All This Mayhem

source: All This Mayhem

The world number 1 and 2 skateboarder left for America as children to chase their dream in the sunshine state and they did so. In their drugged up debauchery they slowly lost grips of only part of sanity they had left. A sad story of two champions. A must have watch.

As an American, when someone brings up the topic of skateboarding, the first thing that comes to mind is Tony Hawk. I remember him growing up. He was the prodigy for this newer sport that sort of blew up in the 80s/90s. He was very much the face of the sport, but was he the best and most adventurous? Tas Pappas would tell you "* no!" The docu was quite interesting. I'm a sports fan, but gave up paying attention to skateboarding years ago. I guess I grew out of it. Regardless, I still respect the sport, and what the pros are able to do. Before watching this documentary, I wasn't sure if I remember who the Pappas brothers were, but after watching the documentary, I won't forget. Tony Hawk started as a purist skateboarder just like any skateboarder, but eventually he became, what felt like, bigger than the sport. Tony the skating phenom turned into Tony the marketing guru mighty quick. The movie isn't about Tony much, but it's just interesting how much differently him and the Pappas brothers managed their relationship with the sport. Ben and Tas were purists through and through, and this story gives a detailed overview of their lives, and how they impacted the sport in a different way. There was a stretch in time where they were ranked higher than Tony, and they were constantly one upping each other. They had the competitive spirit thing figured out from birth, it seemed. They explain where the spirit comes from early on in the film. In their hey day, they lived the lifestyle that you would only see in the movies. With that came the downfall. Definitely a very solid watch.

I've been on the fence whether or not I should bother video-taping life in general- This documentary proves a reason to bother. Its incredible how much footage they had, likely not knowing it would come to use for this purpose. The film was put together really well, and the music was placed really well, which is important. I'd keep an eye on this director. Reflecting on the 80's in America: I'd already been reminiscing about the 80's and how it seemed a more exciting and colorful era here in America. People just seemed to take more risks back then. These risk takers were hardcore, not all in a good way, but faithful to their way of life. This film makes Tony Hawk seem like a real dick, but you can read about his response to the film online. I skateboarded for several years as a teen, and I'll tell you "vert" (half-pipe) skating is no joke- I couldn't even 'drop in' on the ramp ( and I was a semi-professional slalom water-skier, ranked 1rst in the Boys Division NY State). Skateboarding is an underrated sport for many reasons: to become good, it's a lot harder than it looks. It is also one of the lowest paying sport professions, alongside Waterskiing and other water-sports. Kleenex alert: elevated

This is one of the best documentaries I have ever seen. I skated in my late teens through to Uni that led to a pretty wild inter-rail trip at only 17 around Europe and of course via Amsterdam to skate and watch the pros. Had a photo with pro Eric Koston on the train to Berlin from Amsterdam. I was not familiar with the Pappas bros but I am familiar with some of the other characters in this doc: Tony Hawk and Danny Way - my respect for those guys has completely left the building. I also won't touch another Tony Hawk skateboarding video game. Although the Pappas brothers are completely mental, incredibly stupid at times (pissed myself at Tas's attempt to smuggle in cocaine) and had massive egos. I couldn't help but laugh and relate to some of the scenes (not the drug smuggling though!) I also missed my times skating and still ponder on buying a new deck but realise that being a 35 year old guy, it just wouldn't be cool anymore. It was so interesting to see the 'dark underbelly' of professional skateboarding and I can completely see how these guys lost it. They were in the start of what has become incredibly commercial now (check out how commercial it is now, see the Street League competitions sponsored by Monster drinks.) Pappas bros had sponsorship money thrown at them, got to travel and compete, were partying constantly and most likely had skating chicks on their arms constantly. Of course they were going to go off the rails especially when they didn't really have a good mentor in the skateboarding industry or in their family. They were two Bogan brothers from Melbourne who were incredibly talented at everything they did. They made it in professional skateboarding, even in the commercial & corrupt X Games. I wish they had got into a team with more rounded skaters at that time, that might have grounded them. But there are so many skaters who lost it or are nuts. Check out what happened when some jocks offended pro Mike Valley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5TTMvY01Is - that was definitely a bad idea. Absolutely moving I laughed, I swore, I was gutted & I almost cried. It is completely tragic but don't want to let you know everything. Shines a light on drugs and mental illness. I am glad I saw this without knowing the end. Love skating until I die.

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.

Greetings from Lithuania. "All This Mayhem" (2014) is a highly absorbing and involving documentary about lives of two brothers skateboarders, who came from Australia to USA and at one point concord the world of skateboarding. There are a lot of skateboarding footage, and i'm not a fan of skateboarding, but i do like to watch it so there was a lot of "wow" moments when these brothers were doing what they did best. And this movie also tells full story, of what those brothers also did aside from skateboarding, and it's truly a sad story. Overall, "All This Mayhem" is a highly involving documentary even for those who don't like skateboarding itself. At running time 1 h 40 min it never dragged and was highly involving from star till finish and also it tells a very true story. Kinda must see documentary.

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.

I decided to go see this film after seeing the craziness of the advert and knowing almost nothing about the Pappas brothers and I was not at all disappointed with what I saw. From a rather wild childhood and young years skating through crazy pro skating years and many struggles there after, this documentary brilliantly takes you along the journey with both Ben and Tus Pappas as things steadily somehow go more out of the control by the second. With interviews from many at the time and a lot of footage, this documentary gives a very real and honest view of pro skating, drugs, travelling alone to new countries at a young age and all that goes with it. Definitely worth a watch for anyone whether interested in skateboarding or seeing a truly wild side of life and living.