No disrespect to the photographers or makers of this film. And its for them I give any stars at all. The scenery and the shots were top-notch if not some of the best ever. But like every ski/snowboard movie ever made there is always some attempt at trying to find substance. The most recent Warren Miller movies have really tackled the search for substance quite profoundly with worldly travels and meaningful encounters with other cultures.
Art of Flight fails on its attempt at substance greatly. The first endeavor starts in Alaska. The snowboarding is awesome, the talent is definitely there . . . but then they take us to an off moment where they show what the snowboarders do when they're not snowboarding. Suddenly we're transported to the Palin ranch where a snowboarder is firing a shot gun to decapitate a tree, blowing up a propane tank and then starting the mother of all bonfires.
They then go to Chile, pay marginal lip service to the earthquake victims of Chile . . . but the presence of anyone actually Chilenean is minimal.
They then go to the Patagonia, and the only Argentine we see is a crazed old man making oddball "there's a devil in that thar canyon!" like comments. All in all, these snowboarders are awesome at their craft, but they're young and cocky. It doesn't feel as if there's any respect for the landscapes they encounter, but rather its just some cocky rock stardom attitude at "having been there done that and watch me break dance on the top of this mesa" type attitude. Also, while snow mobiles might be fun, I was so NOT entertained during the whole snow mobile portion. Snowmobiles are fun as hell to ride, but boring as hell to watch. Again, for a sport that utilizes nature greatly, it's amazing how much resources and oil was burned in the making of this film. The name "Art of Flight" seems like such a transcendental and fun name for a snowboard film, yet most flying occurred in a helicopter. This film may appeal to anyone 18 or under, but for anyone 25 and up you'll love the views but probably find the snowboarders to be daft and dumb as I did. Stick to the latest Warren Miller movies with Johnny Mosely offering a well written and excellently delivered narratives instead.
Art of Flight fails on its attempt at substance greatly. The first endeavor starts in Alaska. The snowboarding is awesome, the talent is definitely there . . . but then they take us to an off moment where they show what the snowboarders do when they're not snowboarding. Suddenly we're transported to the Palin ranch where a snowboarder is firing a shot gun to decapitate a tree, blowing up a propane tank and then starting the mother of all bonfires.
They then go to Chile, pay marginal lip service to the earthquake victims of Chile . . . but the presence of anyone actually Chilenean is minimal.
They then go to the Patagonia, and the only Argentine we see is a crazed old man making oddball "there's a devil in that thar canyon!" like comments. All in all, these snowboarders are awesome at their craft, but they're young and cocky. It doesn't feel as if there's any respect for the landscapes they encounter, but rather its just some cocky rock stardom attitude at "having been there done that and watch me break dance on the top of this mesa" type attitude. Also, while snow mobiles might be fun, I was so NOT entertained during the whole snow mobile portion. Snowmobiles are fun as hell to ride, but boring as hell to watch. Again, for a sport that utilizes nature greatly, it's amazing how much resources and oil was burned in the making of this film. The name "Art of Flight" seems like such a transcendental and fun name for a snowboard film, yet most flying occurred in a helicopter. This film may appeal to anyone 18 or under, but for anyone 25 and up you'll love the views but probably find the snowboarders to be daft and dumb as I did. Stick to the latest Warren Miller movies with Johnny Mosely offering a well written and excellently delivered narratives instead.