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Reel Rock 9- Valley Uprising

Original Post
Mark E Dixon · · Possunt, nec posse videntur · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 974

Just some thoughts for folks who may be thinking of going to a show. please post corrections and additions!

First, is Chautauqua the coldest venue or what? Wear your down suit if you are attending tonight.

Second, yes it's just one film, something 1ike 90-100 minutes long (didn't time it.) I prefer multiple films, but at least didn't have to sit through a tiresome raffle and handstand contest during intermission.

The film is better than I expected but has some limitations.
Bottom line- go see it.

Much of the film is necessarily talking heads or stills with voice-overs. However, animation tricks keep things visually interesting, without overwhelming the subject. Really impressive and state of the art, esp for climbing films. Beautiful shots, will give you Valley Fever.

The standard history of Yosemite climbing is presented, beginning with the Robbins/Harding conflict, then including the Stone Masters, the airplane incident, the Stone Monkeys and now Potter and Honnold.

Not to downplay the accomplishments of Robbins, et al, but I was disappointed that the film continues the myth that Yosemite climbing was the start of big wall climbing. I wonder what Cassin or Bonnatti would have to say about that if asked, or what the European perspective might be.

I did appreciate the attempt to analyze 60's/70's era climbers as part of the social milieu of the time, but I think there is still a misplaced sense that climbers were somehow in the vanguard of social change.

The early years of Valley history have been well chronicled and won't be news to many, but I enjoyed learning more about recent developments, Chongo Chuck and the Stone Monkeys.

Honnold (and Potter) get good coverage, although I think the film goes off the rails in its vision of the "next big thing" in climbing. Rarely is the next big thing recognized before the fact. I'm wiling to bet that's the case here too!

The film is almost entirely from an Valley local's point of view. I would have liked to see more about some of the outsiders who made an impact- Jardine and the Nose, Skinner and the Salathe for example.

Drug use and risk taking is glorified enough in the movie that I was glad our kids chose not to attend. Not that I'm especially against either, but each has it's place.

On the whole, the film seems to imply that danger is the sole reason why we climb. For some, that may be true, but it's a narrow perspective and frankly, while I like the occasional thrill, I also just love the movement and intellectual challenge of figuring out a sequence. Don't think I'm alone in this and this is the story that doesn't get told in the Yosemite legend.

evan h · · Longmont, CO · Joined Oct 2012 · Points: 360

Thanks for the review Mark. I'm excited to check out the film tomorrow in Denver. For those of you who haven't seen, there's an interesting perspective from Andrew Bisharat here:

eveningsends.com/climbing/v…

Andrew S. · · Bighorn Basin · Joined Jun 2011 · Points: 435

Good review of the movie Mark. I attended the showing last night as well. The film definitely got me stoked to get stronger and make a trip to the Valley in the near future.

I'm not a movie critique, but the film was everything I was hoping for. I thought the Valley history was informative, but would have liked them to include the evolution of climbing gear and its creators, as this played important roles in the history as well. I mean c'mon we all like gear! The Stone Masters, Honnold, Potter, and the rest of the Stone Monkeys are truly inspiring.

I also think there is a bit of danger in climbing, but I too have more reasons why I climb.

Mark E Dixon · · Possunt, nec posse videntur · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 974
evan h wrote:Thanks for the review Mark. I'm excited to check out the film tomorrow in Denver. For those of you who haven't seen, there's an interesting perspective from Andrew Bisharat here: eveningsends.com/climbing/v…
Much better and more interesting review than mine, y'all should read it.
K Weber · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2011 · Points: 15

Is Valley Uprising Boom or Bust??

Great for a history lesson of climbing in Yosemite up till the late 70s then it just goes into a bad slide show.

Yosemite climbing is well written and documented and this 90 min film doesn't even come close to covering it well.

You could feel that the audience was subdued by this melancholy history lesson. The room was devoid of energy.

In years past Reel Rock has hit Home Runs filming and presenting climbing. This year you get the feeling that nothing new has happened in the climbing world and are punished to watch a slide show on a rainy day instead of enjoying climbing's greatness.

The movie just ends. At least send us to the future with Tommy Caldwell but his awesomeness doesn't even get a mention.

