I recently remembered seeing this film when I was much younger and liking it. When I checked it out on IMDb, I was quite disturbed. Why in the world would I like this weird, arm wrestling movie with Sylvester Stallone? So I rented it again to see why I had liked it as a kid or to see if I had been delirious when I first saw it. The strange thing is, even though it is not at all my type of movie, I still really enjoyed it. I've heard that the kid is a bad actor and all, but I really don't think he is. Maybe I'm still delirious, but I thought the movie was pretty darn heart warming.
202 Reviews
Nostalgic Gold!
buff6313 June 2013
Are you kidding me? Sylvester Stallone in an arm-wrestling movie? Does it get any better than that? If your balls have not turned into steel after seeing this movie, you're either a woman or... that is the only explanation. Acting? Plot? Cinematography? Who cares? Enjoy 90 minutes of pure testosterone and corniness. "Over the top" is without a doubt the most fitting movie title ever. If you enjoy either movies from the 80s, anything that's over the top or just Sylvester Stallone's weird acting and awkward yet somehow touching speeches, than you're gonna have a great time watching this movie. However, if you're not a fan of said things, than you should probably stay away from this masterpiece.
The movie that made turning your hat backwards cool!
Vpirates6220 March 2001
I grew up on this movie. This is the first movie I ever recall watching. My grandpa has his own Tractor-Trailer and I always went with him on road trips, so I instantly fell in love with this movie when I saw the truck. Even though it's an old, beaten up, disgusting truck, I would have to say it looks pretty sweet. Lincoln Hawk, played by Sylvester Stallone, is a independent trucker just trying to put his life back together. He realized he made mistakes, and tries to reconcile with his son that he abandoned years earlier. When the boy's grandfather offers Hawk the offer of a life time, and Hawk refuses....it's very clear to him, that he has no other choice but to win, and the determination really shows. Sly acts a bit uninterested in this movie...you can see it in his eyes. Every now and then you can catch his wandering off and not paying attention. If you watch closely, some of the extras often keep there eyes on the camera, and Sly will look at them. Pretty good movie, could have been better, but it's a for sure movie to watch.
One Of Sylvester Stallone's Best Movies, In My Opinion
robertvannsmith29 March 2000
This movie really touched base with me. I grew up not knowing my father, so I really felt for "Michael Cutler", played by David Mendenhall. This was the first thing I remembered seeing David in and I became a big fan of his thru this movie. I identified with his character so much.
If only there would have been a sequel to this movie. (+:
If only there would have been a sequel to this movie. (+:
Can you top this!
sol-kay22 January 2011
***SPOILERS*** Another one of the many Sylvestor Stallone meek common and simple man winning against astronomical odds like films that he made in the 1970's and 1980's has Sly playing soft spoken and inoffensive looking, until you try to mess with him, trucker Lincoln Hawk. Hawk has been summoned by his dying, from a serious heart operation, ex-wife Christina, Susan Blakley, who wants him to reunite with the couples 12 year old son Michael,David Mendenhall, whom he hasn't seen since birth! Of course Michael who's attending military school wants nothing to do with his dad feeling that he deserted him and his mom because his control freak Grandpa Jason "Cut-throat" Cutler, Robert Loggia, has been feeding him all kinds of crap about his dad for as long as he could remember.
It doesn't take long for Hawk to win little Michael over in his revealing to him, when he's challenged by some muscle bound dude at a local truck stop, his secret life as a big time arm wrestling champ. That together with teaching Michael to drive his 18 wheeler, without a license, down the highway had the boy finally look up to his absentee, for some 12 years, poppa as the man he'd like to be when he grows up! This all turns sour when finally getting to the hospital to see mom Michael finds out that she passed away without him being able to say a final good-by to her! Holding his pop responsible for being too late, by driving to the hospital with his dump truck not flying there with Grandpa, to see his mom alive he suddenly doesn't want to have anything to do with him.
The movie takes another turn for the worst for Hawk when in desperation to see Michael he power drives his rig straight into Grandpa Jason's mansion totally demolishing the place. Gramps declines to press charges against Hawk only if he gets out of both his and Michael's lives which Hawk, in avoiding the slammer, grudging agrees to. Now really on the outs with Michael the only thing left for Hawk to do is win the world champion arm wrestling contest at Las Vegas. That's where the down and out Hawk can finally prove to himself Michael and the world, as well as Grandpa Jason, that he's not the loser in life that everyone says he is. There's also the fact that Michael later finds hundreds of letters, including Christmas birthday and get well cards, from his pop that he sent him over the years that Grandapa hide from him! That proves to Michael that Poppa Hawk was indeed the sweet and caring person that he always told him he was! It also proved that Grandpa Jason wasn't that bright by leaving the letters out in the open, and not burning them, for his grandson Michael to find.
