Carpe Diem 2 — Seize the Day!
- Updated: November 10, 2005
Carpe Diem 2 has arrived. 60 minutes of ATV adrenaline, with plenty of funny antics, crazy stunts and plenty of motocross action. However, we feel some of the content makes this movie more appropriate for an older viewing audience. One year ago, at the 12 Hours of ATV America in Fort Dodge, IA, we were approached by a gentleman by the name of Brad Phillips, owner of an extreme sports video company – then going by the name of Innervision Industries. He wanted to play his company’s soon-to-be-released full-length ATV-action video Carpe Diem, which means, Seize the Day in Latin. We agreed and later on Friday night Brad projected his first video on a huge outdoor screen. To sum up the review – we basically praised Brad’s first effort.
One year later the company name has changed from Innervision Industries, to Premis. Along with the name change, came promises of a second Carpe Diem release, which would blow the first one away. Nearly a year after our first viewing of Carpe Diem a small manila envelope arrived. In it was the second installment – just waiting to be played. Before we knew it most of the ATV Scene staff was assembled in Magoo’s extremely lavished basement, eagerly ready to check out the second offering in the Carpe Diem trilogy.
The Review
The Good:
Featuring a 60 minute run time, Carpe Diem 2 offers some of the biggest names in ATV racing today as well as up and comers. This list includes; Jeremiah Jones, John Natalie Jr., Joel Hetrick, Doug Gust, Skyler Stewart, Chad Wienen, Keith Little, Brock Lyons, Cale Downen, Sage Baker, Jason Lewis, Greg Stuart, Roger Brown, Dave Sutherland, as well as MTV star Bam Margera and skate boarder Kerry Getz. One of the coolest features of the DVD is the ability to choose two audio modes. Most ATV movies filter out the sound of the machines, leaving the viewer forced to listen to the music soundtrack only.
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| Joel Hetrick is as much of a superstar in Carpe Diem 2 as he is on the GNC circuit. Joel is impressive enough that he gets his own segment, where he tears it up on his 90 Mod Hetrick Racing backed machine. | While riders of all disciplines will find Carpe Diem 2 entertaining, the emphasis of the film is definitely on the ATV MX scene.
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We were glad to see Premis mix it up a bit with some cross country action and some cool riding from Glamis over new years. After the usual intro, where you are introduced to the riders, it’s off to the first segment featuring team Suzuki riders Doug Gust, and Jeremiah Jones. It is immediately evident that Premis stepped it up for their sequel. Along with plenty of action filmed trackside there’s a good deal of helmet cam footage as well as film shot from a helicopter – thus showing action from just about every perspective.
From there, Premis takes us on a journey across the United States checking out cool ride spots such as Glamis, many of the nation’s top GNC motocross tracks, some cross country riding in Kentucky, a trip to Keith Little’s house and they even managed capture footage while hanging out with MTV’s Bam Margara. If you are a fan of ATV motocross you will definitely like Carpe Diem 2. While the film features some sand dune and cross country riding, the majority of the riding segments in this film were shot at motocross tracks. Don’t get us wrong we’re big motocross fans, but we were glad to see the addition of some different disciplines of ATV riding. About the only type of riding that wasn’t represented in this video was ATV freestyle. At first we were a little disappointed to not see any wild freestyle stuff but after thinking about it there are other titles out there that cater to freestyle riding, so we can’t blame Premis for not going that route in their newest video.
Besides the riding segments, Carpe Diem 2 offers plenty of crazy antics throughout. Some of this footage left us rolling with laughter, while other parts left us shaking our heads, (more on this later). Skate boarding, sky diving, 50 pit bike action and even a segment on wheelie and donut action on ATVs and street bikes add to the interest of the film. Perhaps the most hilarious segment was where Skyler Stewart and Jordan Vaughan take the Premis Yamaha Rhino through an automated car wash. We also have to make mention of blowing up a Porto Pottie at the London, KY GNC. They didn’t even wait till the guy inside got done finishing up his business, funny stuff.
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| There is a right way and a wrong way to do things. Here Skyler Stewart and Jordan Vaughan show us how to conserve water by washing the Premis Rhino and themselves at the same time. Funny stuff! | In this day and age, with more and more titles coming out, you have to stand out. Carpe Diem 2 includes throw in segments from the world of skate boarding, pit bikes, sky diving and several other sports to make the film even more entertaining. |
Hey Bam, who will MTV blame for your tragic accident when you crash with that beanie hat on? We strongly feel that anyone appearing in any ATV movie should wear the proper safety equipment whether they are a celebrity or not. The soundtrack for Carpe Diem 2 will be pleasing to most of the viewing audience. While this movie retains a rock theme, it features everything from 80s big-hair band Skid Row to some of today’s most talented unsigned artists. Music intensity ranges from moderate to hard. If you feel compelled to complain about some of the heavier songs, don’t blame Premis, – you’re just too old.
The Bad:
Unfortunately some of the things that make this movie cool detract from its appropriateness for the younger viewing audience, but that’s not what we’re calling “bad” about Premis’ newest creation. We’re definitely a little concerned about the segment with Bam Margera. While we continue to preach to young riders about proper riding safety for their own good, as well as the good of the entire sport, this film features the MTV star repeatedly ripping 30 foot leaps aboard a Honda Foreman 450 with no safety equipment – not even a helmet. It was great that they were able to get Bam in the film, but if he thought he was too cool to put on a helmet, or was afraid that it would detract from his, “bad boy image” — we would have preferred he be left out of the film altogether. We asked Premis owner Brad Phillips about this and he told us, “Bam is a psycho who does whatever he wants. We thought that it was more important to show this A-list celebrity’s involvement in our sport. I too wish he was wearing the proper safety equipment, but unfortunately he wasn’t. I do extremely stress that all of our viewers wear proper safety gear anytime they hop on an ATV.”
Interesting use of helmet cams, combined with using helicopters as a filming platform for some segments, make Carpe Diem 2 more cinematically entertaining to watch then the original. While we’re talking about irresponsible behavior, we should mention the segment with Skyler Stewart, friends and family. The group takes a trip to Lake Powell. After proclaiming how good Budweiser beer tastes after 27 hours with no sleep – they proceed to enjoy a day of cliff-jumping and jet skiing. This can lead the young impressionable viewer to believe that all of this is going on while intoxicated. Seriously concerned, we asked Brad Phillips why he felt this sort of behavior belonged in the movie. We were glad when he assured with this. “We know that operating a water craft while intoxicated is dangerous and illegal. I assure you that none of the people in the video riding or participating in stunts were under the influence of any substance.”
Final Conclusion
Video quality and action-wise, Carpe Diem 2 is definitely a cut above the original. No matter your discipline of riding, it is sure to entertain. If you are a motocross nut, you’ll feel this video was made just for you. It still retains the underground feel that we loved in the original Carpe Diem, but the overall quality is a bit refined through the addition of helicopter filming as well as some innovative helmet cam shots. The only thing we noticed was a lack of camera control from time to time. Nothing annoying, we’re just being picky.
The riding segments kept us entertained and the additional footage from the other related sports definitely added to our interest in the movie. While many of the funny antics kept us laughing, the helmetless-Bam-segment and the drinking-at-Lake-Powell portion make us question how appropriate this movie is for young viewers. According to Brad Phillips, “I would personally give this movie a PG-13 rating. As with anything, parents should be involved to explain the differences between right and wrong. It’s a great movie that should entertain dad as much as his kids.” We agree.
Carpe Diem 2 is now available at your local dealer. Or click premisind.com
