These talented, go-for-it, motorcyclists create awe-inspiring spectacle with their gravity-defying feats. I could watch these guys all day.

After this, a small segment is given to road rally cars. Fun, but not quite the thrill. And lastly, board-sports, with the greatest amount of time given to skateboarding. Though I have great respect for skateboarding, it’s the event I’m least interested in. That said, the coverage here made it the most interesting I’d ever seen.

As for the 3D itself, pretty good with some problems. All of the fun animated screen titles and backgrounds were creative and solid. And most of the static scenes were shot aptly. However, the action and some of the interview shots had ocular problems -- making people appear surreally a tad smaller than in reality. The best 3-D action shot was achieved when the camera was mounted directly above the edge of the half-pipe. Skaters floated directly toward the camera and then fell back down to the wood -- that looked awesome. I could have used more of those shots. Actually, all of the action is still good and fun, just that the 3D could be improved.

Getting back to the interviews, they’re very good. Filmmakers let the best of the best tell us what goes through their minds. They’re quite well spoken, and often times inspiring. The interspersed narration is also top-notch, crisply written, edging almost to poetry and occasionally philosophic.

Lastly, while the film does indulge in a welcomed visual medley of past x-games history making moments (in 2D), the, albeit long, monster ramp skateboard drama that plays near the end is also quite compelling. I had a great time overall and despite it’s imperfections, I’ll still give this an A-.

-- Books by Author/Illustrator Ross Anthony --