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The Rewatchables ·

Over the Top

year 1987decade 80sdirector Menahem Golangenre Sportsgenre Drama
host Bill Simmonshost Kyle Brandtproducer Craig Horlbeck
All 35 categories

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award · 1:09:07

Lincoln is the villain

Kyle Brandt: Lincoln is argued to be the villain: he abandoned his family and undermines the grandfather who actually raised and supported the child.

Kyle Brandt: Jail familiarity, an unanswered drug question, physique, recovery and destructive behavior are interpreted as signs of drug use; these are speculative claims about the character.

The film

Over the Top (1987)

Directed by Menahem Golan · Sports

94 minutes

IMDb Letterboxd Find on JustWatch Rotten Tomatoes
Cast

Selected cast credits ·

Sylvester Stallone Lincoln Hawk
Robert Loggia Jason Cutler
Susan Blakely Christina Marie Cutler Hawk
Rick Zumwalt Bob Bull Hurley
David Mendenhall Michael Cutler
Terry Funk Ruker
Bob Beattie Announcer
Alan Graf Collins
Sam Scarber Bosco

Everything from the episode

In the order the hosts got to it. Open a row for the discussion.

15:04

Half-Assed Internet Research

Stallone’s critique and fee; budget; injury; ending reconciliation; Wetton recording; casting; mansion; Razzies; Zumw...

Stallone’s critique and fee; budget; injury; ending reconciliation; Wetton recording; casting; mansion; Razzies; Zumwalt; real tournament

In the discussion (13)
Approx. transcript time · 00:15:04Read transcript
  • Stallone later distanced himself, saying he would use an urban setting, omit pop music and make the Vegas finale more ominous. — Bill Simmons
  • Stallone reportedly accepted a record $12 million after his agent’s attempted rejection of a $10 million offer backfired into a higher bid. — Bill Simmons
  • The reported budget is about $25 million including Stallone’s fee, against $16 million earned; Mannequin beat it on opening weekend. — Bill Simmons
  • The elbow injury reportedly occurred unexpectedly to a real German champion during tournament filming; his transcript name is uncertain. — Bill Simmons
  • Loggia can be seen in the distant final shot, suggesting reconciliation despite little explanatory dialogue. — Bill Simmons
  • John Wetton reportedly originally recorded Winner Takes It All before Hagar replaced him to provide more aggression. — Bill Simmons
  • Zumwalt reportedly received $10,000 to shave his head and kept the look. — Bill Simmons
  • The grandfather’s mansion reportedly also served as the Clampett home in The Beverly Hillbillies. — Bill Simmons
  • Mendenhall won Razzies for supporting actor and new star; Stallone lost worst actor to Bill Cosby in Leonard Part 6. — Bill Simmons
  • Zumwalt reportedly achieved sobriety, helped people with substance problems and died of a heart attack in 2003. — Bill Simmons
  • A real international tournament was staged for the film, culminating in an 18-hour Vegas competition; Stallone filmed his material afterward. — Bill Simmons
  • Randy Raney played Mad Dog Madison and later fought Stallone in Rambo III. — Bill Simmons
  • The real truckers-class champion won a truck and trailer worth roughly $250,000 and reportedly inspired Lincoln; the transcript’s name is uncertain. — Bill Simmons
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25:13