****SPOILERS**** The big final has lots of grunting and grinding among the sweating arm wrestling contestants at the Las Vegas Convention Hall with Hawk, sprained arm and all, taking on all comers as he works his way up to the #1 match with world arm wrestling champ, for five years straight, the 6 foot 4 inch 350 pound Bob "Bull" Hurley played by actual arm wrestling champion Rick Zumwalt. It's then that Michael, who ran away from home, shows up at the tournament together with Grandpa Jason, who's trying to get him back home, which turns out to be the turning point in this earth shattering and arm breaking arm wrestling match! That's by his son Michael giving Hawk the push that he needed to get it "Over the Top" and finally, after all the grunts groans and broken fingers & bones, winning the damn contest!
It doesn't take long for Hawk to win little Michael over in his revealing to him, when he's challenged by some muscle bound dude at a local truck stop, his secret life as a big time arm wrestling champ. That together with teaching Michael to drive his 18 wheeler, without a license, down the highway had the boy finally look up to his absentee, for some 12 years, poppa as the man he'd like to be when he grows up! This all turns sour when finally getting to the hospital to see mom Michael finds out that she passed away without him being able to say a final good-by to her! Holding his pop responsible for being too late, by driving to the hospital with his dump truck not flying there with Grandpa, to see his mom alive he suddenly doesn't want to have anything to do with him.
The movie takes another turn for the worst for Hawk when in desperation to see Michael he power drives his rig straight into Grandpa Jason's mansion totally demolishing the place. Gramps declines to press charges against Hawk only if he gets out of both his and Michael's lives which Hawk, in avoiding the slammer, grudging agrees to. Now really on the outs with Michael the only thing left for Hawk to do is win the world champion arm wrestling contest at Las Vegas. That's where the down and out Hawk can finally prove to himself Michael and the world, as well as Grandpa Jason, that he's not the loser in life that everyone says he is. There's also the fact that Michael later finds hundreds of letters, including Christmas birthday and get well cards, from his pop that he sent him over the years that Grandapa hide from him! That proves to Michael that Poppa Hawk was indeed the sweet and caring person that he always told him he was! It also proved that Grandpa Jason wasn't that bright by leaving the letters out in the open, and not burning them, for his grandson Michael to find.
****SPOILERS**** The big final has lots of grunting and grinding among the sweating arm wrestling contestants at the Las Vegas Convention Hall with Hawk, sprained arm and all, taking on all comers as he works his way up to the #1 match with world arm wrestling champ, for five years straight, the 6 foot 4 inch 350 pound Bob "Bull" Hurley played by actual arm wrestling champion Rick Zumwalt. It's then that Michael, who ran away from home, shows up at the tournament together with Grandpa Jason, who's trying to get him back home, which turns out to be the turning point in this earth shattering and arm breaking arm wrestling match! That's by his son Michael giving Hawk the push that he needed to get it "Over the Top" and finally, after all the grunts groans and broken fingers & bones, winning the damn contest!
