All This Mayhem is a documentary film released in 2014 directed by Eddie Martin, which tells the story of two Australian brothers, Tas and Ben Pappas, and their rise and fall in the world of professional skateboarding. The movie follows the brothers' journey from their early beginnings in Melbourne, Australia, where they discovered their passion for skateboarding, to their rise to fame in the 1990s, when they became the youngest professionals in the history of the sport. Tas and Ben quickly became renowned for their fearless and innovative style, and they soon found themselves at the top of the skateboarding world, competing in prestigious events such as the X Games and the Gravity Games.
However, as their success grew, so did their recklessness and self-destructive behavior. All This Mayhem documents the brothers' downward spiral into drug addiction, alcoholism, and legal troubles, leading to serious consequences that ultimately ended their careers and left them estranged from each other.
The film features interviews with Tas and Ben, as well as friends, family members, and fellow professional skateboarders, who offer insights into the brothers' personalities, motivations, and struggles. Through archive footage, we see Tas and Ben's feats on the skateboard, their interactions with fans and competitors, and the chaotic lifestyle they embraced.
All This Mayhem is not just a story of two talented skateboarders, but a compelling portrait of the consequences of fame, fortune, and excess. The film exposes the darker side of the skateboarding culture, where drugs, violence, and self-destruction are too often part of the game.
However, despite the profound tragedy of their story, All This Mayhem is also a testimony to the resilience of the human spirit. Tas and Ben's bond, despite their tumultuous relationship, is shown throughout the movie, and even in their darkest moments, there is a glimmer of hope that they might find a way to overcome their demons and redeem themselves.
Overall, All This Mayhem is a gripping and emotional documentary that takes the viewer on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. It is a powerful tribute to the lives and careers of two remarkable skateboarders, whose legacy transcends the sport they loved.
All This Mayhem is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.