Most Rewatchable Scene

Final tournament

Final tournament

In the discussion (19)
Approx. transcript time · 00:25:13Read transcript
  • Lincoln’s first diner arm-wrestling match, with cap turn and the over-the-top move, starts the rewatchable action. — Bill Simmons
  • The Smasher’s wildly intense dialogue is a standout in the diner sequence. — Kyle Brandt
  • Hurley’s challenge after the match and threats about Vegas are highlights. — Bill Simmons
  • Most father-son scenes are rejected, although the child attempting to drive is mildly entertaining. — Bill Simmons
  • Mike’s arcade match is a candidate, with an intimidating older opponent and an initially crushing defeat. — Bill Simmons
  • Lincoln’s “world meets nobody halfway” speech is enjoyed despite skepticism that it could change the outcome. — Kyle Brandt
  • Mike’s comeback is a memorably absurd upset after only two days of training. — Bill Simmons
  • Lincoln arriving at the grandfather’s mansion to retrieve Mike is the next nominated scene. — Bill Simmons
  • Lincoln crashing his truck through the grandfather’s gates and property is enjoyable excess, ending with five officers arresting him. — Bill Simmons
  • Winner Takes It All and the tournament montage transform the movie’s final 35minutes. — Bill Simmons
  • The documentary-style interviews supply memorable boasts, including Lincoln’s cap switch, Bosco’s engine metaphor and Hurley’s “second sucks.” — Bill Simmons
  • The straps, double-elimination rules and visible elbow injury make the tournament’s world exciting and dangerous. — Kyle Brandt
  • Lincoln rejects the grandfather’s money and throws Terry Funk through glass doors in the hotel suite. — Bill Simmons
  • Lincoln’s earlier loss and rematch with Grizzly add vulnerability before his comeback. — Bill Simmons
  • Lincoln defeats Grizzly and Mad Dog Madison before the disputed Bosco semifinal. — Bill Simmons
  • Bosco’s quick defeat after grip and shoulder disputes is confusing because he protests that he was not ready. — Bill Simmons
  • The final strap raises the stakes, followed by a bloody nose and Hurley’s repeated threats. — Kyle Brandt
  • Stallone’s exaggerated facial strain helps sell an activity with limited visible movement. — Kyle Brandt
  • The tournament’s final 30minutes are the decisive rewatchable choice, with Hagar’s song essential to the appeal. — Kyle Brandt
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25:59

Picking Nits

Finger move; Mike’s comeback and travel; double elimination; letters; prize; odds; cab sleeping; punch; route

Finger move; Mike’s comeback and travel; double elimination; letters; prize; odds; cab sleeping; punch; route

In the discussion (12)
Approx. transcript time · 00:25:59Read transcript
  • The over-the-top finger repositioning seems to sacrifice leverage and should let an opponent win immediately, yet it works even against Hurley. — Kyle Brandt
  • A motivational speech cannot plausibly reverse the strength mismatch into two straight victories. — Kyle Brandt
  • A humiliated twelve-year-old who leaves crying seems unlikely to return voluntarily. — Kyle Brandt
  • Double elimination is explained repeatedly, yet undefeated Hurley is eliminated after one final loss without explaining a rule change. — Bill Simmons
  • Letters alone cannot explain lost contact when telephones were available. — Kyle Brandt
  • Mike’s unaided drive from Bel Air to LAX, ticket purchase, flight escape and tournament arrival strain belief at age eleven or twelve. — Bill Simmons
  • A $250,000 truck plus $100,000 cash seems an enormous 1987 arm-wrestling prize. — Bill Simmons
  • No other competitor apparently knows Lincoln’s finger-repositioning move. — Bill Simmons
  • Twenty-to-one odds seem too short for a newcomer in a 500-person field dominated by an unbeaten champion;70-to-one is suggested. — Kyle Brandt
  • Lincoln should spend some of his $1,000 win on a motel instead of making his frightened child sleep upright in the cab. — Kyle Brandt
  • Hurley should be penalized or disqualified for punching Lincoln; counting it as a loss could repair the double-elimination contradiction, but the film does not explain that. — Bill Simmons
  • The route through Colorado, California, Arizona and Utah is confusing; a brief pickup explanation does not clarify the aimless travel. — Bill Simmons
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41:07

The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance

Broken-elbow competitor; Hurley ruled ineligible; Terry Funk honorable mention

Broken-elbow competitor; Hurley ruled ineligible; Terry Funk honorable mention

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 00:41:07Read transcript
  • The wrestler whose elbow snaps is an early heat-check candidate. — Kyle Brandt
  • Hurley is considered, then ruled too prominent; the wrestler with the broken elbow becomes the final choice. — Kyle Brandt
  • Terry Funk receives honorable mention but is overshadowed by Hurley. — Kyle Brandt
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44:52

Van Lathan Award for Did This Movie Need More Black People?

Yes

Yes

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:44:52Read transcript
  • More Black characters are wanted; making Bosco the sole Black competitor who suffers the officiating controversy is criticized. — Bill Simmons
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48:29

The most 1987 thing

Soloflex; soundtrack; TWA; arm-wrestling fad

Soloflex; soundtrack; TWA; arm-wrestling fad

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:48:29Read transcript
  • The soundtrack is chosen from candidates including arm wrestling as a fad, Hagar, Bob Beattie and TWA. — Bill Simmons
  • The Soloflex appearance becomes the superior off-list choice. — Kyle Brandt
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50:07

What’s Aged the Best?

