Murderball

So, have you seen this movie, Murderball?
It's a documentary about the US Quadruplegic Rugby Olympic Team. It was very good, actually, but not exactly what I was expecting.

It basically focuses on this one guy (can't remember his name. I'm terrible with names anyway!) who used to play for the US team. He's been in a wheelchair since polio took the use of his legs and most of the use of his arms. He was on the team when they won the gold medal a few years ago. Well, as what usually happens, he got older, and eventually didn't make the team. So, what did he do? Did he accept the fact that he's no spring chicken anymore and move on with his life? No, he did what any true blue American would do, he sued. He brought a lawsuit against the team for not letting him on, and lost. (HA!) So, did he then accept the court's decision and decide to focus on family and support the sport he loves? No, he did what any asshole would do, he asked the Canadian team if they need a coach. His only goal now is to beat the Americans who wouldn't let them on their team. He lives in the US, and coaches the Canadians.

Speaking of his family, he has a son, about 9, that plays the violin. This poor kid has a long hard road ahead of him. There's a shot of dad telling someone he has a son who plays violin, with obvious embarrassment in his voice.

He and his wife celebrate their 10 year anniversary at a nice restaurant. His wife lifts her glass and says "To you." Does he reciprocate, and say "No, to you." or "To us."? Nope. He lifts his glass and says "To the gold, baby."

This guy, and really, everyone else on the team, is an asshole. While I have infinite sympathy for their position in life, they're assholes. I could go on about what the team members did, but I've rambled on about it long enough.

I was expecting a nice documentary about the human spirit, rising above the handicaps life has dealt, that kind of thing. These guys are assholes. I can't blame the filmmakers for these guys being jerks. So, all that said, you should see it.

Two thumbs up!