Nice little Cannon Films stand in for Rocky
Cobra200316 September 2003
Nice is the word. Over the Top is a good example of Sylvester Stallone stepping away from the trappings of Rocky Balboa and John Rambo, and trying to create a movie the whole family can enjoy. Sure, the whole family may have enjoyed the Rocky movies but the violence of those films at best is toned down to mute here. Unlike the Rocky series with Boxing, Over The Top doesn't square its attention solely on this movies sport, Arm wrestling. So, there is plenty of room for deep rooted character developement. Unfortunately, Over The Top doesn't present us with this, and what we have is a Cannon Pictures knock off version of The Champ (1979), with Stallone and Sterling Silliphant's screenplay spreading on the sentimentality very thickly. We are presented with a screenplay remeniscent of the sentimental moments from the bulk of Slys career. And for the majority of the time it works remarkably well. Sly proves that he can act, making Lincoln Hawk (a typically mach named Stallone character), a likeable, funny and sincere character, so that you dont for one minute doubt the values of Hawk and the good man he is. The hard work Stallone puts into Hawk is completely obliterated by a terrible cliched performance by David Mendenhall as Hawks long lost son Mike. A typical spoilt bratt, you wish Sly would beat the life out of Mendenhall ala Rocky VS Drago in the closing moments of Rocky IV, at one or two times during the movie. Mendenhall has NO redeaming features and compliments the movie zero. It would have perhaps been better had someone like Sean Astin or Macauly Culkin played the part of Hawk's son. The sentimentality comes in the form of Susan Blakely as Hawk's estranged and dying wife, and this once again is a burden to the movie, because the scenes, handled with too much syrup by director Menahem Golan go too far over the top (no pun) to try and reach your tear ducts. Despite this everything pays off. The Arm wrestling scenes are handled efficiently by Golan, and come close to the heart pumping heroics of the Rocky movies, and Georgio Moroders 80's Rock score is as good (and dated) as anything Vince Di Cola and Survivor did for Messers Balboa and Drago. And i would defy even the most ardent of cynics not to root for Hawk in the movies macho encrusted arm wrestling finale. An efficient fammily/adventure movie, that is good to pass the time with, but for sheer class, watch the Rocky movies.
6/10
6/10
Thoroughly enjoyable effort in wich Sly stars a compassionate trucker
ma-cortes7 January 2023
Sylvester Stallone is an arm-wrestling competitor and a trucker who battles for the heart and custody of his 10-year-old son (David Mendelhall) whom he left , years before , in the custody of his wife (Susan Blakely) against his father-in-law (Robert Loggia) . As the slow-witted trucker Sy who only wants to spend time with him , decides the only way he can retain custody of his estranged son , as well as win the boy's respect , is by winning a big arm-wrestling competition. Some fight for money... Some fight for glory...!. He's fighting for his son's love !. Driving headlong towards the biggest fight of his life !. His name is Lincoln Hawk and he's fighting for his son !. Lincoln Hawk will fight for his son the only way he knows how !. Last time, they drove him from his son !. This time, they will be no turning back !.
A pretty agreeable departure from style from Stallone , this offers his fans the action they'll expect while allowing the star the chance to play slight variations on the working-class roles that have made his name. This film really started a nationwide arm-wrestling craze. Following a plot similar to Kramer vs. Kramer about the problematic child custody theme . Adding a good production design , spectacular scenarios and remarkably nice use of Metrocolor photography gives the movie a natural , crisp look. Stallone gives a sensitive and enjoyable acting as the hunk trucker , while his son is played with old-fashioned charm by David Mendenhall. The relationship that springs up them ensures that even though the movie lays everything on a bit thickly , you'll cheering for Sly's vicissitudes on both arm-wrestling competitions and son's custody . So Silvester Stallone is an expert at grinding these movies out by now and the kid is all right. Sly's teddy-bear aura is slightly altered by his Rockyish desire to win at arm wrestling . Great Stallone being well accompanied by veteran Robert Loggia as a one-note villain playing his rich , iron-willed father-in-law and Susan Blakely as the separated wife in a thankless character .
This clichéd story displays a lot of catchings songs at the time and synthesizer soundtrack by Giorgio Moroder . And David Garfinkel's cinematography is ever alert to bright clear composition. The motion picture was professionally directed by Menahem Golan who created along with Yoram Globus the famous Cannon Productions . Golan also directed some acceptable films, such as : The Apple , Operation Thunderball , Death game , Hanna's War , Lepke , Armstrong , The Magician of Lublin , The Uranium Conspiracy , Kazablan , Ninja , Diamonds , Delta Force , among others . Rating : 6.5/10 , decent family drama . It isn't a classic , but watch worth seeing . This arm-wrestling epic will appeal to Sylvester Stallone fans and it will touch your heart deeply.
A pretty agreeable departure from style from Stallone , this offers his fans the action they'll expect while allowing the star the chance to play slight variations on the working-class roles that have made his name. This film really started a nationwide arm-wrestling craze. Following a plot similar to Kramer vs. Kramer about the problematic child custody theme . Adding a good production design , spectacular scenarios and remarkably nice use of Metrocolor photography gives the movie a natural , crisp look. Stallone gives a sensitive and enjoyable acting as the hunk trucker , while his son is played with old-fashioned charm by David Mendenhall. The relationship that springs up them ensures that even though the movie lays everything on a bit thickly , you'll cheering for Sly's vicissitudes on both arm-wrestling competitions and son's custody . So Silvester Stallone is an expert at grinding these movies out by now and the kid is all right. Sly's teddy-bear aura is slightly altered by his Rockyish desire to win at arm wrestling . Great Stallone being well accompanied by veteran Robert Loggia as a one-note villain playing his rich , iron-willed father-in-law and Susan Blakely as the separated wife in a thankless character .
