Murderball didn't make as much of a splash at the box office as it should have, but all you who didn't see it can make up for it now. This week's pick is Murderball. It is a great documentary about a game that few people see, but more important than that, it is about the people who play the game.
Murderball is the name used for rugby played by quadriplegics. I wasn't sure I had read it correctly either when I first heard about it. I always had it stuck in my mind that a quadriplegic had no use of their four limbs, and I couldn't be more wrong. Apparently, it is a term used for anyone who has impairment of the limbs. Mobility can be affected to different degrees based on where the break in the neck is.
Anyway, this film follows the US and Canadian teams as they battle each other around the country and in the Para-Olympics. More than that, we get insight into a few of the guys. We learn how they ended up in a chair, how they accept where they are, and how they have had better lives since their respective accidents.
It is a fantastic movie. After seeing it, I haven't looked at those bound to wheelchairs the same. I know that really doesn't sound right, but I do not have the words to properly explain myself. All I can say is, watch the movie, I have no doubt that you will love it too.
Other releases this week include:
- Family Guy, Volume 3. The triumphant return of the Griffin clan to primetime. This is the 14 episodes that comprised the 4th season.
- The Frighteners: Unrated Director's Cut. Finally, the full cut of Peter Jackson's inventive ghost story.
- The Great Muppet Caper: Kermit's 50th Anniversary Edition. The second Muppet adventure in a newly created transfer.
- Jurassic Park Adventure Pack. One low price for all three dino-movies. Just in time for the holidays.
- King King vs. Godzilla / King Kong Escapes. Here are the 2 Toho produced Kong films, in preparation for Peter Jackson's new film. Too bad the suit is so bad!
- March of the Penguins. A delightful documentary about the family life of the Emperor Penguin. A smash at the box office, and hopefully again on DVD.
- Mr. & Mrs. Smith. I believe a 2 disk version is in the works, but this is still a fun action adventure which really knows how to use its star power.
- The Mummy Collector's Set. The 3 Mummy related films in one fine gift pack.
- The Muppet Christmas Carol: Kermit's 50th Anniversary Edition. The Christmas classic, finally in its OAR.
- The Muppet Movie: Kermit's 50th Anniversary Edition. The first Muppet adventure remastered.
- Muppet Treasure Island: Kermit's 50th Anniversary Edition. One of my favorites.
- Sky High. Fun coming of age film set in the currently hot world of comic book superheroes.
- Tremors Attack Pack. The fun original and all the mediocre sequels, together for the first time.
- Zatoichi, The Blind Swordsman: Volume One. The first volume of the television series, based on the long running film series.
Article comments
1 - Bill Wallo
Thanks for the review of Murderball. I'm intrigued by the film, haven't seen it yet. Sounds like I need to.
2 - ClubhouseCancer
Murderball is terrific -- one of the films of the year. These guys are some of the best athletes I've ever seen perform. They're also a bunch of profane, passionate, sometimes lunkheaded, well, athletes.
This isn't one of those compassionate docs about the "handicapped" that move one to tears. Don't bring your compassion to this movie; bring your awe, and a willingness to understand that these guys are way better athletes than you are.