Movie Review: Bigger Stronger Faster*

Movie Review: Bigger Stronger Faster* (*the side effects of being American)

Alternate Title: Super Size Me

Story: Even if you are not a sports fan (like me) you must have heard at least part of the national debate about the use of steroids in sports. Director and writer Christopher Bell, in the manner of Michael Moore and Morgan Spurlock, injects himself into his eye-opening documentary about steroids, our culture and insatiable quest to be bigger, faster and stronger – no matter the means or the consequences.

Bell presents a balanced, often very funny, well documented essay about the history of steroids. Bell’s two brothers are ongoing users of steroids and he would have fallen into that path if his moral code had not questioned the fairness of taking these drugs.

I learned a lot. I learned that the US Air Force is the world’s only force that allows their pilots to use what is called ‘go pills’ (amphetamines). The consequences of their use have been grim. I learned when these steroids started to be used in the sport arena, who uses them and how every individual rationalizes their own use. I learned that Congress spent eight days in hearings last year over this issue. That would be more days than were spent on a debate on Universal health care. I learned that Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah was responsible for the deregulation of the vitamin business, since his state manufactures most of our country’s vitamins. And on and on. The debate was fascinating and my opinion has changed. What I thought was going to be a ‘just say no’ diatribe turned out to be so more more. Well done.

Acting: The file footage and some live interviews of the most recognizable characters like Hulk Hogan, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sly Stallone, Barry Bonds, Ben Johnson, Floyd Landis and Carl Lewis were terrific.

Predilection: I am a documentary junkie.

Food: Pills, Potions, lotions and creams including lots of carbs, carbs and more carbs.

Sex Spectrum: No sex but lots of talk about shrinking testicles.

Soundtrack: Funny

Opening Titles: A grabber of an intro.

Visual Art: Those pimped up bodies are visually astonishing.

Theater Audience: About a dozen people including six gym rats.

Squirm Scale: 0

Drift Factor: I was attentive throughout (without using amphetamines)

Oscar Worthy: No

Soap Box: Congress needs to stop grandstanding and spend more time on more important matters.

Big Screen or Rental: Either would be good.

Length: Under two hours

LOBO HOWLS: 7