The Backyard (2002)

We all did some crazy stuff when we were young but this ensemble definitely went beyond that as the film states as it being extreme. They sure aren't thinking of the physical damage to their bodies inside and out that will most certainly cause them issues as they get older unless it kills them first. The adults in this except for Rob Van Dam were pathetic to say the least in my opinion. The only sane thing was the coming from Rob Van Dam himself and in the first "Deleted Scene" where he talked about how he first got started. Be constructive not destructive is the best policy something I remember being told when I was their age.

This is quite a harrowing and chilling documentary. I felt like crying at what the youth of today consider to be meaningful behavior. But it is not only youth, but parents are actively supporting their young ones in this dangerous activity. This film is an amazing study of teenage existence, and what it means to be young in today's society. It is subtle, intelligent and does not pass judgment. Instead it is up to you the viewer to formulate your own opinion. This remarkable approach really takes you into the world of backyard wrestling. While the subject did initially put me off from wanting to see the film, I am so glad I did. It makes my top 5 list of 2003 must-see documentaries.

This is essentially kids beating the living hell out of each other for the fun of it. I expected to sit down and watch a straight forward documentary , but this film is far from it. I think there is a new wave of young filmmakers who are really daring, and this film certainly ranks up there. People in the audience were actually laughing throughout the film, and there was a huge applause at the end (am thinking this could be The Rocky Horror of Docs and screen at midnight theaters for years to come!!!) The filmmakers show a real passion for their subjects, which allows them to get close enough to them in a really subtle way. This is a world I didn't know existed and it is truly remarkable how sometimes films can present something in such a way that it takes your breath away. The scenes in Arizona are shocking, yet the scenes in England are stunning. It is also quite funny and shockingly compelling at other times. Two very high thumbs up, but not recommended for kids.

I was lucky enough to see this movie last summer/fall, when Paul Hough himself sent me a copy to review, and I can tell you that I was not disappointed. I have seen many tapes on backyard wrestling, the kind that they sell on late night infomercials, and this is not the same old crap that they are selling you. This is a film. This film tells the stories of young hopeful "wannabe's" and what they will do to try and become the next wrestling superstars of tomorrow. With little money and lots of imagination, these kids put on their shows, sometimes in front of 1 or 2 people and act as if they are working the main event at WrestleMania in front of 50,000 screaming fans. The things they do may not be healthy, and make you squirm, but they want to prove that they have what it takes to make it in the big leagues.I dont want to give too much away, but do keep your eye on the man named "The Lizard". His story is one of my favorites. I would like to know what he is up to these days and if he is still going after his dream. Paul Hough is a class act and has always been kind to me and deserves all the best after making such a great film. If you liked "Beyond the Mat" I think you will find this more than satisfactory. If you didn't see "BTM" give this a shot, I think you will like it. ~Brad Lee