All This Mayhem

I went into a cinema without a clue what I was going to watch! For the first ten minutes I was hesitant and didn't know if I would sit through the entire movie. I have no particular love for skating but can relate to that ethos from teenage years.

In the end I stayed and began to enjoy the roller-coaster that this doc takes you on.

The use of well sourced actual footage of their childhood/teenage days up to to the pros and after paints a vivid account and perfectly documented time line of their lives and careers. The added PTC's from Tas Pappas and others add that missing dimension and beautifully tie it all together in a classic doc style.

Utterly compelling and keeps a great level of suspense. Really enjoyed this movie. NOW I like skating!

Rags to riches to rags ---- an all too familiar story!

Tas and Ben Pappas, two Australian brothers, through their personal drive and commitment, become stars in Australia on the skateboard circuit. They both have talent and ambition to make it as a team. And they do! In Europe they reach the top and then the tumble begins. It's a sad story to witness youth gain so much then loose so much.

If you are a skateboarding enthusiast this is a top documentary to watch. Director Eddie Martin doesn't hold back on anything while telling the ten years of Tas and Ben Pappas rise and fall.

I wondered just how can two achieve so much even while indulging in drugs and other substances but their youth kept them going - youth passes by and they were unprepared for that fact.

Many people we deem 'winners' or as 'the best' are not. They just were generic enough to fit in the system and wanted the fame more than others (even to the extent of selling their own identity and/or soul for it. The world believed them and so it is so. And vice versa about the so called 'losers'. This is a story that shows this phenomenon and more. I love it when invisible people and their story are made visible, especially those with an authentic story and struggles. Interesting story, impressive.

I must say I went to the cinema not expecting to much, But it exceeded expectations to the point where i would put it up to one of the best docos this year easily. It reminds me of "The Lords of Dogtown" documentary. But blows it out of the water. It is a must watch, as it shows a lesser known side of Australian sport. All this Mayhem will appeal to a wide range of people, especially people who played the Tony Hawk games and noticed the Australian Skaters weren't in the games. It has a completely different view on the world of skating and follows the tragic story of, to me are the most influential Australian skaters to date. Enjoy GO WATCH THIS FLICK

I Don't normally bother with reviews. Loved this though. Great highs and great lows for sure. Cried my eyes out. I really hope this film does well for Tas and that he has a chance to be at peace with himself and be a good father to his kids and partner to their mums. I suffer from the self destructive stuff myself. Never thought I would have admiration for an Aussie either, this is a brilliant documentary. There are not many films where I can say i have laughed out loud and then had tears welling up almost at the same time. Also I guess a good guide of what to try and avoid when making it big in any arena of your life. I will recommend this documentary to others.