X Games 3D: The Movie (PG, 2009)

Following the "extreme" sports events of the annual X Games -- and going behind-the-scenes with many of the competitors -- X GAMES 3D: THE MOVIE (narrated by Emile Hirsch) captures the competition's high-flying stunts, from skateboarding to motocross. And thanks to the stunning 3D footage, the high-adrenaline, high-risk action featuring popular athletes like Shaun White and Travis Pastrana literally leaps off the screen.

X Games 3D is a bit of a contradiction; it's a full-length corporate promotional vehicle, but it also features amazing sportsmanship and effort in the name of excellence. The athletes -- familiar names like White, Pastrana, and Ricky Carmichael -- are interviewed about their efforts, achievements, and philosophy ... thoughtful moments that are intercut with more kinetic segments loaded with skateboard stunts, motorcycle jumps, dirt-track race car driving, and other high-energy events.

The 3D footage is fascinating, even if it gets a little repetitive. (And you actually have to wonder whether presenting a 50-foot fall in 3D is an optimal use of the technology.) Kids who can extract the message -- if at first you don't succeed, try, try again, and you never know whether you can do it until you try -- from the thrills and spills will find much to enjoy, and even learn, from X Games 3D.