TT3D: Closer to the Edge

Just got back from seeing this in a packed house at the local fleapit, and it seemed most of the crowd were as impressed as I was, although to be fair most of them were probably predisposed to enjoying an hour and a half of on- and off-track action from the run-up to the 2010 TT, and the event itself.

The Isle Of Man TT Races are familiar to motorsport fans around the world as the Holy Grail of roadracing, an astonishing course set over, in, through and around 37 and a bit miles of the Isle Of Man's countryside, mountains, towns, villages and 'road furniture'. Riders blast through narrow country lanes with stone walls, lamp-posts, kerbs...at speeds approaching 200mph.

To some people in this risk-averse age, the obvious question is "Why do these men (and the odd woman) risk their lives?". The majority of the non-racing scenes in the film give the riders point of view on this; it will not spoil anything to say that the consensus is that riding is a thrill like no other; riding at the extreme is something else beyond that. The passion for the race is all-consuming.

When considering the risks these riders take, it is worth bearing in mind that for many of the riders (and their crews) this is not a full time job. They are not millionaires like formula 1 drivers. While other people get a look in, the focus and star of the show here is Guy Martin, the part-time lorry mechanic, part-time superbike racer, full-time charismatic rebel who has the talent, drive and popular support of a great champion but has never won a TT. Will he do it this year ? Those who follow the sport know the answer, those who don't will be willing him on during the film's race scenes.

I would recommend this without hesitation to anyone who is into motorsport, anyone who wants to understand why other people are into it, and most strongly I would recommend it to anyone who has the slightest interest in learning about other people, what makes them tick, and what you can learn from them.

Went to see this last Wednesday with a few friends and the Mrs. We all thoroughly enjoyed the film, and Guy Martin provided plenty of entertainment throughout the film. Gives a brilliant insight into the TT and those who race there, and is done so in a way which doesn't alienate people who are not into bikes or the TT. The film doesn't shy away from the danger of the race and goes a long way in explaining why racers take such a risk, and the passion that many people have for the races.

Will be bought on DVD as soon as it is release, I can only hope that more films like this will be released.

Get it seen

I loved the film and think it captures the essence of the TT. Guy Martin makes the whole thing watchable for all viewers because he is such a character, and he's very comical - which I don't think is intentional... and that makes it even better to watch! There are some great spinal tap moments as well.

I liked the filming of fans, families, team owners as well as the riders themselves. It showed the soul of the TT, rather than usual attempts of a bike film with bad-ass bikers and heavy metal music. Thank goodness this film didn't that way! Saying that, I think the film could have been an epic but fell just short. The following are niggles, to what is a 'must-see' film;

There is some amazing footage which never made it into the film - from 2010 and past races. Ryan Farquhar was on the limit that year, as well as Michael Dunlop - watching them fighting to stay in control of their bikes was simply breathtaking. Also, there are regular on-board overtakes with the front wheel in the air at 140+mph (due to rises on the road) shows the extremes of the riding... all this action seemed to be missed. Although, don't get me wrong, there is plenty of action... but more could have gone in.

There are incredible photographs that were not shown (to capture moments too fast to see in film). These also show the extremes of the TT - bikes bottoming out their suspension to scrape their fairings on the road, and riders brushing the walls with their helmets and leathers etc. etc.

Contrast all that with the fans sipping tea, or having a nap in a field shows the TT is a race that deserves a world audience. I think the extremes could have been played a bit better.

As another reviewer says, some of the solo footage of Guy on a bike was pretty lame, and so out of context to the rest of the film. I also think some of the pre-race (testing) preparation footage could have been shortened giving more time to the action and history...

Still, the film is great, and I will be a buying it on DVD/Blueray as soon as it is available.

What an amazing film. It was everything that I Superbiker wasn't. Has made me love Guy Martin even more (if that was possible). I had read that the film focuses too much on the deaths and crashes that have been present through the history of the race. I disagree; I think they dealt with them well and in a way that really does bring home what this circuit means to all those who race there.

I certainly don't think this is just a film for the boys (being a female motorcyclist myself) and I don't even think you need to have a love of bikes. Right from the start you care about the characters, the race footage and interviews etc keep you on the edge of your seat, with your heart in your mouth throughout the film I hope this film does a lot for for the world of motorcycle racing; both circuits and road racing alike.

With great anticipation we travelled the 55 odd miles to the nearest 3D cinema showing this film.

We'd booked the tickets a week before and had then spent the whole week scouring the net for reviews and trailers as we didn't really know how the subject was going to be portrayed. I can happily say we were not disappointed.

The film really took you into the heart of TT racing and showed the spirit and passion of all those involved from the fanatical fans and dedicated Marshall's to the talented and brave riders and their families and teams.

I shed a tear, laughed and most importantly felt a renewed passion and dedication to get us over the water to the TT as soon as possible.

I disagree with a previous review that only men will like this film. There are plenty of us female bikers out there and with the totally photogenic Guy Martin playing a starring role how could it go wrong?! I hope this film goes onto be a big success but, as with all types of biking media, it won't get the coverage or publicity that it really deserves.

Get yourself to a cinema now and watch what is a very well put together, entertaining and interesting bit of cinematography you won't regret it.