You won't be disappointed!

The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

The documentary starts off with a look at the training some of the kids go through. It is intense stuff, and from their training they look like they could play their respective sport really well. However, I was surprised to see initially, that they weren't doing that well come game time. Also, it didn't help that their parents were on the side yelling at them.It is very disconcerting to know that children are being raised like this, because I am sure it happens. This documentary does at times feel like a reality show, since the people being filmed obviously know they are being filmed, and sometimes get prompts to answer questions. But, I did like that we could hear the questions being asked, as it did add some 'spontaneity' to their answers. As well, the editing and sequence of the scenes are well done. I do feel like we see a bit more of the two basketball athletes (which is fine by me), but we see more of their games and not much after game talk. I do wonder where the other half of the kids' parents/ family are. We get glimpses of them on screen from time to time, but they don't give any comment. For the most part, the cinematography is good, with close ups and long shots. However, there are instances where it feels more like a found film, with the camera handled by a rookie, or teens on the run. Some scenes would start with an extreme close up of the parent, and zoom out, with the camera shaking a bit as well. While that does add to the documentary aspect of it, perhaps it is an indication that this is a low budget film. Overall, a terrifying watch, with parents thinking they always know the best. Some of their behavior can definitely be contested as emotional abuse to their children.

This is a documentary that successfully captures the moments which really provide an insight into these children's lives. You really cannot help but feel awful for these children; whilst I appreciate there is some value for parents to push their children, the extent to which they are pushed is just disgusting. As others have mentioned, the dad of girl that was playing golf is just horrendous. How could anyone treat their child in such a way.It was particularly ironic when the parents of the two basketball players managed to get the coach fired - for 'bullying'. Absolutely awful. As the coach said, it's sad to see a generation where everyone is so heavily focused on themselves.As for the family of the football player, the car ride scene was heart-wrenching. It baffles me that a parent would think that they would gain respect by speaking to children in such a way. The mother knew what was wrong with the way her child was spoken to, although lacks backbone to stand up for her opinions. The father though, goodness. No words.It's definitely an interesting insight into the lives of kids who are being pushed to the limit and beyond by their parents - and I do not say this in a positive manner. A must watch for all parents, to observe what NOT to do.

Seriously, it was getting uncomfortable to watch Golf Dad pouting all over the course after every single shot his daughter hit. that guy is a complete scumbag. Can't believe some of the things he calls his daughter.. "wait until you get in the car." You've gotta think their is some physical abuse going on at home too.. he even implied in that one scene when he's getting up from the golf cart that he wishes it was the 70s again where it was 'acceptable' to beat up your kids. Seriously felt like this guy is just banking on his daughter becoming a pro one day and he can mooch off her winnings the rest of his life. Hope that scumbag gets what he deserves. And what was with the basketball dads? How delusional could they be thinking their scrawny little barely 6 feet tall white kids have any chance of playing D1 basketball? Was hilarious to me when that Cal Poly all black team just came in and ran them out of the gym. It's one thing to be a nut case sports dad when your kid actually has a special talent, but these white kids are simply average players who have no chance at D1 basketball, let alone becoming a pro one day. Tennis Mom was creepy, though I found it interesting how she really didn't even pay much attention when her kids were playing tennis. Too busy babbling about Jesus to the director, numerous times where she all of a sudden says "oh that was match point!" like she was not paying attention to the score at all. Football dad was insane, that scene in the car with the kids mother driving didn't even seem real. His thought process is so warped it felt fake that he actually believes the stuff he says. Coach Meier was awesome though, loved everything he said. Spot on. Would recommend watching but prepare to be disgusted and angry at the end.

Rarely have I been angrier than when I watched this documentary. The film is about some kids who have parents who are the ultimate helicopter sports parents--parents who insist their children MUST succeed and at any cost. What will you see in this film? Well, several parents use threats of physical abuse to motivate their little athletes. All of them use emotional blackmail and emotional abuse (though the mother of the tennis players wasn't as bad in this respect) and literally have robbed their children of childhoods. And again and again, it's shocking that these parents haven't had their kids taken away from them and the schools have often caved in to their bullying. It is not an exaggeration that these parents are among the most vile you could imagine. After all, a crack-addicted parent could blame crappy parenting on the drug but these parents have no such excuse.Okay, it's obvious the film created a huge emotional reaction within me. But what about the technical merits? Well, when the film began I noticed that the camera-work was simply awful--and the camera bounced around as if it was using a monkey cam. Fortunately, it DOES get better...so stick with it. My only question, though, is how could the filmmakers watch all this abuse and not get involved? Sure, I know they wanted to make a film but there also comes a point where you'd think they'd have a responsibility to take their material to Children's Services.By the way, if you want to watch a film that touches on SOME of this but offers a much wider range of parenting and the children's enjoyment of the game, try "The Short Game". And, incidentally, one of the vilest parents is in BOTH films.Overall, I'd say the film is good despite some technical glitches because it DOES get your attention and hold it. But it also is VERY frustrating because the viewer REALLY wants to know what's happened to these poor kids.