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| 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. Watch the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KzGfuFFSxA
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
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