Nicole C
The documentary starts off with a look at the training some of the kids go through. It is intense stuff, and from their training they look like they could play their respective sport really well. However, I was surprised to see initially, that they weren't doing that well come game time. Also, it didn't help that their parents were on the side yelling at them.It is very disconcerting to know that children are being raised like this, because I am sure it happens. This documentary does at times feel like a reality show, since the people being filmed obviously know they are being filmed, and sometimes get prompts to answer questions. But, I did like that we could hear the questions being asked, as it did add some 'spontaneity' to their answers. As well, the editing and sequence of the scenes are well done. I do feel like we see a bit more of the two basketball athletes (which is fine by me), but we see more of their games and not much after game talk. I do wonder where the other half of the kids' parents/ family are. We get glimpses of them on screen from time to time, but they don't give any comment. For the most part, the cinematography is good, with close ups and long shots. However, there are instances where it feels more like a found film, with the camera handled by a rookie, or teens on the run. Some scenes would start with an extreme close up of the parent, and zoom out, with the camera shaking a bit as well. While that does add to the documentary aspect of it, perhaps it is an indication that this is a low budget film. Overall, a terrifying watch, with parents thinking they always know the best. Some of their behavior can definitely be contested as emotional abuse to their children.
yang_l
This is a documentary that successfully captures the moments which really provide an insight into these children's lives. You really cannot help but feel awful for these children; whilst I appreciate there is some value for parents to push their children, the extent to which they are pushed is just disgusting. As others have mentioned, the dad of girl that was playing golf is just horrendous. How could anyone treat their child in such a way.It was particularly ironic when the parents of the two basketball players managed to get the coach fired - for 'bullying'. Absolutely awful. As the coach said, it's sad to see a generation where everyone is so heavily focused on themselves.As for the family of the football player, the car ride scene was heart-wrenching. It baffles me that a parent would think that they would gain respect by speaking to children in such a way. The mother knew what was wrong with the way her child was spoken to, although lacks backbone to stand up for her opinions. The father though, goodness. No words.It's definitely an interesting insight into the lives of kids who are being pushed to the limit and beyond by their parents - and I do not say this in a positive manner. A must watch for all parents, to observe what NOT to do.
cukwak
Parents... horrible. I'm sure they are not all like the ones in this movie, but wow. It just angered me to watch how these parents behaved toward their kids and people around them. Amari (little golfer) had the worst, with her over bearing father cursing & swearing... calling her names that NO parent should EVER call their little daughter.For the two basketball kids, wow, they truly are talented with this ball skills, but the physical limitations were pretty obvious, especially against those Division I ready kids. At the end of the day, the parents had no idea what these kids wanted to do.. One of the parents actually saying that she's doing everything to help her kids achieve their dream... which frankly was her dream.
pattymayo-89177
Seriously, it was getting uncomfortable to watch Golf Dad pouting all over the course after every single shot his daughter hit. that guy is a complete scumbag. Can't believe some of the things he calls his daughter.. "wait until you get in the car." You've gotta think their is some physical abuse going on at home too.. he even implied in that one scene when he's getting up from the golf cart that he wishes it was the 70s again where it was 'acceptable' to beat up your kids. Seriously felt like this guy is just banking on his daughter becoming a pro one day and he can mooch off her winnings the rest of his life. Hope that scumbag gets what he deserves. And what was with the basketball dads? How delusional could they be thinking their scrawny little barely 6 feet tall white kids have any chance of playing D1 basketball? Was hilarious to me when that Cal Poly all black team just came in and ran them out of the gym. It's one thing to be a nut case sports dad when your kid actually has a special talent, but these white kids are simply average players who have no chance at D1 basketball, let alone becoming a pro one day. Tennis Mom was creepy, though I found it interesting how she really didn't even pay much attention when her kids were playing tennis. Too busy babbling about Jesus to the director, numerous times where she all of a sudden says "oh that was match point!" like she was not paying attention to the score at all. Football dad was insane, that scene in the car with the kids mother driving didn't even seem real. His thought process is so warped it felt fake that he actually believes the stuff he says. Coach Meier was awesome though, loved everything he said. Spot on. Would recommend watching but prepare to be disgusted and angry at the end.