With all the talk within the past year or two about steroids in sports, watching this movie to me was a MUST. I especially had interest in it – just look at this promotional poster.
We’re looking at images that present Hulk Hogan, Sylvester Stallone, Barry Bonds and Arnold Schwarzenegger – some of my favorite wrestlers, actors and ball players! Also, upon watching this movie, I quickly realized that Chris Bell (the director/lead role) had many of the same questions and interests that I’ve always had.
Chris Bell travels the country to interview everyone from his very own family all the way to his congressman. Chris Bell is looking for answers as to why steroids in sports is frowned upon… but “cheating” in other activities isn’t.
Allow me to explain.
Musicians will use beta-blockers in order to rid themselves of stage fright and performance anxiety. This could be considered cheating, if you’re in competition to get a job. Same thing for the porn industry. A male actor can inject himself in the penis with Viagra (yes, inject) in order to get an erection, to get an edge on getting a role in the film. This could also be considered cheating when auditioning. The US Army allows their pilots to use “uppers” in order to stay awake for flights in war. Did you know that birth control is a steroid?
Chris Bell interviews pro bodybuilder Jay Cutler, the same congressman that lead the war on steroids in baseball, the person responsible for drug testing in the Olympics, he covers the Chris Benoit tragedy, the man with the largest arms in the world, as well as his very own brother who was trying to make it in the wrestling business.
You’d really have to see this film to get the full effect of what Chris Bell is trying to accomplish. And with me, he certainly accomplished a message. I’m sure everyone will get their own story in the end based on your own morals and opinions – but with me, the story was clear.
Steroids aren’t nearly as bad or dangerous as the media and government say they are.
I won’t elaborate too much but I did want to give you a top three most interesting aspects of the movie (in no particular order):
1. Chris Bell’s brother, “Mad Dog” Mike Bell, recently passed away, after the movie had already been completed. In this movie, Chris interviews his brother numerous times. Bell’s father stated in the movie that he’s afraid that they’ll find him dead one day. Kinda chilling, if you ask me. Mike Bell documents for a doctor, in the movie, all the drugs that are currently in his system. The list was huge. He listed at least six different steroids… and had to ask for the clipboard a second time to list his recreational drug use. Typical wrestler, I guess.
2. In your bodybuilding magazines, the before and after pictures are as phony as you always thought they were. Chris Bell not only interviews one of the models, who openly admits to taking steroids to look the way he does instead of the product he was endorsing. Also, they go behind the scenes and even create a before and after picture of Chris Bell. Photoshop does wonders. Take note all of you people who believe the ads in those magazines. They took Chris’ before and after pictures in the very same day.
3. Bell interviews a gentleman who was responsible for testing Olympic athletes. After the guy tells Chris that there have been many failed drug test cover-ups in the history of the Olympics, Chris asks for evidence. Boom – there it is. Written document that the government wanted to cover up the failed tests in order for the USA to be competitive in a worldwide competition.
There’s really too much in this movie to tell-all in a blog. Buy this DVD. Don’t forget to post your opinions, right here at the World of Wrestling.
OFFICIAL FIVE STARR RATING: * * * * *
Just for a little perspective, Chris’s older brother Mike dropped dead of a heart attack a few months ago. He wasn’t even 40. His younger brother Mark had to resign from his position coaching the football team over his steroid use. I personally think that all drugs should be legalized and regulated by the government including steroids, but the implication that steroids aren’t harmful is ridiculous. They aren’t as dangerous as some make them out to be, but they aren’t as benign as others make them out to be. Like most things responsible use is okay, irresponsible abuse is deadly.
Comment by Mark Bravura — January 12, 2009 @ 8:08 pm