The athletes have a fierce determination and a strong work ethic (which they apply to dangerous and possibly fatal sporting events and stunts, but still...). The athletes' behavior embodies good sportsmanship and sends a message about the value of friendship and support.

Positive Role Models & Representations

Parents need to be very up front about discussing the fact that these are trained athletes whose actions should not be imitated by kids. Although the athletes are presented as responsible and professional, they consistently push the limits of sense and caution, up to and including engaging in high-risk stunts with broken bones incurred in previous events.

Violence

Various high-impact spills, falls, and accidents in the context of extreme sports; a disclaimer at the start of the film notes that all of the film's stunts are performed by "trained professionals under highly supervised conditions."

Sex

Language

Nothing audible beyond "oh my God," although at one point a frustrated athlete clearly -- albeit wordlessly -- expresses a stronger expletive.

Consumerism

The film features a profusion of sponsor logos in the staging areas and on the athletes' gear, including Mountain Dew, Taco Bell, Dunlop, Yamaha, Staples, Shoei, Verizon, the Navy, and many more. The movie could also be considered one big promotion for the X Games themselves, which are a very commercialized event.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Winners brandish champagne on the stand at athletic events.

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this sports documentary showcases high-energy, high-risk stunts performed by expert professionals. There's a high degree of danger in these events, and viewers see plenty of high-altitude falls and bone-jarring crashes. Kids will glean some positive messages from the athletes' professionalism, enthusiasm, and camaraderie -- but they'll also probably need strong reminders that similar stunts shouldn't be undertaken lightly or replicated at home. Expect to see lots of sponsor logos in nearly every scene.

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Teen, 13 years old Written byFILMCRITIC500 April 6, 2012

age 7+

an already big screen sports event is taken to the bigger screen

action sports lovers will be thrilled by the nonstop trciks in this movie. there is a brutal, bone-breaking scene at the end, but thats the only bad thing. othe... Continue reading

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Teen, 15 years old Written byFILMGEEK225 August 21, 2009

age 11+

DISNEY AND ESPN'S X-GAMES 3D THE MOVIE FLYS HIGH ABOVE AND PAST IT'S FLAWS

X-GAMES 3D IS A FANTASTIC MOVIE FROM THE DISCLAIMER AT THE OPENING TO THE AFTER CREDITS FOURTH WALL GAG WITH SHAUN WHITE IT'S EXCELLENT. BUT MY ONLY TWO PR... Continue reading

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What's the story?

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.

Is it any good?

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.

Talk to your kids about ...

Families can talk about the appeal and the excitement of extreme sports. Do audiences get into it because of the competitors' athleticism and daring ... or because there's always a chance that someone could get hurt? Does the element of risk make sports more exciting?
The X Games are always highly branded. Why do you think corporations try to associate themselves with this kind of event? How does seeing so many logos and product names affect kids?