Over the Top (1987)

Too much of everything

Such a frustrating disappointment

Clever, believable, and super fun to watch. It totally has replay value.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

This movies always been really incredible to me. Reminds me so much of me and my dad. My dad was always the strong guy and as a kid I would arm wrestle him and all of us couldn't move his arm it was so fun and funny. This movie reminds me of all that. The 80s were the best

Over The Top is bad. It's corny. Every actor (except for Stallone) acts like they had 50 gallons of coffee before filming. Not to mention, the script is extremely formulaic and cheesy. And that's exactly why I love it. It's flaws make it even more entertaining, it's hyperactive attitude makes it brilliant, and it's corny script makes it work like magic! I mean, it's just ARM WRESTLING, but the film acts like it's curing cancer! I personally find it to be a guilty pleasure. Far from Stallone's best (look at the Rocky franchise for that), but still entertaining enough to hold a spot on anyone's collection. But seriously watch Rocky first.

This is a typical Stallone film with a typical Stallone script, which is exactly why I enjoyed it so much. This is basically a road movie about a father whose trying to win the love of his son, Lincoln's ambition to win the world arm wrestling championship is cleverly used as a constant parody to the developing relationship between father and son.. The music that runs throughout the entire movie just adds to the effect. If someone is looking for the most inspirational speech in the history of mankind, then look no further than the scene right before the final arm wrestling match between Hawk and Bull Harley. Stallone emotionally explains how he becomes like a machine, or more specifically a truck, by simply turning his hat backwards. The emotional roller-coaster that is this film also provides yet another showcase for Mr. Stallone's spine-tingling acting chops, as his emotional, monosyllabic father-son scenes remain some of the most courageous ever captured on film.I'll leave the final thoughts for Stallone's performance. He seems to have a bad rap as an actor, probably solely based on the first Rambo movie, however Stallone shows yet again that while hardly being the best, he is quite adequate. I love how for instance that Stallone comes across the entire movie as if he has two brain cells, yet it is he who we are really willing for. All in all, a good movie above expectations, that probably could not be made with the same impact today.Overall rating: 7 out of 10.

I think its unfair most of the criticism here focuses on superficial aspects. At the same time this shows that the actual qualities of this movie lies within its message. I admit the story isn't quiet realistic and the acting is not special but this movie is not like movies are nowadays. Its not a hype-realistic documentary about a father's life and his relationship to his son. Its rather a modern fairytale with focuses on the message its trying to bring across (which is predominantly the same message as in Rocky but in a more metaphoric way) alongside with portraying the type of a sympathetic warm hearted and sensitive man that is also strong and has his principles .. yes, both at the same time. Its a movie that will appeal to people who like warm hearted and emotional stories about underdogs fighting their way to success by the help of those that believe in them. If u like fairy tales with happy ends and with sympathetic leading actors, i recommend watching this movie.