Self-bet; bad dialogue; tournament; Hurley; Loggia; songs; Cannon credit; SNL; Grizzly; truck workout; funeral trope;...

Self-bet; bad dialogue; tournament; Hurley; Loggia; songs; Cannon credit; SNL; Grizzly; truck workout; funeral trope; father admiration

In the discussion (11)
Approx. transcript time · 00:50:07Read transcript
  • Lincoln betting all $7,000 from his truck sale on himself is admired. — Bill Simmons
  • The cholesterol-poisoning exchange is enjoyed for its terrible dialogue. — Bill Simmons
  • Tournament structure and Rick Zumwalt’s imposing Bull Hurley casting work well. — Kyle Brandt
  • Evil Robert Loggia is a strength. — Bill Simmons
  • The Hagar music video and a Golan-Globus production credit promise enjoyable excess. — Bill Simmons
  • The SNL sketch in which Norm Macdonald mocks Stallone’s movies after an accident is recommended. — Bill Simmons
  • Larry Greene’s opening song is considered underrated and better than Meet Me Half Way. — Bill Simmons
  • The repeated double-elimination explanations, strap and John Grizzly’s eccentric performance remain enjoyable. — Bill Simmons
  • The truck’s exercise apparatus remains a childhood favorite, despite likely producing an uneven physique. — Bill Simmons
  • Arriving midway through a funeral, silently dropping flowers and leaving is enjoyed as an absurd recurring movie convention. — Bill Simmons
  • A child watching an estranged father do something impressive captures a powerful emotional experience. — Kyle Brandt
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59:11

The most GIFable moment

Stallone turning his cap backward

Stallone turning his cap backward

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:59:11Read transcript
  • Stallone turning his cap backward before facing the Smasher is the clear choice. — Kyle Brandt
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59:34

The Great Shot Gordo Award for Most Cinematic Shot

No firm choice; ending wide shot tentative

No firm choice; ending wide shot tentative

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:59:34Read transcript
  • The ending wide shot is tentatively offered, but no convincing cinematic-shot choice is found. — Bill Simmons
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59:58

The Den of Thieves Benihana Award for Scene-Stealing Location

Las Vegas Hilton

Las Vegas Hilton

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:59:58Read transcript
  • The Las Vegas Hilton tournament is selected, with appreciation for shooting in Vegas. — Bill Simmons
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1:00:06

The Slow Ride / Kid Cudi – Pursuit of Happiness Award for Best Needle Drop

Winner Takes It All

Winner Takes It All

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:00:06Read transcript
  • Winner Takes It All is the obvious choice. — Bill Simmons
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1:00:31

The Big Kahuna Burger Award for Best Use of Food and Drink

Unseen steak

Unseen steak

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:00:31Read transcript
  • Lincoln’s unseen, imagined steak wins; the child prefers tuna on whole wheat. — Bill Simmons
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1:01:04

The Butch’s Girlfriend Award for the Weakest Link in the Film

Hospital scenes; unexplained family abandonment

Hospital scenes; unexplained family abandonment

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:01:04Read transcript
  • The hospital scenes with Christina are considered particularly bad, including the performance and repetitive phone calls. — Kyle Brandt
  • The movie never adequately explains why Lincoln abandoned his family for ten years; conflict with the grandfather is insufficient. — Bill Simmons
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1:04:28

What’s Aged the Worst?

Kidnapping; Stallone’s acting; score; Hawk/Hawks; Brut slogan

Kidnapping; Stallone’s acting; score; Hawk/Hawks; Brut slogan

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 01:04:28Read transcript
  • The henchmen’s attempted kidnapping feels like forced action inserted to give Stallone a chase and punches. — Kyle Brandt
  • Stallone’s subdued acting and interview scenes feel like an effort-free payday. — Bill Simmons
  • Giorgio Moroder’s credited music contribution seems hard to discern amid the prominent songs. — Bill Simmons
  • The inconsistent Hawk/Hawks surname, including the letters, is distracting. — Kyle Brandt
  • Brut’s “smells like a man” branding is dated, alongside memories of competing colognes. — Kyle Brandt
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1:07:52

The Ruffalo / Hanna / Rubinek / Partridge Overacting Award

Robert Loggia; Rick Zumwalt alternative

Robert Loggia; Rick Zumwalt alternative

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:07:52Read transcript
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1:08:17

Is There a Better Title for This Movie?

