X-treme sports buffs defy 'Ultimate' danger

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

Bob Burnquist, a wizard of vertical skateboarding, is a vision in the air as he defies gravity in the Vert Skateboarding competition, as seen in "ESPN's Ultimate X," playing at the IMAX in Waikiki. Shazamm/ESPN 'ESPN's Ultimate X' PG (for daredevil sports action, mildly foul talk) 40 minutes

But on the mammoth IMAX screen, the feats are overpowering, the mystique eye-filling, the action overwhelming. It's the ultimate for X-treme sports buffs and a stunning snapshot of a culture still aiming for respect.

Whether you consider skateboarding, street luge, downhill BMX, inline skating and Moto X "sports" is not the issue here. The film succeeds because it humanizes the daredevils with interviews on why they do what they do. In the wide-and-tall-screen IMAX format (the film opens today in Waikiki), the viewing experience is exhilarating.

Writer-director Bruce Hendricks clearly has a passion for and understanding of the competitive spirit and the unflagging dedication and risk that go into downhill racing or in-the-air somersaulting, on skates, on boards, on cycles. With cameras both at street level and at pivotal spots to capture the feat at rapid speed, he manages to put the spectator right in the action. It's pretty much the same philosophy that goes into TV coverage of anything athletic, from the Olympics to NFL football.

But "Ultimate X" brings clarity and dignity to those who dare to challenge speed and gravity, on boards, on pavement, on dirt, in the air, with unparalleled power and awe. The athletes may not be household names because of the Rodney Dangerfield stigma — they, too, get no respect — but clearly, they have a widening following and a dogged desire to strive, to do better, to win.

Travis Pastrana, at 18 the acknowledged champ of Moto X, said his freestyle flair "is mostly mental."

Indeed, you have to be slightly crazy to try some of the incredible stunts.

Or, as Moto X star Cory "Nasty" Nastazio says, "The only degree I have is anger management."

Carey Hart, another Moto X icon, simply puts common sense aside as he goes topsy-turvy on his bike.

Tony Hawk, Bucky Lasek and Bob Burnquist, all wizards of vertical skateboarding, vault and veer on perpendicular walls. Some of their triumphs have an Olympian edge, with stunning, almost choreographed beauty.

The footage of triumphs — a high for spectator and athlete — is contrasted by the moments of failure and pain. Yes, there are bad falls from a leaping bike, a multiluge crash, a skateboard attempt when the wheels go awry.

All of which puts a spin on the danger that accompanies this lifestyle, this phenomenon.

Other pluses: a lively rock score and occasional split-screen images. They yield urgency, excitement, electricity to the manic maneuvers.