Bigger Stronger Faster*
November 5, 2009 by Jim Made
Filed under Bodybuilding
| Brand: | MAGNOLIA FILMS | ||
| Average Rating |
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When you learn that your heroes have all broken the rules, do you follow the rules, or do you follow your heroes? From the producers of Bowling For Columbine and Fahrenheit 9/11 comes a powerful new documentary that unflinchingly explores steroid use in the largest, strongest, fastest country in the world: America. more info
Certainly worth watching.
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This is a very well produced documentary. The director offers multiple views from a variety of individuals on steroids. The director’s goal was not to debase nor promote steroids. He produced the film in such a way that by the end of the documentary you could make your own call on steroids. If you’re going to watch this film, go into it with an “open-mind”. Leave your biases at the door. It will make watching the film a more rewarding experience.
Missing some info, but has compelling material
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
There isn’t a whole lot of time devoted here to the dangers of anabolic steroids, possible long term consequences, or even images of those who have suffered hurt from using these substances. This would have enhanced the documentary and added more fuel to it.
But, it is a compelling look at steroids, cheating, winning, losing, being American, trying to be the best no matter what the cost, and some problems with this over-achieving. It’s also a look at how people can be torn between wanting to emulate their heroes and using questionable methods in order to accomplish this task and realize the desires.
Chris Bell even takes us inside the dynamics of his own family; he has two brothers on steroids. This is revealed to his parents at one point. It’s also left open as to how things are going to develop, so to speak, because this situation is ongoing. One wonders how his huge brother Mad Dog is going to fare over the next few years, not to mention small brother Smelly.
This is fantastic fodder for discussion, especially among high school and college students, and even more so if they are athletes.
excellent stuff
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I loved the DVD. Excellent to see someone give out honest information about these powerful drugs.
Fascinating, no doubt
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
As critical as the title is, I really loved this documentary. I’m always interested in behind the scenes bodybuilding, and this film inspired me to look into more natural and less perilous ways to achieve the same goals as steroids.
If nothing else, this film will make you reckon about the role that steroids has in our world, whether your are for or against it.
The production quality is excellent and never distracting, the narrative is pleasant, and I would watch this again without hesitation.
I would suggest checking it out.
Naturally, or with help?
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
In the world of fitness, health, aging, and competive sports from girls softball, to professional bodybuilding, the weep is always for larger stronger , quicker. So how do we do it? Hard work, proper diet, and acceptance of our genetic limitations, or do we use the lastet magic steroid pill, or an injection of the latest “Super Proton Energy Drug”?
This film is the view of one man’s journey to answer this very question.
The film does a reasonable job but neglected ti include the fact that may of the steroids people use to get larger quick and stronger come from animal products not human. Other than that this is worth a look by anyone seeking the answer to this quetion.
Not a fan
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I reckon this movie is terrible news. In my opinion, Mr. Bell made this documentary to justify using steroids. If you can’t do it natural, you can’t do it.
If I’m a bank robber, I shouldn’t show up of Forbes 500 wealthiest people’s list, should I? It takes hard work, plotting, dedication and follow through, but the result at the end of the day is that I didn’t earn what I have. Same thing with roids, if you question me.
Larger, Stronger, Quicker
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
Well presented and researched. I wanted to see more information on steroids as they relate to heart problems.
Informative and Ebtertaining
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
I really Bought this video as a welcome home gift for my boyfriend. He had said he wanted the film so i knew he would like it, but what suprised me was that i also loved the film. I have no interest in bodybuilding but i try to make an effort for my boyfriend and really loved the film. it was very entertaining and informational.
Not balanced and contradicting itself
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
I don’t get why people are putting reviews as “balanced documentary” or “very informative”. It’s not informative because most of the facts/interviews are anecdotal, so you can’t use it as a dependable information (ex. how the brothers are doing fine even though they take steroid) and it doesn’t give thorough explanation from experts about how steroid effects the human body. All the ‘experts’ in this documentary, unfortunately, only point out that steroid does not have that terrible an effect to your body. Experts that are against steroid use did not get a lot of chance to say anything. This brings out the point about how ‘balanced’ this documentary is. The answer is not much. Chris Bell did not give any interview to people who have experienced the adverse effects of anabolic steroid use, let alone dwell in that area.