No

No

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:08:17Read transcript
  • No: the title names the move and aptly describes the film’s excess. — Kyle Brandt
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1:08:35

The Neil McCauley “A Book about Metals” Award for Best Line from the Movie

The world meets nobody halfway

The world meets nobody halfway

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:08:35Read transcript
  • “The world meets nobody halfway” is the choice. — Kyle Brandt
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1:09:07

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

Lincoln is the villain; Mendenhall’s performance is good

Lincoln is the villain; Mendenhall’s performance is good

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:09:07Read transcript
  • Lincoln is argued to be the villain: he abandoned his family and undermines the grandfather who actually raised and supported the child. — Kyle Brandt
  • Jail familiarity, an unanswered drug question, physique, recovery and destructive behavior are interpreted as signs of drug use; these are speculative claims about the character. — Kyle Brandt
  • Lincoln is accused of exploiting a dying woman’s illness to regain custody. — Kyle Brandt
  • The child actor is defended as highly effective at playing the intended spoiled, hateful boy, including repeated convincing tears. — Bill Simmons
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1:13:11

Casting What-Ifs

Don Johnson; Cleve Dean; Ox Baker

Don Johnson; Cleve Dean; Ox Baker

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:13:11Read transcript
  • Don Johnson reportedly was the first Lincoln choice, but his build and looks seem less credible for a truck-driving arm wrestler. — Bill Simmons
  • Cleve Dean was deemed too large, Ox Baker was approached, and Rick Zumwalt became the third choice for Hurley. — Bill Simmons
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1:13:54

The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award

Sam Scarber; Allan Graf alternative

Sam Scarber; Allan Graf alternative

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:13:54Read transcript
  • Sam Scarber as Harry Bosco is favored, supported by Karate Kid refereeing, a Cheers episode and a professional-football background. — Bill Simmons
  • The diner official is jokingly likened to Dan Le Batard; this is a resemblance, not a claimed cameo. — Kyle Brandt
  • Alan Graf as the security guard is another candidate. — Kyle Brandt
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1:16:52

Recasting Couch

Debra Winger; Gary Coleman; Emmanuel Lewis; Kirk Cameron; Tattoo joke

Debra Winger; Gary Coleman; Emmanuel Lewis; Kirk Cameron; Tattoo joke

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:16:52Read transcript
  • Debra Winger is proposed for Christina to improve the hospital scenes. — Bill Simmons
  • Gary Coleman or Emmanuel Lewis could play Mike without explanation. — Bill Simmons
  • Kirk Cameron is a further child-role choice; Tattoo from Fantasy Island is a joke alternative.
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1:17:38

What Would Tony Romo’s Director’s Commentary for This Movie Sound Like?

Gus Johnson

Gus Johnson

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:17:38Read transcript
  • Both choose Gus Johnson, especially for the strap and other tournament excitement. — Bill Simmons
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1:20:53

Apex Mountain

Golan-Globus; arm wrestling; Bob Beattie; annoying children of divorce; Rick Zumwalt; Sammy Hagar; motor-oil drinking

Golan-Globus; arm wrestling; Bob Beattie; annoying children of divorce; Rick Zumwalt; Sammy Hagar; motor-oil drinking

In the discussion (12)
Approx. transcript time · 01:20:53Read transcript
  • Stallone is rejected. — Bill Simmons
  • Golan-Globus are affirmed in their prolific Cannon heyday. — Bill Simmons
  • Arm wrestling is an unquestionable yes, with the movie’s association persisting decades later. — Kyle Brandt
  • Divorce films are rejected in favor of Kramer vs. Kramer, with Mrs. Doubtfire personally affecting. — Bill Simmons
  • Bob Beattie receives a definite yes. — Bill Simmons
  • The Vegas Hilton probably had larger boxing moments; Terry Funk is rejected. — Bill Simmons
  • Evil Loggia is placed at Scarface, while this grandfather is defended as potentially the good party. — Bill Simmons
  • Annoying children of divorce and Rick Zumwalt receive affirmative answers. — Kyle Brandt
  • Truck driving loses to the late-1970s era, with Smokey and the Bandit and Convoy among comparisons. — Bill Simmons
  • Sammy Hagar receives an emphatic yes around his Van Halen debut period; the podcast’s same-year chronology is not independently verified. — Bill Simmons
  • Las Vegas is rejected. — Bill Simmons
  • Drinking motor oil is affirmed as a memorable, reckless gimmick. — Bill Simmons
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1:25:20

Cruise or Hanks?

