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It's not out yet, but I'm super amped on Buster's sequel to his first independent skate movie. The last one was spectacular in it's presentation, with the happiest, funnest vibe and some crazy skating to top it off. It's parts can be found on youtube- be sure to check out Jaws'. |
| STALK 2. CALUM MACAULAY. |
I thought it would be a good idea to begin this section with one of the more forgotten and overlooked videos in bodyboarding history. Stalk II is the awaited sequel of Calum Macaulay’s WA based video hit. Watching the preview I assumed that Stalk II would be just another video with the same riders, same editing and same footage as most other West Australian videos. In a way, I was right. However, many people overlook the main element that garners my praise for the film; it’s footage. Stalk II doesn’t aim to impress anyone with interesting and unique cinematography, but rather displays an age-old but always effective combination of good waves and amazing riders. What better example can I come up with than Ryan Hardy. With the prestigious position of end section, this is my favourite Hardy section ever. Tuned to the fitting sound of New Order’s lengthy ‘Temptation’, Hardy’s surfing in this section is purely incredible. Whilst lots of it is recycled and already used, I was still confronted with so many clips that left me thinking “did all the other filmers miss this wave?” There is no fancy editing, crazy angles or high-definition-super-slow-motion, but only the best reverse airs and spins in the barrel. Watching the section for the fourth or fifth time, I realized that there were actually no fillers and bad waves in this section. Before I froth Hardy any more, the rest of Macaulay’s cast is also favourable, with enjoyable rabbits barrels and some best-in-bodyboarding flips going down in Rawlin’s Broken Social Scene section, as well as a memorable Brendon Backshall section filled with tows, gas, tight reverses and an insane invert-backflip. Other notable appearances include Pierre’s backflip and ARS filled section, which never ceases to amaze, and a hilariously-gnarly documentation of the memorable Mitchell’s Wedge sessions. To add some negativity to the review (which, apparently, must be done), the DK section was a bore, and it seems that Macaulay’s quirky creativity was mostly used up in his previews and teasers (but I’m sure I’d struggle to watch a movie with permanent kaleidoscope and super-imposition effects). 3.5 stars. Go watch it. |