Another disappointing part of this movie is their logical explanation. When talking about the side effect of steroid, they argue that even vitamin C has adverse effects as with all drugs. Ok, so taking steroid is the same as taking vitamin, right? When talking about athletes that use steroid, they interview people that accuse everybody of doing the same thing. What’s your point? It’s ok to cheat if everybody else cheats? Sounds more like justification than a reasonable answer to me. Pro athlete should be allowed to use steroid, they argue. Do they reckon about the implication of it? That means to level the playing field, all athlete will have to take drugs. Furthermore, the game would be less about skill and training and more about who can tolerate most drug and who can design the best drug. It takes away the whole spirit of sports! They argue about the morality of steroid use but they hide their steroid use from their mom. If they believe in it, why can’t they clarify it to their mom like they’re explaining it to us. Smelly is lying to his student about his steroid use. Why does he do that if he really believe nothing is incorrect with using steroid?
Throughout the film, I just feel like there’s no conclusive point that they’re trying to make. They’re explaining the positive side of steroid use, but then, their life tale cancels it out.
Fantastic Movie
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Has a very excellent approach to steriod use. A excellent buy, because you’re friends will borrow it.
Worth Your Time
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
Larger, Stronger, Quicker is an entertaining and informative look inside the world of body building and steroid use. Bell gives the viewer access to experts and builders who are for or against the use of steroids, personalizing opinions with insight and access to his own family of body builders.
While I didn’t come away from the film with a new opinion on the subject (I am against the use of illegal performance enhancing drugs) I do believe I have a better appreciation for those that do use. Consider the one brother who was able to bench hundreds more than our narrator simply because he did use. It certainly puts a dent in the “steroids don’t make the player” arguments.
No matter your view on the subject this film will entertain you and educate you. I recommend it.
Fantastic DVD
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Bought this item used and came with no scratches or flaws. Speedy delivery and a very well done documentary on underground steroid use in America. A must own DVD! Very amusing and very well done.
You must know what this movie is really about. . .
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This movie has an agenda. It is made by the Michael Moore folks. The movie is to bash Arnold (and Maria) and call then hypocrites. I am not even sure Chris Bell is aware of this. Why else would these producers back this movie? It was to smear Arnold so he would not get elected in CA.
As far as Chris Bell, he is a smart individual. His genetics are keeping him from looking like Arnold. He could take all the juice, growth hormone, etc and never get there. Arnold never down plays genetics or steriods. You should look up to Arnold. He is an inspiration. There have been many people to take juice to only achieve a fraction of the success. Is the movie entertaining and does it make you reckon–yes. It really makes you want to take juice. It is a excellent film and fun to watch. Just know the hidden agenda which is very subtle.
Not So Larger, Stronger, Quicker
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
While I appreciate the intent here, this documentary turned out to be much less than I expected. The tale of the contrast among the paths of Chris, Mike and Mark certainly add to the tale, but are such a focal point that I felt we were missing some additional real-life, non-celebrity tales that could have made it a fuller piece.
As a former writer for men’s fitness magazines, I had a special interest in this subject. I was not surprised at the angle of the many experts who believe anabolic steroids are not perilous. This is a well-presented aspect of the documentary and was bold to include.
I have a bit less tolerance for the fact that “society” made these desires in people only because it falls small of being well-illustrated. While certainly an influence, this could have been better tempered with an understanding of why some guys do and some guys don’t. The tale of Chris/Mike/Mark does not cleverly demonstrate this; it just states repeatedly that Chris feels it’s morally incorrect and the others don’t.
While a front-and-center doc host like Morgan Spurlock of “Super-Size Me” works perfectly, Chris and his brothers were not fascinating enough to have that much air time in this particular documentary. Also, Spurlock’s spicy, fun personality added much more flair to his doc. Nor does this come across with a hard-hitting hand like a Michael Moore piece, which startles you with its pointedness.
Not terrible, but certainly falls small of fantastic.
AWSOME!!! MUST WATCH!!! many people will be surprised!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This documentary was absolutely a 5 star! Christopher Bell hits steroids from most angles (if not all). There’s a lot of information that isn’t based on opinions or based off the normal gym junkie! A lot of the info comes from different sources! He even talks to a senator and it has to be the most hilarious clip in the whole doc!!!! I reckon he does very well in showing both sides of the tale too! But, at the end of the documentary some might feel like he’s aiming towards the promotion of using steroids. This is not right! He simply puts forth steroids secret acceptance in society and presents information that describes steroids scientifically, mentally, and.. just watch it! whether your for or against steroids, I reckon you’ll delight in this!!