I have the feeling that the production crew had some much into this story or their own telling of history that they had to finally put it out there and recover some cash.

419 · · Sacramento · Joined May 2010 · Points: 520

The Valley Uprising was a brief overview of the colorful moments in Yosemite climbing history. That is what it claims to be. That is what it is.

It was great to see the climbing community sell out the auditorium last night. It was an added treat to see some of the film's athletes as well.

Thank you Reel Rock.

Woodchuck ATC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 3,280

Nice info on the film Mark..I've been hounding ReelRock and other online threads about this 'film' for almost 11 months now. The ReelRock 8 'tease' led us to believe it would be a stand alone film,,,released directly to DVD, in Spring of 2014 I was eager to get a copy long ago,,and I wanted that 70-80's story, the drugs, the plane, the spirit of how climbing was maybe a 'death sport' to many way back then.
Sounds like somehow they figured to hold it back, and make it the total RR9 film ,if I'm correct in reading earlier reports. I think a whole lot of sport climbers and bouldering folks will now be turned off from seeing or later purchasing the DVD edition if there is not a variety of stories included. Wasn't there anything else of significance done all this past year to include in their 3 to 4 usual 20 to 40 minute segments?
I'm all for the film,,but don't see it being a ReelRock tour kind of release that will entertain the masses at showings across the nation. It will never show near me (for public that is,,private clubs will see it I'm sure up in Chicago). But I do intend to buy the DVD when it gets released after the tour.

Andy Bandos · · CO · Joined Aug 2013 · Points: 760

As usual the film making and story telling is top notch. I found the history (even though I'm pretty familiar with the stories told) to be interesting. I like how the film makers incorporate humor and tension at all the right times.

However, I left a little disappointing. I enjoy Reel Rock films because they transport us to new locations and meet rad people. Every other film has inspired me to get out on more road trips and climb harder. Much of modern day Yosemite story was just repeats of old films. For example: Honnold's free solos and Dean Potter's free base footage. Was it a good documentary, yes. Do I really hope that next year's Reel Rock goes back to the other format of 4 short films with totally new locations and inspiring stories? Yes please.

Kari Post · · Keene, NH · Joined Sep 2012 · Points: 81

Thank you for the info. I was really curious about this, as the advertising confused me a bit because I'm used to the multiple shorter film format. I didn't love RR8 and am pretty certain Valley Uprising won't pull me in. I wasn't crazy about the Stone Masters preview in RR8 for some of the reasons you mentioned, including glorified risk, drug use, and promiscuity, and generally painting the climber population as a haphazard group of law-breaking vagabonds. I'm constantly trying to promote climbing as a sport, and I didn't feel as if Stone Masters painted climbers in the best light.

I LOVED Reel Rock 7. I showed the videos to teenagers I teach climbing to, shared the films with my climber friends, and watched the films with my mom. My mom is a non-adventurous lady, who would probably die of a panic attach or at least start crying if I tried to make her rock climb. But she really enjoyed the films and was sad when we watched them all and I didn't have any more to show her. Overall the RR7 films were uplifting, inspiring, creative, funny, raw, well crafted, and artistically filmed and edited. They captured real human interest stories and made emotional connections to even non-climbers, so everyone could appreciate the films. That's why they could be shared with and enjoyed by a wide range of audiences, and I think films like that really bring positive publicity to climbing.

Of course I'll still make an effort go see Valley Uprising, but I really hope that Reel Rock goes back to showcasing multiple shorter films that highlight a variety of aspects of the sport and are appropriate for diverse audiences.