This clichéd story displays a lot of catchings songs at the time and synthesizer soundtrack by Giorgio Moroder . And David Garfinkel's cinematography is ever alert to bright clear composition. The motion picture was professionally directed by Menahem Golan who created along with Yoram Globus the famous Cannon Productions . Golan also directed some acceptable films, such as : The Apple , Operation Thunderball , Death game , Hanna's War , Lepke , Armstrong , The Magician of Lublin , The Uranium Conspiracy , Kazablan , Ninja , Diamonds , Delta Force , among others . Rating : 6.5/10 , decent family drama . It isn't a classic , but watch worth seeing . This arm-wrestling epic will appeal to Sylvester Stallone fans and it will touch your heart deeply.
Credit goes to this film for living up to its title. It certainly was over the top cheesy.
ironhorse_iv21 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Having walked out on his family years ago because of mysterious means; truck driver & arm wrestler Lincoln Hawk played by Sylvester Stallone is now asked by his ex-wife Christina Cutler (Susan Blakely) to take care of their son Michael (David Mendenhall) while she goes into surgery against the will wishes of her father Jason Cutler played by Robert Loggia. This sport redemption story was panned by critics. It barely turned a profit at the box office. Yet this flick is probably best known for the extreme arm twisting to get action star Stallone to sign on. The Cannon Group offer him so much money that the studio found itself facing bankruptcy within a few years after this movie was released. Their business leader and director of this film Menahem Golan would later be forced to resigned from the company and by 1993 they ceased operations and folded. As for Stallone. He was really unhappy with this film's direction. He wanted the setting changed to an urban environment, used scored music instead of rock songs and made the finale more ominous. While he never got his way, the actor would later use some of his ideas for this movie for his screenplay for the 1990 flick 'Rocky V'. As for me while I wouldn't welcome this 1987 movie with open arms. It did meet me half way. I found most of the character development in the relationship between father and son during the road trip pretty compelling. Mendenhall surprising give his all in all those scenes. Although some parts of it was a bit off putting and semi disturbing. Especially when Lincoln asked his son to use his shoulder to sleep on during a truck stop. The dialogue written in that scene sounds pedo. Regardless of that badly written sequence. Stallone did act more fatherlike in the other moments involving his son. Even if conning a kid into an arm wrestling contest with his son is a bit questionable. Stallone still gave a decent job in that department. As for the action part. It was a mixed bag. While I can buy into the idea that Stallone can realistically passed as an arm wrestler more than original choice Don Johnson due to his muscle like frame. He was no milkshake. The tournament part was play off as a bit too gimmicky, cartoony and campy rather than serious. I never felt that second half of the film watching a man like John Grizzly (Bruce Way) down motor oil and eat cigarettes without getting severely ill mixed well with the impressive first half genuine family ties road trip concept. The ending event felt like a different movie. The filmmakers should had used more of that sport recreation documentary talking heads interview intercut with the brawls rather than playing off the comedic theatrical of the action. Not only does the rules of the double elimination tournament doesn't make sense but the idea that Lincoln can continue the event after putting a man through a glass window is bit much. I really had to turn off my brain. I doubt a winning the tournament allowed him to regained custody of Michael after ramming his truck into Jason's estate. Likewise, it is a bit weird that the child even allowed to stay with Jason after the old man's previous attempts of kidnapping him from his true father. You would think the state take the boy and put him into foster care until both men prove that they can take care of a child. Anyways by the looks of the film Michael might not need any father figure. After all he was able to drive and board an airline to Las Vegas all by himself. No wonder why one of the many writers David Engelbach was appalled at these changes made to his story and cry at the screening. Nevertheless, I thought what Engelbach wrote originally with Stirling Silliphant about the Mr. Cutler character doing all these awful things to Lincoln because he felt that it was what's best for the boy makes sense. It just sad that other writers like mediocre Gary Conway kinda took the reasonable but flawed individual and turn him into more sinister corrupt big head corporate executive trying to put the working man down. As for the arm wrestling tournament rival. Rick Zumwalt was actually the studio's third choice as Bull