Bigger, Stronger, Faster*
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Movie Reviews of Bigger, Stronger, Faster*
Movie Review: Fascinating look at steroids' effect on the lives of the Bell family
Summary: 5 Stars
Chris Bell's "Bigger, Stronger Faster*" is a brilliant documentary. His triumph is to crystallize the steroids debate into its effects on a single family: His own. The stars of the film are the Bell brothers - big brother Mark (aka, Mad Dog) is a would-be WWE wrestler; younger brother Mike (aka, Smelly) is one of the world's top power lifters; and writer/director Chris - no less addicted to perfecting his physique - balances his bodybuilding obsession with a degree from USC Film School. His unique blend of interest and career path has given us a fascinating film.
Here's the thing: his work is neither ardently pro- nor anti-steroids. But, as its subtitle ("the side-effects of being American") implies, Bell notes what happens when three young brothers obsessed with wrestling (we see family tapes of them re-enacting WWE plotlines) have the various heroes of their youth (Arnold Schwarzenegger, Hulk Hogan, and Sylvester Stallone as notable examples) subsequently revealed as pharmaceutically-fueled.
It's a testament to Bell's skill as a filmmaker that the unexpected standout is Smelly's wife, Andie. Attractive and articulate, she emerges as the soul of the film. She comes across as a decent, trusting person. Without belaboring the point, Bell makes you see her as testament to his brother's depth and inherent goodness. Her presence also evokes feelings of betrayal in the film-goer when Smelly begins to waffle on his "no more steroids" vow at the end of the film.
Despite the glut of documentaries that have flooded the film world over the past two years, this one ranks at the top of my list.
Movie Review: Finally..the truth about steroid use.
Summary: 5 Stars
One sign of a great documentary is they way it makes you rethink the party line on whatever topic is being addressed. This movie does exactly that -- in contrast to the countless TV news segments on the horrors of steroid use this movie attempts to paint a more balanced picture of this subject. Now, common sense tells you that ANYTHING that you put into your body that turns you into a 24" neckline hulk is PROBABLY not the best thing for you. But, it's clear that this is the image of 'perfection' that popular media and sports has portrayed to our youth since the dawn of the TV age. The same image that Congress recently demonized through the attention-whore antics displayed through their MLB hearings. (BTW Congress...thanks for 'solving' this threat to the USA while you allowed energy costs to spiral out of control and help nudge us even further into a recession...gee I'm impressed with our leadership).
The way the movie points out that ANY profession that can be benefited by chemically enhanced performance will drive the competitors for the profession to seek out and use said chemicals (including musicians who audition for placement in a paid orchestra!) is a real eye opener.
No easy answer to this subject, and no attempt to hand out an answer is given by this movie. But, it makes you think. Which is a good thing.
Really impressive contribution by a young previously unheard of filmmaker. I look forward to seeing the next piece of work from Mr. Bell. Buy or rent this documentary. You won't be disappointed.
Movie Review: Your 80s action figure lookin' heroes rode a needle to fame!
Summary: 5 Stars
"Bigger, Stronger, Faster" is a must see very informative, entertaining movie for athletes of all ages. You realize that your 80s action figure lookin' heroes rode a needle to fame!
The movie is about three-brothers who grew up as wrestling/sports fans but none of them were born with size or great bodies. They hit the weights hard and become very accomplished athletes. Two of the brothers have zero problem with getting on the juice to get where they want to go while the other stays away from roids.
This is a smart movie, a funny movie, an informative movie, a sad movie and an interesting movie. It had to take a tremendous amount of time, thought and effort to produce. A true labor of love.
If someone you know is a pro wrestling, football or weightlifting fan then this is the ultimate movie gift for them. This would also make a great gift for a doctor.
Some folks might complain that this movie is "pro-steroids" but really, both sides are presented here. Maybe the pro-steroid side seems to stand out more because you've never seen reports on the lamestream and drive-by media about the benefits of steroids.
You will probably come away with the feeling that doing heavy roids is like signing up for tragedy in the long term and possible fame and fortune in the short term.
You will think and feel something after watching this.
Movie Review: Even better than I expected!
Summary: 5 Stars
I wanted to see this film ever since it got outstanding reviews during its theatrical run. Unfortunately, that theatrical run did not include my town. However, when I watched the dvd, I found that the reviews did not do this film justice.
Chris Bell's film blows away anything that Michael Moore puts out for the reason that even though Bell is against steroids, he realizes that there is a huge gray area with this subject (as there is with almost any topic). Bell points out (rightly so), that performance enchancing drugs are a way of life in just about any walk of life, and that the majority of steroid users are the average Joes wanting to look better, not athletes. He also points out that for all the ranting and raving about the dangers of steroids, alcohol and tobacco abuse count for way more illness and death than do the abuse of steroids. These are fine points that are never brought up by Congress or the mainstream press.
The best part of the film has to go to Bell's delving into why people feel the need to use performance enhancing drugs. The answer? The strong love of a winner found in society. Like I said earlier, this film is even better than the positive reviews it is receiving, and I would put it right up there with "Super-Size Me" as one of the better documentaries released recently. Do yourself a favor and pick this film up - you won't regret it.
Movie Review: Be Prepared to THINK!
Summary: 5 Stars
I witnessed more common sense from individuals in this documentary than most any other program.
If you are a thinker, you will surely enjoy the logical progression on thought the director put into this film. The man should be proud of what he put together.
Chris, being between 2 brothers and a lifter, has chosen to explore the subject of steriods in a methodical process and the film feels like he simply recorded his work. No family member, etc., is left unexposed and his sense of humor about everything is wildly entertaining and honest. Also, congress and others are NOT spared being shown as what they are - you'll get the point.
This subject provides a brilliant example of how populations "react" to "news" as opposed to thinking. Chris obviously understands the subject and the population's "reaction" to it. His questions cut deep into the reasoning.
There is NO escape from the truths he exposes.
Honestly, I rarely hear so much "to the point" sense made in such a short time. For those of you who "react," do yourself a favor and absorb this work.
There are so many favorite quotations. One here(paraphrased): "Everyone has a vote with this (holding a dollar bill)...." So simple, eloquent, and TRUE.
You will enjoy this movie.