Woodchuck ATC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 3,280
Kari Post wrote:Thank you for the info. I was really curious about this, as the advertising confused me a bit because I'm used to the multiple shorter film format. I didn't love RR8 and am pretty certain Valley Uprising won't pull me in. I wasn't crazy about the Stone Masters preview in RR8 for some of the reasons you mentioned, including glorified risk, drug use, and promiscuity, and generally painting the climber population as a haphazard group of law-breaking vagabonds. I'm constantly trying to promote climbing as a sport, and I didn't feel as if Stone Masters painted climbers in the best light. I LOVED Reel Rock 7. I showed the videos to teenagers I teach climbing to, shared the films with my climber friends, and watched the films with my mom. My mom is a non-adventurous lady, who would probably die of a panic attach or at least start crying if I tried to make her rock climb. But she really enjoyed the films and was sad when we watched them all and I didn't have any more to show her. Overall the RR7 films were uplifting, inspiring, creative, funny, raw, well crafted, and artistically filmed and edited. They captured real human interest stories and made emotional connections to even non-climbers, so everyone could appreciate the films. That's why they could be shared with and enjoyed by a wide range of audiences, and I think films like that really bring positive publicity to climbing. Of course I'll still make an effort go see Valley Uprising, but I really hope that Reel Rock goes back to showcasing multiple shorter films that highlight a variety of aspects of the sport and are appropriate for diverse audiences.
Kari, I understand how you feel..but it's just THAT story, that side of the vagabond Stonemasters that I REALLY want to see and hear. I know all their climbing records, and their foolish behaviors and park rules broken,,etc. It's the old preview from a year ago that hinted at a revelation of the TRUTH , the whole story, of the crashed airplane and drugs incident, that's the story I want to see. I don't think we will get it now..think it all got watered down,,and much of the footage left on the cutting room floor as they say. But understand that most climbers today want to see 3 or 4 short films about various topics,,and if the one topic is of old traddies who were climbing 25 years before most climbers were even born these days,,well it won't get the attention of the usual ReelRock tour filmfest. But us old guys were eager to see that film we saw previewed last year...now I'm not sure what we will get.
It's playing in Chicago on Oct.2nd,,I've got tickets and will go to at least review it. Hope its very entertaining.
Woodchuck ATC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 3,280

Just got back from the showing in Chicago tonight.....was a very complete and fun history of Yosemite's boldness, from the origins of Harding and Robbins, through the Stonemasters era,,and into the present day speed climbers, solo climbers and climber=BASE jumpers. The theme was the every new generation pushes the limits further,,much more than the previous,,and always under the scrutiny of the older generations. I think it got a mixed reaction from most of the small crowd here to see it. Also got a few freebees, some raffle give aways, and hours of climbing on their very nice featured concrete Enterprise indoor wall. A fun outing....Over all, I will buy this DVD when it comes out next spring for sure.

Woodchuck ATC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 3,280

Just got back from the showing in Chicago tonight.....was a very complete and fun history of Yosemite's boldness, from the origins of Harding and Robbins, through the Stonemasters era,,and into the present day speed climbers, solo climbers and climber=BASE jumpers. The theme was the every new generation pushes the limits further,,much more than the previous,,and always under the scrutiny of the older generations. I think it got a mixed reaction from most of the small crowd here to see it. Also got a few freebees, some raffle give aways, and hours of climbing on their very nice featured concrete Enterprise indoor wall. A fun outing....Over all, I will buy this DVD when it comes out next spring for sure.

Woodchuck ATC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 3,280

Just got back from the showing in Chicago tonight.....was a very complete and fun history of Yosemite's boldness, from the origins of Harding and Robbins, through the Stonemasters era,,and into the present day speed climbers, solo climbers and climber=BASE jumpers. The theme was the every new generation pushes the limits further,,much more than the previous,,and always under the scrutiny of the older generations. I think it got a mixed reaction from most of the small crowd here to see it. Also got a few freebees, some raffle give aways, and hours of climbing on their very nice featured concrete Enterprise indoor wall. A fun outing....Over all, I will buy this DVD when it comes out next spring for sure.

Woodchuck ATC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 3,280

Just got back from the showing in Chicago tonight.....was a very complete and fun history of Yosemite's boldness, from the origins of Harding and Robbins, through the Stonemasters era,,and into the present day speed climbers, solo climbers and climber=BASE jumpers. The theme was the every new generation pushes the limits further,,much more than the previous,,and always under the scrutiny of the older generations. I think it got a mixed reaction from most of the small crowd here to see it. Also got a few freebees, some raffle give aways, and hours of climbing on their very nice featured concrete Enterprise indoor wall. A fun outing....Over all, I will buy this DVD when it comes out next spring for sure.

