All This Mayhem – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

All This Mayhem

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2014

48%

WISE Score

100

Avg. Tomatometer

Australian skate prodigies rise fast and fall harder in this unflinching documentary about talent, drugs, and tragedy.

7.8/10

100%

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All This Mayhem

movie

MA 15+, 2014

48%

WISE Score

100

Avg. Tomatometer

Australian skate prodigies rise fast and fall harder in this unflinching documentary about talent, drugs, and tragedy.

7.8

100%

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, this is a really well-made documentary—the critical acclaim is deserved. The skateboarding footage is incredible, and the story of the Pappas brothers is genuinely compelling in that tragic, can't-look-away sense.

But let's be clear: this is not a family movie night pick. This is a heavy, sad documentary about two talented kids who got famous, got into drugs, and one of them died. It's unflinching in showing the downward spiral, and while that honesty is valuable for older teens and adults, it's also just... a lot.

If you've got a 15-17 year old who's into skateboarding or interested in documentaries about cautionary tales, this could spark important conversations about choices, addiction, and mental health. For adults who appreciate well-crafted docs about subcultures and tragedy, it's genuinely worth watching.

But for younger kids? Hard pass. And even for the right age group, make sure they're in the headspace for something this emotionally heavy.

Age Fit

This is strictly for mature teens (15+) and adults. The extensive drug use, tragic death, and overall heavy emotional content make it inappropriate for younger viewers. It's a well-made documentary with real value as a cautionary tale, but only for those old enough to process complex themes around addiction and self-destruction.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

This documentary chronicles a tragic downward spiral involving heavy drug use, self-destructive behavior, and the ultimate death of one brother. While it's honest storytelling, it models deeply unhealthy coping mechanisms and shows the devastating consequences of hedonism without much redemptive arc. The tone is raw and unflinching, not emotionally healthy for younger viewers.

Imaginative

The skateboarding footage and the creative culture of 90s skate scene offer genuine visual creativity and showcase athletic innovation. The documentary format itself is well-crafted with archival footage that captures a unique subculture. However, it's a retrospective doc rather than something that actively invites creative expression or exploration from viewers.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates this 15+, and for good reason: extensive drug use depiction, self-destructive behavior, death, and the overall tragic arc make this emotionally heavy. The documentary doesn't glorify the behavior but shows it in unflinching detail. Not something that would be appropriate for a young viewer to stumble upon. No gore or nudity, but the substance abuse content and tragic outcomes are significant safety concerns for younger audiences.

Enriching

Strong critical reception (100% RT critics, 7.8 IMDb, 3.8 Letterboxd) suggests this is a well-made, meaningful documentary. It offers genuine insight into the price of fame, addiction, mental health, and the darker side of professional sports culture. The cautionary tale has real takeaways about choices and consequences. For mature teens and adults, this is genuinely enriching storytelling about a little-known skateboarding tragedy.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Critically acclaimed documentary (100% on Rotten Tomatoes) with compelling archival footage of 90s skate culture
Honest, powerful cautionary tale about fame, addiction, and mental health that doesn't pull punches
Showcases incredible skateboarding talent and the creative energy of professional skating at its peak
Sparks important conversations about substance abuse, family dynamics, and the cost of success for older teens

⚠

What to Watch For

Heavy drug use throughout—this is a documentary about addiction and self-destruction, not just skateboarding
One brother dies, and the overall arc is tragic and emotionally difficult
Best for mature teens (15+) and adults who can process the cautionary elements
Not a feel-good sports doc—this is raw, sad, and shows the worst outcomes of poor choices

Conversation Starters

"What do you think led the Pappas brothers down such a destructive path, even when they were at the top of their sport?"
"How does the pressure of being a professional athlete at a young age affect mental health and decision-making?"
"Why do you think some people turn to drugs when dealing with stress or trauma? What are healthier ways to cope?"
"The documentary shows how talent alone isn't enough—what other qualities do you think matter for long-term success?"

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