Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Murderball (2005)
What is a total badass to do if, during their total badassery, they have a disastrous accident and end up as a quadriplegic?
The answer is quite simply, play Murderball. Oh sure. They might need a few years to relearn how to perform bodily functions. Accepting that you will never walk again is never easy. But at some point, these total badasses become more focused on where to find the thousands of dollars it costs to buy the Murderball wheelchair. It is a highly customized, heavily reinforced wheelchair that can survive hundreds of hard hits and keep on rolling.
Murderball is also known as wheelchair rugby or quad rugby. Like rugby, Murderball is a full-contact sport without all the sissy pads and helmets. Unlike rugby, there don't seem to be any of those pansy safety rules. Except maybe rules for frequent breaks. Quadriplegics overheat more easily than the rest of us. They can't sweat as much.
The only downside to watching "Murderball" is that you will come to realize that you are never going to be half the badass these Murderball players are. They play with a relentless abandon. They score trophies as easily as they score women. They travel around the country and the world competing in tournaments. And they inspire other fellow quadriplegics to not just survive, but to thrive. Murderball is life.
- You are under the age of 15. The film contains some swearing, violent scenes, and adult themes that may not be suitable for younger audiences.
- You are uncomfortable with content that deals with physical disabilities and the challenges associated with them.
- You dislike documentaries or sports films. Murderball is a documentary about the Paralympic sport of wheelchair rugby.
- You are negatively affected by intense competition and conflict. The film showcases strong rivalries and confrontations between the players.
- You prefer light-hearted or comedy films. While Murderball does have moments of humor, it also delves into serious and at times emotional topics.
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "Murderball"? I mean, talk about false advertising. You hear the title and you might think it's a horror movie. You've got your popcorn ready, maybe a comforting teddy bear for the screams. But there's no Jason with a machete, no Freddy in a PE kit. It's actually a documentary about wheelchair rugby. Now, I'm not saying it isn't intense, but the scariest thing about it is the level of competitiveness.
And they're using these wheelchairs that look like they're designed by Batman. They're like armored tanks with wheels. I'm half expecting one of them to launch a missile at any point. Where do you even get a wheelchair like that? Is there a secret wheelchair dealership I don't know about?
The King's Speech (2010):
If you enjoyed "Murderball," you should definitely check out "The King's Speech." Despite their different settings, both films revolve around characters overcoming immense physical and societal challenges. In "The King's Speech," Colin Firth plays King George VI, who grapples with a stuttering problem amidst the trembling political situation of the World War II era. Just like "Murderball," this film offers a heartening narrative on resilience and determination
127 Hours (2010):"127 Hours" is a great follow-up to "Murderball," providing another powerful depiction of tenacity. In this gripping interpretation of true events, James Franco plays a mountaineer who resorts to desperate measures after being trapped under a boulder during a solo expedition. "127 Hours" also explores physical limitations and personal endurance, making it a riveting watch that complements "Murderball."
Soul Surfer (2011):"Soul Surfer" is a true story about a teenage surfer, Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack but didn't let this stop her from pursuing her passion. With themes of resilience in the face of physical challenges similar to those in "Murderball", this movie is a deeply inspiring watch.
The Sessions (2012):Like "Murderball", "The Sessions" takes on the narrative from an unexpected angle - a man paralyzed from the neck down who wishes to lose his virginity. Much like "Murderball," this film is bold and unhesitant, touching on sensitive topics with grace and humor.
The Intouchables (2011):If you appreciated the way "Murderball" handled the theme of physical disability, then you'll likely enjoy "The Intouchables" too. This French drama tells the uplifting story of an unlikely friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic and his live-in caretaker. It's sincere, heartfelt, and maintains a wonderful balance between humor and emotion.
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