A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.

The acting is good, and the firecracker script has some excellent ideas.

Murderball (2005): Dir: Henry Alex Rubin, Dana Adam Shapiro / Featuring: Joe Soares, Mark Zupan, Keith Cavill: Riveting documentary about retaliating against one's flaws or faults. It regards a contact sport where wheelchair impaired can arm their wheelchairs and become part of a sport where no padding exists. The basketball court is to their total disclosure. They can pass the ball and touch down but they can also ram their opponents. Directors Henry Alex Rubin and Dana Adam Shapiro create one of the best and most intriguing documentaries ever filmed. They focus on three particular individuals whose limitations are generated towards celebrating the turning of that limitation towards a talent. Joe Soares is cut from the American team and retaliates by coaching Canada. He has a son who plays the violin and who yearns for his father's attention and approval. Mark Zupan tells of the accident rendered his condition. He was sleeping on the back of a truck unknown to a friend and an accident occurred that rendered his condition. Keith Cavill learns to accept his condition after a dirt bike accident. Not only does this documentary examine this wheelchair full contact sport but it demonstrates how God can use our weaknesses for greater glory so that others can surpass despair and render a difference in their own lives as well as bring hope to others. Score: 10 / 10

Without a doubt, most of us take our limbs and our ability to use them for granted. It's not surprising, and probably not something to be ashamed of. The guys who play "Murderball" wouldn't hold it against you, after all, one of them says that he does "more in a wheelchair then he did able-bodied." Still, when we come across someone with a disability, our minds tell us to feel sorry for them and try to help. But the guys in "Murderball" make it clear that they do what they have to do to go about their daily lives, and they won't let their disabilities get the best of them.This is a solid, and at times powerful (though only in a few spots is it hard to watch), documentary, but it is not a sports movie. Instead it's about how people whose lives are suddenly altered cope with it and overcome the odds to become independent. Sure it deals with Wheelchair Rugby, aka "Murderball" ("It's called 'Murderball,' but you can't really market that to corporate sponsors," jokes one of the players).It's good about demonstrating how they live their lives, but it doesn't go on for too long about it. The directors seem to be in the same mindset as the men the film is about: we can do the same things you do, we just have to do it a little differently. This is the best aspect of the film because it makes it clear that that is how people with these disabilities want to be seen as: different, but still independent. The part where they discuss having sex when disabled is pretty funny; everyone gets an instructional video (the movie includes some clips), but nothing is graphic enough to warrant the R rating the MPAA gave it. That's a shame, because the film provides a valuable lesson for everyone. I also liked the story about the guy whose accident was very recent, and how he slowly begins to cope.However, it's awkwardly directed. It gives background into the lives of some of the players, but sometimes it loses focus. Take the Canadian coach, Joe Bishop. He's an interesting person, but since the movie is primarily about the TEAM USA players, spending so much time on him doesn't seem necessary, especially because he doesn't present any information about the topic that we don't (or couldn't) get from someone else. Additionally, some of the dialogue feels scripted, instead of coming naturally. I guess the directors were trying to do too much, which is curious because of the relatively skinny 88 minute running time.The worst part is the ending. It skims over the big game (that is obviously going to come at the very end-that's a given in a sports movie), and there's no dialogue in one of the most potentially powerful scenes, when Mark Zupan meets up with the guy who drove the car that paralyzed him. At this point I felt sort of gypped.Still, it's a great movie, and a valuable learning experience for all.

Tonight I finally made time to watch the incredible documentary Murderball - a truly exceptional film. Through the introduction of action, conflict, and tension, the directors and editors compose a telling film that transcends athletes and disability. Murderball also blends an almost perfect three act structure with a natural arc for each character as well as the overall story. Not only is this film a hard-core doc packed with unfolding drama and arrogant and funny characters/people, it is also a surprise to anyone with stereotypes about disabled athletes. Despite the machoism and crude behavior of many of the people in the film, the documentary is as honest as I've seen in a few years. You don't have to like the characters to love the story. The film-making crew deserves every credit and reward that has resulted from this film. Kudos!

There are movies which leave a lump in your throat, movies that give you goosebumps, and movies that make the tears well up. This is undoubtedly one of those films.For me it completely dispelled any stereotypes i had concerning the disabled and changed my view on not only what it means to be winner but also to be a man.Also being a rugby player myself i loved the rugby aspect and could easily relate to the ferocity of the action. Loved it. Go see it, rent it, watch it through a video store window, i don't care, i would advise that it is a worthwhile experience.