Review of The Crash Reel (2013) by Christos V — 16 Jan 2014

This was a surprisingly fresh documentary that was much more than what the title suggests. With growing reality shows profiting on the viewers' need to see bigger stunts and bigger injuries, it uplifts the heart just in time for the 2014 Olympics which gives a new found respect for Athletes the world over while taking a step back to look at the safety of today's youth and "Jackass" film makers profiting on a one word disclaimer "Don't try this at home". I must see for families.

Spoiler alert:

"Don't read below unless you've seen this documentary!".

Kevin Pearce is just as much a hero as his younger brother with Down's syndrome. What amazed me was the filmmaker ability to create a beautiful arc of the human spirit rivaling any snowboarder's double corkscrew off a 22' wall of snow where the nurturer becomes the nurtured and the power of human spirit, family bond, and friendship pulls the viewer in. Only a film worthy of a 5 star can leave the viewer transformed in 1 1/2 hrs. An inspiration at every level, The Crash Reel sets the bar higher for all of us new film makers, fans of any dangerous sport, parents, and those responsible for programming content-I am talking to you TruTV and anyone producing a title starting with " World's most extreme...".

I hope someone braver than me or with the power to do so creates legislative requirements for insurance for athletes from the moment they put on there gloves. "Just do it" dares us while The Crash Reel cautions us of our addiction to adrenaline and voyeuristic, rubber necking tendencies to sport injuries.

Note to the sponsors of Kevin Pearce: your 3" stickers are better served on a handicap accessible vehicle for people like Kevin Pearce on countrywide speaking tours than on his snowboard and helmet.

Note to viewers who saw this: didn't Shaun White seem to take any responsibility for kicking Kevin out of his house than taking a step back and say let's keep this competitive but safe and watch each other's backs? Screw the crowd- they don't have to live with their thirst for blood. I freaks me out that our society still has that mob mentality lookiing forward to a gladiator dying in the ring for their enjoyment.

-Christos Volikakis.

San Brizzo Journal(joke.

P.s. I did not read the critic reviews and would appreciate and feedback on my review from critics and other viewers.