Hurley. They originally wanted real life arm wrestling champion Cleve Dean. That decision was problematic as he was so massive compared to Stallone. It wouldn't have looked believable that Hawk could beat him so the filmmakers went with professional wrestler Ox Baker instead with Dean served with a cameo. It wasn't until Baker pan out that the role finally went to Zumwalt. For the most part he did well. I also dig all the brief appearances of other fame wrestlers such as Scott Norton and Terry Funk. It's also weird to think that an actual arm wrestling tournament called 'Over the Top' was created for this film with a semitruck as the main prize. Many of that real life event stock footage was reused for this movie with Stallone's scenes being filmed one day after the finals with the same crowds as paid extras. As for the music. Both rock versions of 'Winner Takes It all' from Sammy Hager and the rock group Asia along with Kenny Loggin's 'Meet Me Half Way' and Larry Greene's 'Take it Higher' songs sound really dated. It's screams passe 1980s. Not really that memorable. It hasn't really escaped that decade nor aged well over the years. Composer Giorgio Moroder's score "The Fight" has more of a fighting chance. A remake of that tune could work if a reboot was ever in the works. Overall: This movie is still a ten four. Decent but could had been better. That's for sure.
Meet Sly Halfway
utgard1412 June 2014
So you think you've seen every movie about an arm wrestling truck driver absentee father road trip-bonding with his son who's just graduated from military school? Well, think again. This is one of Sylvester Stallone's most underrated movies. It gets a lot of flack because the premise sounds so ridiculous but it's actually a good little drama with some nice action of the arm wrasslin' variety. One of Cannon's more polished films. You'll learn everything you need to know about the power of wearing one's cap backwards and the eternal question of who exactly will the world meet halfway. Also some great rockin' tunes from the '80s! What's not to like about this movie?
Over the Top
haydenluz5 September 2020
Easily the best arm wrestling movie EVER MADE!
doyles-121 November 2005
I challenge anyone to find a better arm wrestling movie.
Since becoming a professional arm wrestler and losing my ex-wife, this film has inspired me.
It's not easy being a single dad whilst trying to cope with the rising gas prices to keep my rig on the road.
I'm sure a lot of Americans find themselves in this position, and they too should benefit from this realistic docu-drama of the typical American man.
To anyone, who find themselves in a similar rut, or experience any type of bad luck, I thoroughly recommend renting this movie, and joining the local arm-wrestling club.
Like I said this is easily the best made arm-wrestling movie, and I look forward to perhaps a left-handed sequel.
Since becoming a professional arm wrestler and losing my ex-wife, this film has inspired me.
It's not easy being a single dad whilst trying to cope with the rising gas prices to keep my rig on the road.
I'm sure a lot of Americans find themselves in this position, and they too should benefit from this realistic docu-drama of the typical American man.
To anyone, who find themselves in a similar rut, or experience any type of bad luck, I thoroughly recommend renting this movie, and joining the local arm-wrestling club.
Like I said this is easily the best made arm-wrestling movie, and I look forward to perhaps a left-handed sequel.
Over the Top (1987) Excellent father and son relationship
claszdsburrogato30 January 2024
Over the Top is an extremely simple film. Its enormous narrative simplicity is what makes it so special. He ventures into action and drama in a very interesting way. The entire development of the father and son relationship throughout the film is very well constructed. The characters have a very troubled relationship throughout the beginning of the story, but as time passes we see this relationship becoming better and better and the sincerity that is conveyed in the love between the two is beautiful. When the film seeks to build some action scenes, it does so masterfully. Everything around the film is extremely fun and manages to move with dramatic scenes involving the family.
Nostalgic Gold!
alexpeychev11 January 2021
Are you kidding me? Sylvester Stallone in an arm-wrestling movie? Does it get any better than that? If your balls have not turned into steel after seeing this movie, you're either a woman or... that is the only explanation. Acting? Plot? Cinematography? Who cares? Enjoy 90 minutes of pure testosterone and corniness. "Over the top" is without a doubt the most fitting movie title ever. If you enjoy either movies from the 80s, anything that's over the top or just Sylvester Stallone's weird acting and awkward yet somehow touching speeches, than you're gonna have a great time watching this movie. However, if you're not a fan of said things, than you should probably stay away from this masterpiece.
