Glatpoti
It is so daring, it is so ambitious, it is so thrilling and weird and pointed and powerful. I never knew where it was going.
Brenda
The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one
Julian Radbourne
Once again the controversial subject of backyard wrestling makes it into the hallowed halls of The Two Sheds Review. This past Sunday, March 12th, Paul Hough's documentary, The Backyard, received it's British television premiere on digital station ITV4.Hough's documentary certainly makes for interesting viewing, as he travels across America meeting a cast of characters that are both disturbing and compelling to watch at the same time. For instance, there's the Gates brothers, who stage fights in their mother's backyard, and who come up with highly elaborate story lines, involving their mother, to explain their rivalry on videotape. There's also the 17 year old owner of Modesto Championship Wrestling, billed as the Vince McMahon of the backyard scene, who bosses his wrestlers around as if he owned their lives. There's an interesting scene where he chews out a young backyarder for arriving late, then presents him with his opponent for the show, a fat kid about three times his size.While there are those that don't support their children, especially the mother who drags her son away from a match in a park, the surprising thing is there are those who actively support what they do, such as the parents of a youngster named Scar who underwent countless major surgeries as a child, and an entire community in up-state New York that supports the local backyard federation. The only man who doesn't openly support them is the local high school wrestling coach.There's also a venture to my part of the world, as Hough visits East Norfolk Backyard Wrestling, located near Great Yarmouth, a group of youngster I had considerable contact with a few years ago (they wanted me to commentate on their videos, an offer I naturally declined). Adam Yarco and his pals consider themselves superior to their American cousins, and seem to delight in blading themselves to get the juice flowing.But perhaps the most compelling character of all is a 26 year old backyarder called The Lizard. With dreams of becoming a superstar, we follow the Lizard around the circuit, and to Las Vegas as he makes the final 250 for WWE's Tough Enough 2.It's the Lizard's encounter with the professional XRW promotion. It was interesting to watch as the Lizard was offered a professional debut, but it's against a professionally trained shooter, and he's asked to change his gimmick, something that he's reluctant to do.In a fast food restaurant after the meeting he voices his fears to the camera, of how the shoot fighter could cause him some serious harm, and how he's considering pulling out of the match with a fake injury (which he later does), and while I could understand his concerns, I couldn't help but think that he should have been voicing these concerns to his promoter rather than a film director. Later, we see the Lizard attending a training school, and making his professional debut.There's also a fleeting appearance from Rob Van dam, who says what while he supports the backyard scene, he thinks it should be more regulated, which is something that everyone knows just isn't going to happen.In conclusion - while The Backyard makes for compelling viewing, it's uneasy viewing at that. Seeing youngsters being put through burning tables and proud of the fact that they take bumps on broken glass still doesn't change my view of backyard wrestling. It's nothing more than disorganised chaos.
armyoflighthouse
I'd read that the director of this loves horror films and was attracted to making the film because of the violence. What stood out in my mind after watching the film was the slow motion shots of participants carrying barbed wire. It is done very much in a style that doesn't belong in a documentary but more in an action or horror film. I actually have to applaud the director for this because it really adds a sense of excitement to what we're seeing. As a pro wrestler myself I thought I'd hate the film, but to be honest with you although I hate the subjects (no doubt in my mind that they should get professional training and sometimes professional help) I found the film fascinating and if anything too-short. It was often funny and while I could watch everything my girlfriend kept turning away. Well worth the money!
bigscarymonster2001
Sometimes films speak to you softly. This one triumphantly and violently screams at you. But it is much more than a pure blood orgy. This is a profound examination of teenage life in America and the effect tv has on kids. Not only was I surprised about what I saw but I was surprised that the film doesn't blame professional wrestling for the violence. I wouldn't be surprised also if this film gets nominated for an Oscar - although I think possibly the fact that the film is about wrestling may prevent that.
garlicbreath57
This is a really, really violent film, and I loved every minute of it. I have never been a wrestling fan but I must confess that I loved watching these guys fight in their backyards. The staple scene is shocking and the scene where the guy buys mouse-traps is hilarious. There are so many scenes that are really, really funny. I think The Lizard is awesome! and I wish him the best of luck in the future. I think this is one of the best documentaries I've ever seen
