Pulling John (2009)

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

Plenty to Like, Plenty to Dislike

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

Pulling John is a movie that will surprise you as it showcases one of the world's premier strength athletes. I was told that I "had to see this movie, you won't believe it!". I watched it with low expectations as I could not care less about arm wrestling, but I was astonished by the thought that there was a 200 lb, guy out there, who for the past twenty years has been beating every giant that has challenged him. the other reviewer is correct in that the movie does not have a great deal of depth to it, however, I thought that there was moderate development in terms of showing the big Russian's way of life, and the American hick's upbringing. The nearly universal awe and fear in which John is held by all the other competitors is amazing. I highly recommend this inspiring picture.

How exciting can you make a documentary about world-class arm wrestling?! So, although I am not giving this a huge score, for what it is, it's pretty good--but I just can't see its topic interesting the average viewer. I only watched it because I am weird--the word of guy who would watch practically any documentary! The film follows three arm wrestlers--one a Ukranian who lives in Russia and two Americans. One of the Americans, John Brzenk, is sort of like an arm wrestling god--as he's been a world champion in one weight class or another something like 25 years--even beating guys who are much, much larger! He is the man everyone aspires to beat and now two heavyweights (Alexy Voevoda and Travis Bagent--the Ukranian and the cocky upstart American) hope to finally be the guys to stop Brzenk.There really isn't much more to the film than this--lots of footage of arm wrestling and lots of interviews with the camera. Both Brzenk and Voevoda seem pretty likable whereas Bagent is cocky--but it sure works for him! You do find yourself being pulled into the matches (which surprised me) and it was about as interesting as you could make this odd topic.

This film follows 3 professional arm wrestlers; A favorite for the championship, the Russian Alexy Voevoda. A young rising star working his way towards his first championship, from West Virginia Travis Bagent, and the best arm wrestler of all-time John Brzenk. You learn a lot about the individuals, and what drew them to the sport. You also learn from all the arm wrestlers interviewed that John Brzenk is the best ever, and the best there ever will be. He is the Michael Jordan, Babe Ruth, Wayne Gretzky, and Joe Montana combined!. People in the community look at Brzenk as a god. Professionals never even compare themselves to him, because they know they will never be anywhere near his status. Brzenk started arm wrestling when he was 16, and by the time he was 18 he won his first title. He is 43 when this was filmed. The most impressive stat to Travis Bagent and Voevoda, and the entire arm wrestling work was that Brzenk has never lost a Supermatch. Throughout the course of the film, you follow Travis Bagent, and Alexy Voevoda train, and work their ways through the ranks and crush opponents until the 2 square off in the championship. Voevoda is highly favored over the young, loud, eccentric American Bagent. Once you become World Champ you will most likely get a shot at the legend John Brzenk, and that is what these 2 men dream about. You have to give this movie a watch if you're a fan of documentaries, a sports fan of any kind, and love to watch people that are masters of their crafts. I went into this film with no expectations, and left with so much respect for John Brzenk. Bagent, and Voevoda sure have bright futures, and after seeing this I think I might have to start following arm-wrestling. I never thought I would say that. What a fun and powerful film.

John Brzenk isn't a household name unless you follow the sport of arm wrestling -- but if you do, Brzenk is to his sport what Michael Jordan is to basketball or Muhammad Ali is to boxing. Born in 1964, Brzenk began competing seriously at age 16, and two years later he won his first world championship. Since then, Brzenk has been the man to beat in any serious international competition, and he has held the world arm wrestling championship for close to a quarter of a century. But at the age of 40, Brzenk finds himself facing the same questions that vex any great athlete.Should he retire while he's still at the top, or wait for time, age and stronger, younger competitors to strip him of his title?This documentary also profiles two men regarded as likely candidates to take Brzenk's place as arm wrestling's king of the mountain -- Alexey Voevoda, a Russian from a long line of military heroes who wants to bring the championship home to his country, and Travis Bagent, a spirited young American who has followed Brzenk's career since he was a child and sees himself as the heir to his throne.I thought Pulling John was an interesting documentary. I had no contact at all with arm wrestling; I didn't even know that there are official tournaments and it was nice to get a bit of insight into an overlooked sport that very few people talk about. At the same time, the subject is a bit limited. We are given some information about the beginnings of the sport and how it has evolved, the different techniques and so forth but let's not kid ourselves; in the end it's two guys trying to pull each other's arm. There's not a whole lot to talk about. That's why Pulling John focuses almost completely in this 3 individuals. Travis Bagent, the up-and-coming American who's extremely loud and obnoxious, Alexey Voevoda, the calm and collected Russian and Brzenk, the living legend. The human component is definitely what makes this documentary an interesting watch. Overall, it's quite entertaining and insightful, specially for someone who isn't familiarized with the sport of arm wrestling but it's not a great documentary by any means.6.5/10