Pure Sly
nitratestock3514 April 2003
Over the Top is pure Sylvester Stallone: the blue collar man with the heart of gold fighting his way through a world that dismisses him as a loser but he wins at the end with the help of someone who really understands and loves him. Same as the Rocky series, same as the Rambo series.
But I can't help it, I really like Sly. He certainly is no Shakespeare actor but there is that deep honesty he represents in all his flicks and it works. When he first walks into that military school building to fetch his son after cleaning his truck and trying to make himself look his "Sunday best" - I can't help it: it is just great.
Yes it is strange to see a well educated kid (by a military school) being transformed into a "regular guy" by his own father. But in this film that is only a metaphor. The real meaning is: it's the heart that counts, not the social position. Now that's a message which can't be dismissed as junk that easily.
I love the portraits and short interviews of the arm wrestling contestants. Brilliant.
Probably the best scene is when the (always wonderful) Robert Loggia finally accepts the fact that his grandson loves his dad. The "villain" hasn't been beaten. No even better: he has been convinced and transformed.
Over the Top works on two levels: as popcorn entertainment: "Blue collar hero beats the odds" and as good old fashioned, almost Frank Capra- like cinema: "good will always win in the end".
Bottom line: as with many a Sly flick (any film Sylvester Stallone agrees to participate in or where he actually did the writing, directing etc.)we have to work our way through a popcorn flick to find a deeper meaning. And I say it is there in Over the Top hitting it dead center.
So I'm a Sylvester Stallone fan. Now call me names, I can take it.
But I can't help it, I really like Sly. He certainly is no Shakespeare actor but there is that deep honesty he represents in all his flicks and it works. When he first walks into that military school building to fetch his son after cleaning his truck and trying to make himself look his "Sunday best" - I can't help it: it is just great.
Yes it is strange to see a well educated kid (by a military school) being transformed into a "regular guy" by his own father. But in this film that is only a metaphor. The real meaning is: it's the heart that counts, not the social position. Now that's a message which can't be dismissed as junk that easily.
I love the portraits and short interviews of the arm wrestling contestants. Brilliant.
Probably the best scene is when the (always wonderful) Robert Loggia finally accepts the fact that his grandson loves his dad. The "villain" hasn't been beaten. No even better: he has been convinced and transformed.
Over the Top works on two levels: as popcorn entertainment: "Blue collar hero beats the odds" and as good old fashioned, almost Frank Capra- like cinema: "good will always win in the end".
Bottom line: as with many a Sly flick (any film Sylvester Stallone agrees to participate in or where he actually did the writing, directing etc.)we have to work our way through a popcorn flick to find a deeper meaning. And I say it is there in Over the Top hitting it dead center.
So I'm a Sylvester Stallone fan. Now call me names, I can take it.
Father & Son Reunion Tearjerker with Stallone as the Dad
zardoz-1330 April 2014
Warning: Spoilers
"Over the Top" qualifies as one of Menahem Golan's better movies. This Sylvester Stallone arm wrestling saga casts the lean, muscular "Rocky" hero as a humble but defiant trucker named Lincoln Hawk. Jason Cutler (Robert Loggia of "Scarface"), Hawk's villainous father-in-law, who drove him out of his daughter's life will stoop to anything to get his way. Now, Cutler's daughter Christina (Susan Blakely of "The Towering Inferno") is dying, but she wants her twelve-year old son, Michael (David Mendenhall), to get acquainted with her estranged husband. Naturally, the father-in-law doesn't take kindly to Hawk's intrusion. Cutler has been more of a father to Michael than Hawk could ever be over the last ten years. Meantime, when we aren't dealing with this contentious family custody battle, we find ourselves drawn into the world of arm wrestling. Hawk is hauling loads and working his way to the arm wrestling championship in Sin City. As a film, "Over the Top" doubles not only as a father and son reunion tearjerker, but also as a sports themed fantasy about arm wrestling. Noted scenarist Stirling Silliphant of "In the Heat of the Night," and Stallone penned this thinly plotted but engaging chronicle. Appropriately enough, Stallone plays a "Rocky" like underdog character, but it is Stallone at his most colorless. The road to reunion is pretty rocky for our protagonist and his long, lost son. Aside from Blakely's cameo from the hospital, "Over the Top" doesn't dwell on romance. This is strictly a father-in-law versus his son-in-law epic with predictable but heartfelt results. Of course, Hawk and Michael come together in the long run, but they seem to be constantly at odds until the youngster discovers that his grandfather has been manipulating him from the start about Lincoln Hawk. Basically, Stallone doesn't perform any spectacular feats, and "Over the Top" is believable. He steers an eighteen wheeler and arm wrestles. Stallone delivers a sincere performance and Loggia is believable as his antagonist every step of the way. When Hawk isn't tangling with Cutler, he competes with a number of colorful arm wrestler who look straight out of a heavy metal melodrama. The gorgeous scenery, "Delta Force" lenser David Gurfinkel's cinematography, and Golan's polished direction bolster this lethargic but meaningful fodder. Golan does everything that he can to make the arm wrestling scenes appear intense with Sergio Leone-like choker-close-ups of the participants clenching their teeth and gritting it out.
