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"PRO"
CRITICAL ACCLAIM
VELO NEWS
"Like a Hollywood movie premier, “PRO” debuted in Las Vegas with some of its stars in the house. Before the film, director Jamie Paolinetti thanked the athletes who let him into their lives. Two hours later, viewers in the packed room understood why.
The second film by Paolinetti, “PRO” succeeds in its mission to show a side of the USPRO race that hasn’t been seen before, but its real achievement is its honest, gritty portrayal of professional road racers.
From the opening shot of the streets of Philly to the lingering close-ups of the contenders in the quiet moments before the start, Paolinetti pays respect to the race and the racers.
“PRO” is a great leap forward from Paolinetti’s first film. It points the camera at many of the sports most recognizable names, and the interviews go beyond canned finish line quotes, capturing some real gems.
“To show the fans what it feels like to be one of these guys in the race” was one of the major goals according to Paolinetti. In that he succeeds."
ROAD CYCLING.COM
"This is not a film about a race. It is about the personalities and teams that make the race and that make the sport of cycling what it is. It highlights the human struggle that is professional cycling.
Exclusive and candid interviews with the big boys take you right into the heart of the beast as the riders prepare for their assault on the most coveted award on the calendar.
I defy anybody who watches to sit in their chair whilst watching the riders wrestle their bikes up the Manayunk wall. Your legs will be twitching, heart thumping and legs stomping every bit as much as if you were right there in the peloton.
Bike fans the world over will love this movie and the opportunity it presents them with to get right there with the riders."
BIKE.COM
“A refined, grown-up big brother to the raw, overwhelming Hard Road.”
“Paolinetti does a great job pacing the movie, building the drama. We feel the same tension that the racers must have felt.
Technically, it’s an improved effort over The Hard Road as well. The much tighter story arc gives “PRO” more focus, more intensity, and a pace that carries the movie from beginning to end seamlessly. Every shot means something; every interview, every race sequence, all are important.
In all, Jamie Paolinetti is giving the cycling world a gift with the release of “PRO” and should be rewarded. Buy this movie – I recommend it for anyone involved in cycling in any way at all.
NOBODY is capturing the soul of bike racing the way Paolinetti is right now. His movies are a must have for ANY serious cyclist.”
DVD TALK
“One of the things “PRO” drives home to great effect, is that cycle racing is truly a team sport.” “PRO” is nicely structured, and we really get to know the different riders, which in turn makes the race portions of the film more compelling. “PRO” runs just shy of two hours, and is well paced enough that it feels like just the right length.
If you’re at all interested in the world of professional bike racing, “PRO” is sure to be of interest. It’s quite accessible to viewers who are relative newcomers to following cycle racing. At the same time, “PRO” has a lot to offer hard-core racing fans. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!”
DAILY PELOTON.COM
“PRO” is a huge step above The Hard Road, which is excellent in its own right. There are things you simply cannot see as a roadside fan, but you will see them here, and you will come away with an understanding of just how amazing it is that anybody wins.
“PRO” will enlighten and captivate you, whether you are an avid American race circuit fan, or don’t even know most of the racers’ names. The mix of race action and rider interviews in this film could not be more comprehensive – it is almost to the point of uncanniness. – “Jamie was spot on”.
Jamie Paolinetti does it again, bringing the reality of being a professional rider to the screen. More than a behind the scenes look, it is “the scene” as it unfolds during Philly week, when the best America has to offer meets on the field of battle with top European pro riders.
The sensations of pre-race jitters returned to me as I watched the film. The riders emotional cascade is as palpable as walking through the peloton, waiting for the gun to go off.
Jamie Paolinetti has made not only a visually dynamic film that transports one into the race, but clears the vacuum of what goes on by way of preparation in each team.
The quality of the music and cinematography only add to the experience, increasing the tension and excitement. I rate it a MUST SEE, and like The Hard Road, a MUST HAVE for your movie collection.”
PEZCYCLING.COM
“PRO” will give the average cycling fan a fascinating look inside the minds of several of their favorite racers. Some of the footage will really get the fan inside the sport. For an outsider, it will give them a great understanding of the teamwork and tactics that are involved in winning a bike race.
Overall, the film is a huge improvement over The Hard Road. The cinematography and picture quality is on a completely different level, the sound is clear and crisp and the original score is exciting and catchy. It is a nicely put together documentary that will interest both the dedicated fan and the uninitiated alike.”
ACTIVE.COM
"Full of tons of pristine digitally shot bike racing footage, “PRO” is also interspersed with many interviews and profiles of individual stars that offer insights into what motivates and drives them to compete at the top level, as well as offering a primer on bike racing strategy and team tactics.
It’s a detailed and engaging film, a MUST SEE for any cycling fan. The film succeeds in allowing cycling fans to mingle with the sport’s top athletes and vicariously pick their brains, while at the same time putting you in the best seat in the house to see some hard-fought racing action."
TRUESPORT.COM
“WOW! Finally a film from the racer’s perspective. This film was not made by some TV Producer guy who got stuck doing a cycling movie instead of figure skating.
Beware, you’ll be watching this over and over before you can get all the film has to offer. Two thumbs up! Four of four stars, or whatever rating system you want to use!”
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