Hey, thanks! That's good to know.

...could've used that in the film...

Why does everbody want this movie to succeed so much?

I saw this movie last week and I really enjoyed it. It had all the elements of what I consider to be a "good" documentary: interesting subject matter, engaging "cast", and information that I didn't know previously but found interesting. That the movie had suspense, comedy, and drama in it was all the better.

I will agree, however, that the marketing strategy seems to be flawed. As was pointed out, most of the ads in any form don't really convey what the movie is about, nor do they really give a compelling reason to see it (unless you base your movie choices solely upon what the critics think, and I'm sure most people here do not). An alternative approach, although flawed in itself, could have been to market it as a story of people triumphing against difficult odds, a la "Rocky". The cheese and sentimentality factors would have the potential to get out of control with that strategy, however, if they didn't do it right.

Why did I go see this movie? Because I thought the subject matter would be interesting, and because I could somewhat relate to it (I am physically handicapped, but I use crutches instead of a wheelchair, and I don't play wheelchair rugby). I personally feel that this movie, given the chance, can illustrate that handicapped people can do great things, and that in most respects, many of them are "normal." Without trying to sound too "preachy", I don't think those points have gotten through to most of America yet. Hopefully this film will accomplish some of that to a degree.

Perhaps because the people who have seen it really like it.

Why? Does it make me an S.O.B. if I don't have any interest in watching people in wheelchairs? Or is this a case of the Emperor's New Clothes where I must watch & praise it because they're in wheelchairs?

Do Murderball a favor - club a penguin.

I'd go to the theater to see it. Problem is, the nearest theater showing it is 2 hours drive one way. You see, my two local Carmike Cinemas simply must have the latest 'blockbusters' showing on at least 2 or 3 screens.

Nah, wasn't thinking you were an SOB, but I can't really understand how watching people overcome their handicaps (literally) is seen as something that most people would find uninteresting. I'm not into PC crap and don't think these people should be treated much differently from the rest of society... just seems some people want to avoid seeing something that makes them uncomfortable. Not saying you feel that way, but from the posted article it seems to imply that is a reason people aren't attending.

This movie looks great and I can't wait to see it.

I liked the movie but I am starting to get tired of seeing these guys everywhere. They are all over MTV and were on Larry King last nite. Enough already. I guess that's what happens when MTV gets ahold of the film, they try to make everybody rock stars.

The article explains it all - you can only go see Murderball at 80 - 100 theaters nationwide. I haven't seen the movie because it's not playing here, not because I'm not interested.

I kinda like the TV spots with the John Goodman voiceovers - more than anything, they got me interested in seeing the movie.

cheers,

-the Jesus

I saw it last night, it was EXCELLENT!!!! Very well done doc. It's frank, honest, emotional, captivating, educational, and intelligent, not to mention entertaining. Perhaps that's why it isn't a huge blockbuster.

Because it's playing an hour away?

And... STILL... many of the theatres that show it don't have wheelchair access?

it's not a huge blockbuster because everyone's off seeing crap like "Wedding Crashers" "Stealth" and "Must Love Dogs"

:D

but in all honesty, I agree I just saw this the other day and I was quite impressed.

I'm guessing there are a lot of overly sensitive people who cringe at the idea of people in wheelchairs in a violent sport. "Why can't they play nice? They're just going to hurt themselves even worse! Heavens!"

I have no plans to see it. I guess I've just never been too interested in the whole "people overcoming adversity" genre.

I'm not going to see it because I just don't care. People in wheelchairs playing rugby just doesn't interest me. Why should it? I don't really care about "people overcoming adversity" either.

I'm not interested in it. I'm not interested in the penguins either. Now Waco: The Rules of Engagement and Ayn Rand: A Sense of Life interested me.

When it comes to documentaries I'm very selective. I usually have to be very interested in the subject matter.

Hey all,

Ok -- regardless of the title, regardless of the types of people in the flick, regardless if it's a documentary or not -- if the main subject matter of the movie (in this case, based loosely the topic of rugby) doesn't interest someone, they won't see it. If it's a movie on car repair, i don't care who's in it -- i won't see it. However, there are others who will....

There are also people who arent interested in sports movies (or documentaries for that matter).

Matt

If it was penguins playing rugby, they maybe I would go see it.

To be honest I didn't really have much interest in seeing this movie either until an opportunity presented itself, but if you compare this to say a movie like Vera Drake-(I mean come on, a movie about abortions is not exactly popcorn material), that movie was still quite moving though. Bad analogies aside, thats kind of like Murderball, except it is MUCH more entertaining, and makes you think a little bit more, and shows a bit more real-life than the average blockbuster. The fact that there are moments that are akward or even uncomfortable and really make you think makes it that much better IMO.

The name for one. It sounds like a horror flick. Also, when people find out what it is about, it turns them off because it's a documentary.

:up:

Only a couple of reasons why I'm not interested in seeing this flick:

Firstly, I saw a 30-minute preview of the film/the team members on MTV called "Jackass Presents Murderball". I enjoyed Jackass during it's run, and still catch the occasional rerun or "Wildboys". But the preview was pretty dismal. It also was not hyped as a film preview, but rather was insinuated to be some new "Jackass"-related show. For this reason alone, the film will not attract much audience.

Secondly, and I know this will make some of you say "What a fucking prick/jerk!"....but all this crap about the strengths involved in overcoming adversities such as paralysis is just that...crap. You either will continue on with your life in the best way you can, or you will not. It's that simple. I know, I've been there! If you are weak enough to give up your way of life without a fight, I question it's importance to you. Guys in wheelchairs play rugby? They sure as hell better! They still can get around. Some cannot. I'd be far more interested in seeing a show about someone who, say, paints with their teeth, or something a little more skillful than what is basically a ruffian's sport anyway!

ditto on some above posters... the movie isn't doing well because people jsut aren't interested in the subject matter. Oh, and because it's an extremely limited release, that too.