SUPER futuristic climbing

Lost Rocks, Crimps, and Climbing Clichés

Round 2 of the Mellow Rock Games just dropped, and with it comes four more slices of climbing cinema—each one aiming for glory, chalky fingertips, and maybe a few internet points. I watched them all, scrawled some notes, and had at least one moment where I whispered “I must find it…” under my breath.

Let’s get into it.

1: The Search For Lost Rocks – Gets the SUPER Vote

Imagine if your bouldering crew turned a climbing sesh into a treasure hunt—and actually committed to the bit. “The Search For Lost Rocks” kicks off with grainy map footage and VHS-style throwbacks that channel full-on Treasure Island energy. There’s skits, there’s lore, there’s a climber caressing a rock like its treasure chest.

But what makes it work isn’t just the theme—it’s the personality. Each goofy interlude gives the audience time to reset before diving into another gritty send attempt. Sure, it’s a bit rough around the edges, and it could’ve gone even deeper into its own absurdity. But it’s the one entry that felt like it wasn’t just about climbing—it was about climbers.

Best Vibe: Treasure Island with chalk buckets.
Could’ve Improved: Push the comedy and story further.
Stays With You: 100%.

2: Queenline – Runner-Up, and a Beauty

This is the kind of video that could be played at a film festival and no one would bat an eye. “Queenline” is crisp, moody, and masterfully paced. The highlight? A brief pause at the kneebar rest, where the music fades just long enough to make you lean forward—and then slams back in as the crux begins.

It’s just one climber, one route, one push—but everything is so tightly edited and scored that it lands with impact. You feel the tension build, you feel the rhythm shift, and you feel the final pull to the top. It’s not trying to be funny or wild—it’s just trying to be excellent.

Best Moment: The music switch on the headwall.
Could’ve Improved: A touch more narrative or context.
Verdict: Best pure climbing edit of the bunch.

3: Friends and Acquaintances – Las Vegas Meets Mellow

This one starts strong: neon signs, casino glitz, and the faint promise of a contrast between the synthetic chaos of Vegas nightlife and the serenity of bouldering in Red Rock. That idea? It’s gold.

But after the first minute, the concept fades, and what we’re left with is a very pretty—very chill—climbing video. The shots are clean, the vibes are right, but it doesn’t go much deeper. Still, it’s a pleasant watch and visually polished.

Best Aesthetic: Vegas opening sequence.
Could’ve Improved: Sustain the narrative.
Verdict: Great style, not enough substance.

4: Backroads of Appalachia – Default Mode Engaged

This one’s… fine. If you told an AI to “generate a climbing video set in the southeast,” this is what you’d get. Standard camera shots, slow fades, familiar soundtrack. The title says “backroads,” but it’s Stone Fort. That’s like calling Times Square a hidden gem.

Nothing here is bad—but nothing here is bold. It’s the safe option in a lineup full of videos trying to do something different. And when the baseline for this competition is creativity, playing it safe just doesn’t cut it.

Best Part: Smooth cinematography.
Could’ve Improved: Literally everything else.
Verdict: Forgettable.

Final Podium

🥇 The Search For Lost Rocks – Because climbing should be weird and fun.
🥈 Queenline – Pure execution.
🥉 Friends and Acquaintances – Cool intro, coasts afterward.
🎖️ Backroads of Appalachia – No risk, no reward.

Got a favorite? Think “Queenline” should’ve taken gold? Still wondering if the Lost Rocks team is okay after caressing that boulder? Drop your thoughts in the comments—or go rewatch that kneebar section and feel something.