By Gregory Crofton
It’s Kevin Pearce’s relationship with his younger brother, David, who has Down Syndrome, that makes “THE CRASH REEL” an unforgettable film, not the crashes, severe brain injuries
and death.
Director Lucy Walker uses accident footage in “THE CRASH REEL” sparingly, always to make a point and keep the story moving forward. Rather than making light of David’s condition or doing something else awkward with it, she showcases his intelligence and communication skills, letting his raw questions bring the reality of Kevin’s traumatic brain injury to the viewer.
Champion snowboarder Kevin Pearce of course anchors the film. He’s the young shredder from a tight knit Vermont family who will surely get things to go his way because he’s so talented. But no, something else is happening in the world of extreme sports competitors. Young men and women are being turned into daredevils as pipes and jumps get bigger, and tricks get impossibly complicated and dangerous.
For more information about how you can find “THE CRASH REEL,” visit its website. Below you can watch a scene from the movie.