Over the Top (1987) Review

 

Over the Top (1987)

Over the Top follows Lincoln Hawk, a father who is trying to get to know his son, amid training for the upcoming Arm Wrestling Championships in Vegas. 

Over the Top is such a crazy movie because it could only ever work in the 80s with this guy, in this movie. And yet, we got the best, and only movie about arm wrestling that doubles as a (checks notes) custody battle for his kid. Absolutely bonkers shit. Nonetheless, it is entertaining, bringing an estranged father together with his snotty son with something as super masculine as arm wrestling. Just like Rocky and Rambo though, this movie is pure Stallone—blue collar guy fighting his way through the world, discounted by any and everyone, using this one moment to not only show his son what kind of man he is, but to show his disapproving father in-law how much his son loves him. You care because you sense how much he cares for his son, something incredibly heartwarming that Stallone does almost too well (being a father). 

As someone who was often in similar positions as Mike, the film struck a chord with me emotionally because even amidst the testosterone filled action of this film, it never forgets it’s purpose is to bring together these two far separated individuals and let them understand their differences so they can forgive their faults. It’s touchingly sentimental and is surprising in it’s effectiveness. 

The film sports a nice cast, starring David Mendenhall, Rick Zumwait (who Stallone actually arm wrestled and BEAT in the finale), Robert Loggia, and Sylvester Stallone. Stallone is incredibly earnest and is so admirable as a father just trying to right the wrongs of his past self. He teaches you a strength, not of the body, but of the mind, that is useful even in every day life. 

Over the Top, directed by Menahem Golan, coming off the heels of Rocky IV, Cobra, and Rambo: First Blood Part II, is a surprisingly honest and sincere underdog story that sees Hawk fight all the odds to become champion but also the father he always wanted to be in this cheesy, “over the top” action drama. 

8/10