Woodchuck ATC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 3,280

Just got back from the showing in Chicago tonight.....was a very complete and fun history of Yosemite's boldness, from the origins of Harding and Robbins, through the Stonemasters era,,and into the present day speed climbers, solo climbers and climber=BASE jumpers. The theme was the every new generation pushes the limits further,,much more than the previous,,and always under the scrutiny of the older generations. I think it got a mixed reaction from most of the small crowd here to see it. Also got a few freebees, some raffle give aways, and hours of climbing on their very nice featured concrete Enterprise indoor wall. A fun outing....Over all, I will buy this DVD when it comes out next spring for sure.

Woodchuck ATC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 3,280

Just got back from the showing in Chicago tonight.....was a very complete and fun history of Yosemite's boldness, from the origins of Harding and Robbins, through the Stonemasters era,,and into the present day speed climbers, solo climbers and climber=BASE jumpers. The theme was the every new generation pushes the limits further,,much more than the previous,,and always under the scrutiny of the older generations. I think it got a mixed reaction from most of the small crowd here to see it. Also got a few freebees, some raffle give aways, and hours of climbing on their very nice featured concrete Enterprise indoor wall. A fun outing....Over all, I will buy this DVD when it comes out next spring for sure.

Woodchuck ATC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 3,280

Just got back from the showing in Chicago tonight.....was a very complete and fun history of Yosemite's boldness, from the origins of Harding and Robbins, through the Stonemasters era,,and into the present day speed climbers, solo climbers and climber=BASE jumpers. The theme was the every new generation pushes the limits further,,much more than the previous,,and always under the scrutiny of the older generations. I think it got a mixed reaction from most of the small crowd here to see it. Also got a few freebees, some raffle give aways, and hours of climbing on their very nice featured concrete Enterprise indoor wall. A fun outing....Over all, I will buy this DVD when it comes out next spring for sure.

Woodchuck ATC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 3,280

Just got back from the showing in Chicago tonight.....was a very complete and fun history of Yosemite's boldness, from the origins of Harding and Robbins, through the Stonemasters era,,and into the present day speed climbers, solo climbers and climber=BASE jumpers. The theme was the every new generation pushes the limits further,,much more than the previous,,and always under the scrutiny of the older generations. I think it got a mixed reaction from most of the small crowd here to see it. Also got a few freebees, some raffle give aways, and hours of climbing on their very nice featured concrete Enterprise indoor wall. A fun outing....Over all, I will buy this DVD when it comes out next spring for sure.

Woodchuck ATC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 3,280

Just got back from the showing in Chicago tonight.....was a very complete and fun history of Yosemite's boldness, from the origins of Harding and Robbins, through the Stonemasters era,,and into the present day speed climbers, solo climbers and climber=BASE jumpers. The theme was the every new generation pushes the limits further,,much more than the previous,,and always under the scrutiny of the older generations. I think it got a mixed reaction from most of the small crowd here to see it. Also got a few freebees, some raffle give aways, and hours of climbing on their very nice featured concrete Enterprise indoor wall. A fun outing....Over all, I will buy this DVD when it comes out next spring for sure.

Woodchuck ATC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 3,280

Just got back from the showing in Chicago tonight.....was a very complete and fun history of Yosemite's boldness, from the origins of Harding and Robbins, through the Stonemasters era,,and into the present day speed climbers, solo climbers and climber=BASE jumpers. The theme was the every new generation pushes the limits further,,much more than the previous,,and always under the scrutiny of the older generations. I think it got a mixed reaction from most of the small crowd here to see it. Also got a few freebees, some raffle give aways, and hours of climbing on their very nice featured concrete Enterprise indoor wall. A fun outing....Over all, I will buy this DVD when it comes out next spring for sure.

Woodchuck ATC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 3,280

Just got back from the showing in Chicago tonight.....was a very complete and fun history of Yosemite's boldness, from the origins of Harding and Robbins, through the Stonemasters era,,and into the present day speed climbers, solo climbers and climber=BASE jumpers. The theme was the every new generation pushes the limits further,,much more than the previous,,and always under the scrutiny of the older generations. I think it got a mixed reaction from most of the small crowd here to see it. Also got a few freebees, some raffle give aways, and hours of climbing on their very nice featured concrete Enterprise indoor wall. A fun outing....Over all, I will buy this DVD when it comes out next spring for sure.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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