Cruise

Cruise

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:25:20Read transcript
  • Cruise wins, with the lack of a romance seen as an advantage and a 1990s version imagined. — Bill Simmons
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1:26:35

Best Race Horse Name from This Movie

The Lincoln Hawks; Hawk Hauling

The Lincoln Hawks; Hawk Hauling

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:26:35Read transcript
  • The Lincoln Hawks is proposed; Hawk Hauling already served as a long-running fantasy-team name. — Bill Simmons
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1:35:11

Sequel, Prequel, Limited Series, or All-Black Remake

Adult Mike sequel with Tom Cruise

Adult Mike sequel with Tom Cruise

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:35:11Read transcript
  • A sequel following adult Mike, played by Tom Cruise, is preferred. — Bill Simmons
  • Pro wrestling, trucking and a Fast & Furious-style stolen-car connection are alternative sequel directions. — Bill Simmons
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1:36:39

Is This Movie Better With…?

Byron Mayo as grandfather

Byron Mayo as grandfather

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:36:39Read transcript
  • Byron Mayo as the grandfather wins, importing Loggia’s drunken, angry character into the rich-man role. — Bill Simmons
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1:37:08

Just One Oscar

Winner Takes It All nomination; The Time of My Life win retained

Winner Takes It All nomination; The Time of My Life win retained

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:37:08Read transcript
  • Winner Takes It All is initially chosen, but after checking the nominees the desired outcome becomes a nomination rather than beating The Time of My Life. — Bill Simmons
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1:39:03

Probably Unanswerable Questions

Bosco ruling; Lincoln’s relationship; modern sport; trucking life; Ringer tournament

Bosco ruling; Lincoln’s relationship; modern sport; trucking life; Ringer tournament

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 01:39:03Read transcript
  • Was Harry Bosco cheated? — Bill Simmons
  • How did Lincoln meet a billionaire’s daughter? Drug-related explanations of their relationship and her illness are speculative jokes. — Bill Simmons
  • A2024 version would likely use competitive slapping, which is disliked. — Kyle Brandt
  • Could truck driving be an appealing life? Scenery, solitude, podcasts and familiar diner stops compete with boredom and physical discomfort. — Kyle Brandt
  • Brian Curtis is favored in a hypothetical Ringer arm-wrestling tournament, with Ryen Russillo the likely rival. — Bill Simmons
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1:41:23

Best Double Feature

Cobra first
Over the Top
Cobra
In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:41:23Read transcript
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1:43:17

The Andy and Red – Zihuatanejo Award for What Happens the Next Day?

Mike returns to grandfather; Lincoln rents locally and shares custody

Mike returns to grandfather; Lincoln rents locally and shares custody

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:43:17Read transcript
  • Mike likely returns to the grandfather within weeks because ordinary school and childhood routines cannot fit permanent trucking. — Bill Simmons
  • Lincoln could rent locally and share custody, treating the grandfather as an asset rather than keeping Mike on the road. — Bill Simmons
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1:45:04

What Piece of Memorabilia Would You Want From This Movie?

Hawk ornament; mud flaps; signed cap; Bangor shirt

Hawk ornament; mud flaps; signed cap; Bangor shirt

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:45:04Read transcript
  • The signed black cap is considered; it reportedly went from Stallone to Hagar and later sold for charity. — Bill Simmons
  • The truck’s hawk ornament is a preferred choice. — Kyle Brandt
  • The passing-side/suicide mud flaps are the other chosen truck collectible. — Kyle Brandt
  • Hurley’s Bangor shirt is another option. — Kyle Brandt
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1:46:05

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson

The world meets nobody halfway

The world meets nobody halfway

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:46:05Read transcript
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1:46:05

Who Won the Movie?

