The unpredictable winter conditions force these riders to follow the snow, and ultimately deliver some phenomenal footage. The making of the film, included, is also appealing for anyone interested in a behind-the-scenes take on snowboard movies.

This was one of the best snowboard movies I have seen this year. Some of the more competent riders from North America and Europe are showcased; those with a mix of rugged athleticism and … well stupidity: there’s nothing they won’t try. Pair those ingredients and the result is a film that’s not just fun to watch, but they make it look easy. 
I appreciate them addressing the changing environment and its affect on winter sports. It’s an issue today that truly touches every aspect of our world. In spite of this, they don’t let it hinder their wintry pursuits. Instead, it becomes the driving force of where they film, and ultimately an opportunity to find the best snow. 
Most of the boarders are quite universal riders, able to shred anything. The heli shots are excellent, showing the tremendous skill of both riders and photographers. MFM does some sweet urban riding in his hometown of Denver – he knows all the offbeat places to hit. Mikey LeBlanc even exhibits some expertise on toboggan riding, which he claims his family invented.
Overall, the content is both professional and cohesive. There is a nice variety between the music, styles of riding, and filming locations. Everything from backcountry riding with heaps of powder to gnarly heli drops, and even an interesting documentary-style making of the film in the extras, together make this movie worth seeing. 
Absinthe Films put an impressive amount of energy into the creation of the flick. I recommend watching Optimistic? to get in your fix of pure riding, and if you’re interested in learning how its made, the Flipside* is for you.
 
*Flipside is a separate DVD that has 7 twenty-minute episodes about the making of the film Optimistic?. We were pleasantly surprised at how interesting and educational it was. Among the wintry landscapes of Alaska, interior BC, New York, and Switzerland, you get an accurate sense of the adventure and camaraderie that accompany these filming expeditions. It’s a chance to get to know the personalities behind the riding and see the realities of their nomadic winter lifestyle. They talk about how they think about jibs, the lengths they had to go to get certain shots, and how they paid people to “rent” an urban retaining wall. Although there is not a ton of action clips, there’s enough to draw you in and remind you why you love snowboarding.