Maelstrom
07-10-04, 09:45 PM
Yep that time again. A movie review. I have actually had this movie for a couple of weeks but I can't stop watching it (I think I havehad 5 viewings and seen it 17 times give or take). I can't really say much about it because it is so awe inspiring. This movie makes me wanna ride, badly. In fact, this movie has helped me really push myself this past few weeks. I have put in more time riding since I got this movie then I have almost all year (at least in any given period of weeks)
The cinematics are phenomonal. Not a usual bike movie and approached from an artistic perspective. Usually this takes away from a movie but this really gives you a new perspective. The placement of cameras, the effort put in to cable and lift cameras is just awesome. Their use of colour and some old school 'textures' (60's style surf movies for example) really bring out the purpose of this movie and make you 'feel' it. The music is equally perfect. Perfectly placed music. Not ALL loud and obnoxious just perfect to the scene. (don't get me wrong, I love loud and obnxious when used right)
The purpose. I have read the website and really this movie isn't as much as movie as a call to the past for riding. It is called the collective because it is a group of riders all going out and riding. Period. Enoying, loving and thriving off the same sport we all love. They portray this in so many ways you can't help but want to call up 4 or 5 of your closest friends and hit the trails.
Instead of the usual individual huge hucks, big jumps this movie throws you around the world onsome of the most stunning single track in the world. Natural bowls (Hawaii looks like fun), jumps, everything. There are some HUGE moves in this movie but it makes up such a small part that you appreciate the size instead of asking yourself when it will be over. Even when they do show hucks, it is filmed so well you can't help but enjoy it.
I also particularily liked it because of the whistler shots. I am sick of most movies showing a-line...and a-line...and more a-line. Whistler is not a-line and a-line is not whistler. And this movie shows lots of hidden gems in Whistler and really give you an understanding of the diversity of BC...not just skinnies and jumps ;)...(they show one trail called Gargamel which I am in the process of trying to find...what a stunning trail)
As for the riders you have some of the best riders in the world. Andrew Shandro, Dave Watson, Thomas Vanderham, Darren Berrecloth, Tyler Klassen, Jordie Lunn, Wade Simmons (the god is back YEAH!!!), Matt Hunter, Steve Romaniuk, Ryan Leech, Geoff Gulevich, and Tyler Morland. Each rider offers a different perspective and style. Scenes that come to memory are watching simmons on the shore just smooth as butter, there really is no one smoother or better in the world. Steve Romaniuk has several scenes on single track where he just destroys the trails (that and the guy goes HUGE!!!!). This is the first movie I have seen capture speed perfectly. And Steve is FAST. Ryan Leech is by far the smoothest trials rider on the planet and he has virtually eliminated the 'hop hop' aspect of trials. Tyler Morland on his homemade trail called gargemel, proving not only is he a good mechanic but an awesome rider and excellent trail builder.
I really could go on and on ... and on. If I were to have one movie of my entire collection (40 or so movies) I would toss every movie and keep this. It destroys kranked, nwd, the old classic ride to the hills, nsx series...everything.
11/10....or 12/10...it really is perfect.
PS I know that was long winded but these guys need as many props as they can get. I want to see more movies from them in the future.
http://www.thecollectivefilm.com/flash.html
The cinematics are phenomonal. Not a usual bike movie and approached from an artistic perspective. Usually this takes away from a movie but this really gives you a new perspective. The placement of cameras, the effort put in to cable and lift cameras is just awesome. Their use of colour and some old school 'textures' (60's style surf movies for example) really bring out the purpose of this movie and make you 'feel' it. The music is equally perfect. Perfectly placed music. Not ALL loud and obnoxious just perfect to the scene. (don't get me wrong, I love loud and obnxious when used right)
The purpose. I have read the website and really this movie isn't as much as movie as a call to the past for riding. It is called the collective because it is a group of riders all going out and riding. Period. Enoying, loving and thriving off the same sport we all love. They portray this in so many ways you can't help but want to call up 4 or 5 of your closest friends and hit the trails.
Instead of the usual individual huge hucks, big jumps this movie throws you around the world onsome of the most stunning single track in the world. Natural bowls (Hawaii looks like fun), jumps, everything. There are some HUGE moves in this movie but it makes up such a small part that you appreciate the size instead of asking yourself when it will be over. Even when they do show hucks, it is filmed so well you can't help but enjoy it.
I also particularily liked it because of the whistler shots. I am sick of most movies showing a-line...and a-line...and more a-line. Whistler is not a-line and a-line is not whistler. And this movie shows lots of hidden gems in Whistler and really give you an understanding of the diversity of BC...not just skinnies and jumps ;)...(they show one trail called Gargamel which I am in the process of trying to find...what a stunning trail)
As for the riders you have some of the best riders in the world. Andrew Shandro, Dave Watson, Thomas Vanderham, Darren Berrecloth, Tyler Klassen, Jordie Lunn, Wade Simmons (the god is back YEAH!!!), Matt Hunter, Steve Romaniuk, Ryan Leech, Geoff Gulevich, and Tyler Morland. Each rider offers a different perspective and style. Scenes that come to memory are watching simmons on the shore just smooth as butter, there really is no one smoother or better in the world. Steve Romaniuk has several scenes on single track where he just destroys the trails (that and the guy goes HUGE!!!!). This is the first movie I have seen capture speed perfectly. And Steve is FAST. Ryan Leech is by far the smoothest trials rider on the planet and he has virtually eliminated the 'hop hop' aspect of trials. Tyler Morland on his homemade trail called gargemel, proving not only is he a good mechanic but an awesome rider and excellent trail builder.
I really could go on and on ... and on. If I were to have one movie of my entire collection (40 or so movies) I would toss every movie and keep this. It destroys kranked, nwd, the old classic ride to the hills, nsx series...everything.
11/10....or 12/10...it really is perfect.
PS I know that was long winded but these guys need as many props as they can get. I want to see more movies from them in the future.
http://www.thecollectivefilm.com/flash.html