Arm wrestling

Arm wrestling

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:46:05Read transcript
  • Arm wrestling wins because the film remains the sport’s dominant cultural reference. — Bill Simmons
  • Stallone is rejected; Tyson Bagent is only a counterfactual belated possibility, and Golan-Globus lose on the film’s financial failure. — Bill Simmons
Podcast choices
Bill Simmons
Arm wrestling
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1:47:35

Producer review

Rough first half; finale delivers; more edge wanted; inventive truck workout

Rough first half; finale delivers; more edge wanted; inventive truck workout

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:47:35Read transcript
  • Affection survives a rough first half and a deeply irritating child; the family-drama emphasis was unexpected. — Craig Horlbeck
  • More 1980s edge is desired, but Hagar and the final tournament justify the experience. — Craig Horlbeck
  • Arm wrestling is not visually dynamic, though the quick slam works as a finishing move. — Craig Horlbeck
  • Using the truck’s grille for curls is admired as an inventive workout.
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More from the conversation

Opening announcements promote archived video episodes, a Broadway live show and the Mr. McMahon documentary.
Approx. transcript time · 00:01:52Read transcript
Over the Top and Cobra were early priorities for this pairing; the premise mixes custody drama, trucking, arm wrestling and Rocky-style competition.
Approx. transcript time · 00:04:53Read transcript
The truck’s exercise pulley is admired as a memorable flourish, despite obvious questions about driving safely while training.
Approx. transcript time · 00:05:33Read transcript
Stallone’s Rambo II, Rocky IV, Cobra and Over the Top run is characterized as the same restrained performance repeated at the peak of his commercial power.
Approx. transcript time · 00:06:03Read transcript
Stallone’s minimal response to his wife’s death is criticized as barely acting; later roles attempt more humor or visible pain.
Approx. transcript time · 00:07:01Read transcript
The film begins a perceived career slide, with an unchecked star able to make eccentric choices such as Cobra’s scissors-cut frozen pizza.
Approx. transcript time · 00:07:38Read transcript
An Over the Top hat came from a Lincoln Hawk Halloween costume inspired by quarterback Tyson Bagent’s arm-wrestling father Travis.
Approx. transcript time · 00:08:43Read transcript
Subsequent Stallone releases include Rambo III, Lock Up, Tango & Cash, Rocky V, Oscar and Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot; mixed commercial results and Rocky V regret are discussed.
Approx. transcript time · 00:09:17Read transcript
The final30–35minutes are enthusiastically defended while the preceding family drama is considered rough, resembling Rocky II’s delayed payoff.
Approx. transcript time · 00:10:17Read transcript
Cobra retains the title of unintentionally funniest Stallone movie; its unexplained cult and weaponry inspire interest in a repeat episode.
Approx. transcript time · 00:12:02Read transcript
Lincoln’s advice about planning, preparing and expecting to win prompts jokes about football-coach accountability.
Approx. transcript time · 00:12:49Read transcript
The lesson that the world meets nobody halfway conflicts comically with Kenny Loggins’s Meet Me Half Way theme song.
Approx. transcript time · 00:13:09Read transcript
The repeated halfway maxim is interpreted as self-reliance but considered cheesy; turning a cap backward becomes Lincoln’s superpower.
Approx. transcript time · 00:13:47Read transcript
Electric Boogaloo, the Cannon Films documentary, is enthusiastically recommended for its action-and-nudity business history.
Approx. transcript time · 00:16:15Read transcript
Cannon’s output ranges from respected films to Bronson, Norris and erotic fare; The Apple exemplifies its bizarre ambitions.
Approx. transcript time · 00:16:39Read transcript
A writer’s story about crying because the film ended his career is rejected emotionally by the fans discussing it.
Approx. transcript time · 00:18:42Read transcript
Superman IV’s reduced budget illustrates Cannon’s troubles; a modern studio built around action stars and exploitation is wished for.
Approx. transcript time · 00:18:57Read transcript
Childhood divorce, Stallone fandom and arm-wrestling marketing helped sell the film; the anticipated sport craze never materialized.
Approx. transcript time · 00:20:54Read transcript
A modern version centered on competitive slapping is imagined and mocked as dangerous and unappealing.
Approx. transcript time · 00:21:53Read transcript
Cable rotation restored affection despite the original critical and commercial failure.
Approx. transcript time · 00:23:37Read transcript
Sammy Hagar’s Winner Takes It All transforms the film; the barefoot performance and Stallone arm-wrestling music video are enthusiastically praised.
Approx. transcript time · 00:24:04Read transcript
Hurley delivers his threats like a mid-1980s wrestling promo.
