Kranked has stood for MTB freeride since the very beginning. Many years ago, when a group called the Froriders did the most extraordinary things with MTBs, Kranked was the talk of the MTB scene. Gentlemen such as Richie Schley, Bred Tippie, Carys Evans etc. bravely let themselves out over rocks, rode scree and much more. These were the golden years of the Frorider - the Rocky Mountain team of the time - which had already been overtaken by the new generation a few years earlier. Kranked "Revolve" is the 2009 film from Radical Films.
It is pointless to talk about the camera work and the editing: These are once again the standard. The content, however, is not what you would expect from Kranked. The format is characterized by a rather outdated concept in which one driver after another has their segments. It lacks a story or even something new and innovative.
The action on show is nevertheless worth seeing: British Columbia's coast is once again the place for wild forest tinkering. Not-quite-famous riders build X-ramps and other launching ramps over which they impressively shoot themselves out in groups, individually back and forth. Definitely one of the highlights of the movie. This also applies to the blind MTB rider who dominates the park in Whistler. Renè Wildhaber, a well-known endurance downhiller in Europe and n-times Megavalanche winner, is portrayed, while shortly afterwards Lance McDermott first shows his impressive skills in Romanshorn Park on Lake Constance (CH) and shortly afterwards at Crankworx. All of the above and much more fill the 50 minutes of film. Like the format, the choice of music is not the best. It is to be hoped that Kranked will show more courage in the future and break new ground. Just like in the past.
Conclusion
All in all, Kranked 8 impresses with breathtaking shots and good action. However, it lacks a story or even a central theme in the movie as well as news. Nevertheless, a good change of pace for the down days in Ms. Holles' season.
Film length: approx. 50 minutes
Bonus: approx. 15 minutes
Price: 31.90 euros