Words by: Tawnya Schultz. Photos Courtesy of Absinthe Films.

I’m claiming right now because I’ve seen almost every snowboard video this season; “Optimistic?” kills it on every level of my review scale. Now I don’t want to hype it all up and disappoint you; like what usually happens when your friend tells you a movie is good then you see it and think it sucks; but honestly “Optimistic?” is a premium snowboard flick sure to be a classic loaded with stellar shots, simplistic scenery, and no doubt several heavy hitters fronting the scene. I gather the flick is titled “Optimistic?” because everyone was trying to remain optimistic last winter with the warm temps and lack of snow but somehow this film resembles a flourishing winter with the term lack no where in sight. Watch this video and it will make you want to do one of two things: grab your gear, run out the door, and find the first perceivable terrain to shred down…or sip a nice hot cocoa, glue your eyes to the set, press repeat, and come to the conclusion that you might as well just quit trying to snowboard at all.

Video Type: Tons of backcountry from across the world and lots of ill street features.

Fun Features: Backcountry ledges, tree jibs, some sick roof top sliding, and a mountain bike trail ramp that Gigi Ruf hits.

Notable Riders: Wolfgang Nyvelt’s opener part. He spins 540’s off natural hits while riding super gnarly lines like he’s hitting a park jump and rides away clean. No one can catch Wolfgang when he’s charging the backcountry. I’m at a loss for words.

Gigi Ruf continues to step it up on all levels; in the backcountry and street. Ruf conquers it all while progressing snowboarding with his originality much like Nicolas Muller. Muller’s part has tons of variety and his natural talent and style is one for the history books. And I also love how the song for his part is Busta Rhymes “I Love My Chic.” Random but awesome.

Danny Davis tries his pipe skills out in the backcountry and wrecks it; a job well done for sure.

Mikey Leblanc represents hard on a real sled with bindings attached as also seen on the cover of SNOWBOARD Magazine October 2007. He shows his face throughout the film while exposing his quirky personality.

Oh man…Marc Frank’s part is hilarious and insane at the same time. There’s a whole section with him spraying skiers and mobbing park runs. He is definitely still locking down the game.

Justin Bennee continues to destroy the street rail scene. He doesn’t hit one park rail, which is pretty dope.

I also want to mention Annie Boulanger because she is the only girl with the crew and she truly deserves it. Her part is all backcountry and I think she is doing a great job pushing the girl’s scene.

Rest of the Crew: Romain De Marchi, Marco Feichtner, Jules Reymond, Matt Beardmore, Kurt Wastell, Hans Ahlund, Nico Droz, Sylvain Bourbousson, Erik Christensen, and Phil Damianakes.

Why you Should Cop it: “Optimistic?” proves that there is a grander world beyond crowded resorts and park riding. It gives a new perspective to the way the majority of us perceive snowboarding and it’s all positive.

Why it could be better: For those who only like resort riding maybe they wouldn’t like it as much but I guess if you’re that stupid then I just feel sorry for you.

Locations: Switzerland, AK all over, Eagle Crest, White Water Resort, Alpine Meadows, Boreal, Snowbird, Baldface Lodge, and many spots around the world.

Music Steez: There’s a great variety of slow paced rock, upbeat jams, and hip-hop. It makes you feel passionate and really absorb the action.

Filming/Editing: “Optimistic?” stays true to it’s normal style. The intro is long but the graphics are different than anything else. Each rider’s eye is super close up and there is a shot of them snowboarding in the background. The dual shots from way above then cut to a follow cam down below are neat.

Length: 45 minutes + bonus.

Rating: ***** out of 5 stars. Yep.

Price: $30.00. Find your nearest dealer at Vas Entertainment or call 1.800.727.6689. Also check out www.absinthe-films.com