Classic!!!
cibyll-120 February 2008
Stallone made his best in the 80's. These "forever young" movies like Cobra, Rambo and of course this one are the essence of an actor who made a lot of things possible for his fans. Stallone will never be Al Pacino, but we never wanted this. His character and face gives us everything in his well known films. Akction and emotion are together in Over the top too. Lincoln and his son's story are one of the best in the Cannon-Era. Directed by Menahem Golan with good cinematography and very good, retro soundtrack. It's more than 20 years since this movie came out but I still say, it's worth to see, and wonder how the peace full years of the 80's were! Great remembrance!
Smashing good time -- making fun of it
joekay21 August 2000
"Over the Top" is one movie that can brighten up my friends' and my day after a tough day. It is a hilariously stupid movie filled with awkward character interactions and a script that could stink up the perfume shops in Nordstrom's (well, they smell bad enough anyway to me). We actually rent the movie and just make fun of it all the way to the ending credits, when the sheer cheese is capped by its own theme song, for goodness' sake! (It's titled "Over the Top." Surprise surprise.) Watching Sly groan and moan during his arm wrestling matches always brings smile to my face (well, it's a sneer, rather). The kid is the most annoying element of the movie. Oh yeah, and don't forget all of the supporting cast, including the REAL arm wrestling champion trucker guy (the bald guy who happened to be the best actor in the movie after all). You can't comprehend half of what Stallone says at first viewing, and one of the most hilarious part was when he was ranting and raving to a couple of goons driving away after an unsuccessful kidnapping attempt of Sly's son at a truck stop -- you just have to see it to understand what I'm saying here. Well, I guess that's just about everything I can say about this movie. It was a totally unimaginably dumb movie based on custody battle and arm wrestling (proved to be a deadly combination), and as long as you like making fun of movies and have a sense of humor, then go out and rent this movie! But please, do so with caution.
Heartwarming and refreshing
rodneystewart-5858026 January 2023
I was bored and so I scrolled though and found this movie. Much better than most of these new movies that are out there. This will take you back to a time where movies were nice and pure. A great heartwarming story. It may have been kind of scattered in the middle but it was all brought together in the end. I can't help but notice how all these bad reviews are saying it's terrible acting and this and that. The acting was par with what you would expect a standard 80's movie to be. Not over the top acting, but also not terrible like these people make it out to be. Definitely a good watch and something I thoroughly enjoyed.
Drawing from the Bottom Deck
spookyrat121 November 2018
This had the potential to be a fair Sly action vehicle, but the writers (include Stallone here) had to bring in the kid and turn the story into a sloppy, cliched, family bonding film.
So we end up with the eminent Robert Loggia completely slumming it as the mean, irascible and extremely rich grandpa and have to put up with the bratty son Michael, who admittedly does look simply divine in that military school suit of his. (Military school? Seriously what were they thinking?) I do congratulate David Mendenhall however, for looking the part of an 11 or 12 year old. Apparently he was around 15 to 16 when the film was made, but really doesn't look like a teenager.
Ultimately, we get too many weirded out supporting characters, too many slow motion arm wrestle matches, arguably too many 80's soundtrack songs, too many melodramatic moments, too many Sly long faces and too little humour to lighten the soap opera quality of the drama being presented onscreen. Underwhelming to the extreme!
As an aside, another one of those movies, where the business person never seems to actually do any business. Here, Sly, a trucker, never seems to be carrying anything, anywhere to maintain his livelihood.
