First Descent MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -1

Beautiful scenery and winter excitement abound in this snowboarding documentary. Five of the worlds greatest snowboarders (Shawn Farmer, Terje Haakonsen, Nick Perata, Hannah Teter and Shaun White starring as themselves) meet at Valdez, Alaska, to challenge the untouched mountains of the Alaska range. They come for the thrill of riding some of the most difficult terrain on the planet and will leave with an experience of a lifetime. With the help of a helicopter, these five athletes look for the best ride and sometimes get more than they bargained for. Avalanches are not uncommon and add to the excitement as these snowboarders spend much of their time in the air. With flashbacks to the early days and a look at the history of snowboarding and competitions around the world, these stars of the snow put on an airborne show.

You will learn as well as be entertained in this film about the controversial sport of snowboarding. In the early days, skiers looked down on the snowboarders as the rebels of the snow, but time has changed that, with snowboarders ranging in age from early 20s to 40s. It is inspiring to see this diverse group of people, including a girl in this film, come together because of their common love for this winter activity. The beauty of Gods creation is seen from a birds-eye perspective as the helicopter sores over the snow-covered peaks. You dont have to be a snowboarder or skier to enjoy this film, but it will especially appeal to those of the sport. Some of the interviews slow the pace the film and make it seem a bit long. The primary objection to this film is the use of bad language.

Preview Reviewer: Alan Boyer
Distributor: Universal Pictures