Committed II showcases the premiership of British climbing; the very best climbers on the very hardest routes. The UK's first E12, Scotland's toughest winter route, gritstone's best "last great problem", the youngest female ascent of an E7 and the world's maddest mantel; it's all here. This film had my jaw dropping, my palms sweating and at times my heart threatening to pack up, but above all this film had me inspired.

Hot Aches latest offering is their best yet. Following on from the first 2007 edition of Committed the cameras are rolling as Britain's headline first ascents are made, but with Committed II the action more focussed concentrating on five stories, each in a stand alone film.

The Walk of Life, E12 "...terrifying" (pic David Simmonite)

Two of these involve the man of the moment James Pearson on his new testpieces; the technical beauty of The Groove at Cratcliffe and the terrifying Walk of Life. These are both gripping films, with Hotaches effectively capturing the sense of fear not only for James but all the onlookers. As well as the meticulous preparation required The Groove also showcases just how stunning gritstone can be on those perfect crisp winter days. The first thing that hits you on the Walk of Life is the sheer scale of the wall at Dyers Lookout. The fact that this route is a major step beyond anything James has ever experienced before begins to tell as the camera picks the mental battle as near disaster strikes on one attempt. When on another attempt the camera lens begins to spatter with rain you really do feel you might be witnessing the full potential realities that make up E12. The route and film are a truly gripping ride.

The Hurting XI, 11. "...a storm battered attempt"

The Allrounder is the longest and most in-depth film of the five looking at Dave Macleod's virtuous performances across all aspects of the climbing game. The sheer range of climbing and filming environments is impressive culminating in a storm battered attempt on a grade XI winter route. The sections of Dave bouldering in Glen Nevis are particularly beautifully filmed and the whole story adds up to an intimate portrait of the UK's leading climber.

Rhapsody E11 "...great Dumbarton testpiece "

Rhapsody 3 revisits the great Dumbarton testpiece following Steve McClure as he attempts a repeat of what will be his hardest trad lead to date. Steve as always comes across very well on screen, humble and depreciating but with his determination and skill shining through. The relationship between Steve and Sonny Trotter, also there attempting the route is a lovely little moment in this film.

The 'Grit Kids' "...a breath of fresh air "

My favourite film of the five is "Grit Kids" which follows 17 year old Peter Whittaker and 19 year old Katy Whittaker as they tear up their local gritstone. Despite the technical smoothness of these two wunderkins there's plenty of tension and excitement; Katy nervous giggling post crux contrasts with Pete's gurning on the outrageous mantel crux of his incredible new E9. Grit Kids captures the pair's playful personalities well and draws a fine portrait of the relationship they have with their climbing parents. We are somewhat familiar with many of the characters in climbing DVDs so the Whittakers are a breath of fresh air.

Dynamics of Change. E9 "...outrageous mantel crux "

All in all Committed II is superb, definately Hot Aches best film to date, capturing the real life tales behind the headline ascents and putting story telling back at the fore front of climbing film making. Highly recommended.
Ian Parnell