In an extremely diverse industry, sometimes one company really has to try to stand out in the crowd. If you don't stand out, you sell very few videos and could go bankrupt. This is how I looked at Kingpin Productions while they were still making movies. They always had a different feel than all of the other snowboard movies available at that time. Kingpin also had a devoted group of talented snowboarders that filmed with them throughout their existence.

Looking at the lineup that Back in Black has, its easy to see why Kingpin had a loyal fan base. Their 2000 release Destroyer was one of the most popular videos of that year. Back in Black looks like it has quite a production budget, because of some of the scenes and the big name riders in it.

Starring - Gigi Ruf, Chris Coutler, Alex Auchu, Brandon Bybee, JF Pelchat, Zach Leach, Marc Frank Montoya, Gaetan Chanut, Dionne Delesalle, Tysson Carmody, Jason "J2" Rasmus, Scotty Wittlake, Chris Demulsky, Joel Mahaffey, Ryan Lougee, Iikka Backstrom, Josh Feliciano, Jeff Anderson, and David Carrier-Porcheron (DCP).

After an amusing intro, Gigi Ruf gets the opening segment. He is from Europe and this is one of his first video parts in an American movie. Gigi mainly focuses on riding the backcountry, but has some other fine shots as well. My favorite maneuver of his is a big 720 Japan Air. Following is another talented newcomer named Chris Coulter. Chris mixes it up with some backcountry jumps, huge gaps, and handrails. He shows incredible talent proving why he is one of the top boarders today.

Following is a mix of snowboard veterans and some newcomers in Alex Auchu, Brandon Bybee, and JF Pelchat. All riders take it to the backcountry and film some big jumps, and Bybee hits some rails as well. I really liked this section because all of the riders have good style, especially Bybee. To throw some more rails in the video, next is Zach Leach. He rides rails almost exclusively, so there really isn't much variation in this segment. Zach does some very technical and stylish rail slides on some dangerous handrails.

One of the most recognized names in snowboarding is Marc Frank Montoya, for his style and riding ability. He rides only in the backcountry for this segment, and shows some of the best style I have ever seen. He never looks like he out of control and always lands perfectly. Following MFM, is a diverse group of four riders. Gaetan Chanut, Dionne Delesalle, and Tysson Carmody ride backcountry while "J2" Jason Rasmus rides rails at the end. Carmody was and still is a relative unknown, but does a great job and almost steals the show from Chanut.

In a relatively short segment, Chris Demolsky, Joel Mahaffey, and Ryan Rougee get their turn. Demolsky is a newer rider who is very good on rails. Joel is an aging snowboarder but does some cool stuff like a huge backflip off a large kicker. Ryan Lougee only has two tricks on the same railset, but they are good. Following is some more newer riders to the scene in Iikka Backstrom and Josh Feleciano. Iikka really has some nice stuff on jumps and rails, all with style. Most of Feliciano's spins are inverted and landed.

In a somber tribute, Jeff Anderson's final video segment is after them. Jeff died in Japan shortly before the release of this movie, and the mood fits the situation. He does have quite a bit of riding footage, but there are plenty of pictures and videos of Jeff's last year. Even through I think Jeff should have gotten the closing part, David Carrier-Porcheron earns the closing segment. He rides the backcountry and did some things that really surprised me. He drops what looks to be about a 40-50 foot cliff, spins a 360, and lands at the bottom!

Overall, this movie has some great riding. So why the three star rating? Kingpin brought in a green-screen for and a huge set with lights for Marc Frank Montoya. I think that these are good ideas, but they are used far too much in the video. Other than that, this is a clean, well put together movie that it worth the time to view.

Soundtrack
Gigi Ruf - "Uncontrolable Urge" by Devo
Chris Coutler - "Throwaway Style" by the Exploding Hearts
Auchu/Bybee/Pelchat - "Le Sabateur" by Turbonegro
Zach Leach - "Brave Captain" by Firehose
MFM - "Thug 4 Life" by Kool G Rap
Chanut/Delesalle/Carmody/J2 - "Capitalism Stole my Virginity" by The (International) Noise Conspiracy
Demolski/Mahaffey/Lougee - "Coolidge" by the Descendants
Iikka Backstrom/Josh Felicaino - "Silver Lining" by Beulah
Jeff Anderson - "Now its On" by Grandaddy
DCP - "Unchained" by Van Halen
Credits - "International Rock Stars" by the Punk Group

Thanks to Millinocket for adding this movie to the database.




Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS