If you are anywhere near Hood River tonight, see McConkey. Here’s a preview that should get your juices flowing.

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The film captures Shane McConkey in all of his legendary courage and irreverent humor, shredding impossible mountain lines and launching himself off cliffs James-Bond-style followed by the dramatic opening of his BASE parachute.

But McConkey isn’t just another shred porn extravaganza of pristine mountains and radical dudes pulling insane stunts with no plot line or character development. This is a real story that is imbued with tension from the opening sequence, because you know this wonderful, charismatic character at the center is going to die a terrible death.

Shane McConkey starred at the Burke Mountain Academy and the University of Colorado before dropping out of competitive racing to go his own way, eventually becoming a freeskiing legend and film star. He pioneered the ski gear shift to twin-tip rockers and experimented with everything from naked skiing to BASE jumping to wingsuit flying.

He became a legend for his guts, his creativity, his zest for life, and his hilarious sense of humor.

He died brutally at age 39 in 2009 when his ski failed to release during a dangerous BASE parachute jump in the Dolomites.

The film McConkey received high praise in April when it premiered at the Tribeca Film Fest in New York, and when it screened in Portland Oct. 7. It is playing tonight at Andrew’s in Hood River so if you live in the Gorge, get out and see it. You won’t be disappointed.

What: McConkey

When: Two shows: 6 and 8 pm Thursday, Dec. 12

Where: Andrew’s Skylight Theater Pub, 107 Oak St. Hood River, OR 97031, Movie Line: 541-386-4888

Last modified: December 12, 2013