Approx. transcript time · 00:27:36Read transcript
An online recut turns the father-son road trip into a sinister abduction thriller.
Approx. transcript time · 00:29:01Read transcript
The arcade opponent’s loss is jokingly ranked among notorious blown leads, including the Falcons’28–3 Super Bowl loss.
Approx. transcript time · 00:32:49Read transcript
Favorite Loggia roles include Big, Scarface, An Officer and a Gentleman, a Chicago Seven television film, Jagged Edge and Necessary Roughness.
Approx. transcript time · 00:33:58Read transcript
A Dana Carvey con-man film is recalled with a likely mistaken title; Loggia is compared with Jack Warden and considered on autopilot here.
Approx. transcript time · 00:34:58Read transcript
The truck crashing through the mansion gates is compared with The Terminator’s police-station assault and interpreted as Stallone borrowing from Schwarzenegger.
Approx. transcript time · 00:35:51Read transcript
Sports-montage comparisons include Teen Wolf, The Karate Kid, Rocky III/IV and Bloodsport; The Karate Kid is the preferred tournament example.
Approx. transcript time · 00:36:57Read transcript
An elbow-dislocation story emphasizes the pain behind the tournament injury.
Approx. transcript time · 00:41:07Read transcript
Bull Hurley actor Rick Zumwalt is distinguished from Escape from New York’s Ox Baker and recalled from The Presidio.
Approx. transcript time · 00:46:27Read transcript
Stallone’s side-of-mouth delivery prompts a comparison with Cliffhanger and the casting of Milo Ventimiglia as his son.
Approx. transcript time · 00:46:48Read transcript
Home exercise-machine memories compare Soloflex and NordicFlex and question the lack of guidance or suitability as gifts.
Approx. transcript time · 00:49:12Read transcript
Hurley could use a stronger villainous backstory: striking the child or working for the grandfather are proposed additions.
Approx. transcript time · 00:51:25Read transcript
The grandfather may have wagered on Hurley, but this is speculation prompted by his disappointment.
Approx. transcript time · 00:52:21Read transcript
Kenny Loggins soundtrack favorites include Holiday Road, I’m Alright, Danger Zone, Playing with the Boys and Footloose; Meet Me Half Way does not make the list.
Approx. transcript time · 00:54:08Read transcript
Stallone’s elaborate character names Marion Cobretti and Lincoln Hawk are admired and joked about.
Approx. transcript time · 00:55:05Read transcript
The unexplained long separation also raises questions about why Lincoln still calls Christina his wife and whether she dated anyone else.
Approx. transcript time · 01:02:52Read transcript
The hosts acknowledge they do not understand actual arm-wrestling technique and may be wrong about the finger move.
Approx. transcript time · 01:08:35Read transcript
Reinterpreting Lincoln as the villain invites a Karate Kid/Cobra Kai comparison about reversed moral perspectives.
Approx. transcript time · 01:10:01Read transcript
Mike’s solo escape, drive, flight and arrival at the tournament are treated as evidence of surprising competence.
Approx. transcript time · 01:11:42Read transcript
Mendenhall’s work on Diff’rent Strokes and General Hospital reinforces the defense of his acting; a Toy Soldiers role is imagined.
Approx. transcript time · 01:12:19Read transcript
The documentary prompts a debate over Cannon’s best film: Runaway Train, Barfly and Street Smart versus commercial favorites Bloodsport and Cobra.
Approx. transcript time · 01:21:06Read transcript
Van Hagar is defended, especially5150 and For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, despite the criticism that Hagar softened the band.
Approx. transcript time · 01:24:14Read transcript
Cruise as an adult Mike in a sequel leads to jokes about spectacular arm-wrestling stunts.
Approx. transcript time · 01:26:16Read transcript
The grandfather’s business remains unknown: finance and retail empires are speculated about to explain private-plane-and-henchmen wealth.
Approx. transcript time · 01:30:12Read transcript
The name Mike Hawk prompts jokes about whether the double entendre was intentional and whether Michael would be preferable.
Approx. transcript time · 01:36:08Read transcript
Persistent audience requests helped bring the episode about; other possible action films and actor appearance standings are discussed.
Approx. transcript time · 01:41:39Read transcript
Bears pass protection and Caleb Williams’s difficult start become a football tangent.
Approx. transcript time · 01:46:41Read transcript
Craig Horlbeck is explicitly identified as producer by full name.
Approx. transcript time · 01:47:16Read transcript
Stallone’s later return toward ambitious roles is contrasted with his beloved popcorn-action years and Nicolas Cage’s post-Oscar choices.
Approx. transcript time · 01:50:24Read transcript
Terminator2 impressing a ten-year-old prompts a comparison with Stallone’s closest equivalent, Rocky.
Approx. transcript time · 01:52:12Read transcript

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