So we end up with the eminent Robert Loggia completely slumming it as the mean, irascible and extremely rich grandpa and have to put up with the bratty son Michael, who admittedly does look simply divine in that military school suit of his. (Military school? Seriously what were they thinking?) I do congratulate David Mendenhall however, for looking the part of an 11 or 12 year old. Apparently he was around 15 to 16 when the film was made, but really doesn't look like a teenager.
Ultimately, we get too many weirded out supporting characters, too many slow motion arm wrestle matches, arguably too many 80's soundtrack songs, too many melodramatic moments, too many Sly long faces and too little humour to lighten the soap opera quality of the drama being presented onscreen. Underwhelming to the extreme!
As an aside, another one of those movies, where the business person never seems to actually do any business. Here, Sly, a trucker, never seems to be carrying anything, anywhere to maintain his livelihood.
The movie that has it all!
norcross2014 June 2000
Can you name another movie that combines Truck driving, arm wrestling, and family problems. I can only think of one: Over the Top. Sure it is a bad movie, but a movie worth seeing. Stallone has been better but where else can you see a truck driver who arm wrestles and wants to make up for a long time. The music is pretty good also.
Stallone Trying To Prove Himself
ColeSear25 October 2001
I remember seeing this movie as a kid and back then I liked it fine. All I recall from the first viewing was Stallone really struggling in one of the arm wrestling matches. I caught it on TV again recently and couldn't recognize it. There was an exchange between Stallone and his son about driving a truck that was pretty interesting. In the story it worked to bond the estranged-genius son with his father but watching it is seemed like Stallone was trying to prove himself to people. As I was watching the beginning I kept thinking to myself 'Isn't this the arm wrestling movie?'. Sure enough arm wrestling was thrown in, in a contrived way and that basically took the movie off into another direction and tried to balance the father son aspect. Watching this movie now was almost unbearable.
Lincoln Hawk
dk7779 March 2021
An underrated film that is actually a family drama with an interesting story and good characters.
We follow Lincoln Hawk's efforts to bond with his son, a bond opposed by his grandfather who sees Lincoln as a failure.
Throughout the film, we see that not everything is so simple, Lincoln tries to be the best father possible and show his son that life brings successes and failures. Preparing for the arm wrestling competition, they travel in his truck to their destination.
Today, there are no more films like this, unfortunately. There are no films like this that are both entertaining and emotional. This kind of story captivates us with its simple charm, which shows us that there are people who care for their family exactly the way they should.
The film is actually a touching family drama full of emotions packed in the fun style of movies we used to see in the eighties.
A simple film full of emotions that shows what a father is ready to do for his son.
The cast is good, the film is well directed, and the soundtrack is great.
A film that celebrates family, sacrifice and love.
We follow Lincoln Hawk's efforts to bond with his son, a bond opposed by his grandfather who sees Lincoln as a failure.
Throughout the film, we see that not everything is so simple, Lincoln tries to be the best father possible and show his son that life brings successes and failures. Preparing for the arm wrestling competition, they travel in his truck to their destination.
Today, there are no more films like this, unfortunately. There are no films like this that are both entertaining and emotional. This kind of story captivates us with its simple charm, which shows us that there are people who care for their family exactly the way they should.
The film is actually a touching family drama full of emotions packed in the fun style of movies we used to see in the eighties.
A simple film full of emotions that shows what a father is ready to do for his son.
The cast is good, the film is well directed, and the soundtrack is great.
A film that celebrates family, sacrifice and love.
"Meet me half-way!"
PredragReviews14 May 2016
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'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.
This should of never been made.
AguirreWrathOfGod27 April 2002
How can I start with this movie? It just plainly sucked. Slyvester Stallone just does a terrible job in his part and the kid is just annoying. Why would anyone ever think of writing about an arm wrestling competition? (sigh) This movie just shouldn't of ever been made. 1/10
This film does what any good 80s movie should
supereva10 October 2000
This film is all about the thrill of seeing Stallone reveal his more 'sensitive' side. Not to mention the great scenes where he works out the rippling biceps of his 'wrestling arm' using an ingenious hand-weight pulley system in the cab of his truck. Sure it's cheesy, but this film does what any good 80s movie should. The part where he turns his cap backwards before a wrestling match is a highlight, symbolising some kind of metamorphosis from sensitive dad to macho man. What a great flick!
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
