Mark Nalley directed this body builder icon documentary. It is made as a tribute to Lou Ferrigno, and although Boyer Coe acts like a hot shot through out the film, the viewer always feel that Ferrigno is the main man. The film is built up much like Pumping Iron with an antagonist and protagonist, Ferrigno being the protagonist and Coe maybe as a weak antagonist. The most interesting sequences of this film are the interviews with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Joe Weider about what kind of a man Lou Ferrigno is. Weider makes an interesting observation where he says that Lou Ferrigno was always more vacillating than Arnold. Arnold was more mental. If you have seen Pumping Iron and read about it you will know that Ferrigno did not care the most about winning, he most of all wanted to be spiritually free like Schwarzenegger was. Lou Ferrigno does not win the competition in either of the films, but the conclusion this time around is that although he did not win, Lou Ferrigno will always STAND TALL.
4 Reviews
Pumping Iron Jr.
caspian197828 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
A bodybuilder fan will enjoy Stand Tall by default. This documentary highlights bodybuilding as its setting. Overall, it is an attempt for Lou Ferrigno to get out of the shadow of Arnold Schwarzenegger. There are brief moments where we see Ferrigno as a human being, not the villain as he is depicted in Pumping Iron. We see Ferrigno as a child, the son, the husband and a friend to many. As a professional bodybuilder, we see him as an idol as well.
However, Stand Tall mirrors many of its plot and filming style to Pumping Iron. The only difference is they put Ferrigno in the shoes of Schwarzenegger. This is obvious as the documentaries attempt to put Ferrigno on the same "stage" as Schwarzenegger. Similar journey's, backgrounds and goals. This is attempted but fails. This is because of Ferrigno. No matter how presented, Ferrigno tries to be like Arnold, the leading man, the hero, the champion. However, in the end, although humble and still loved by many, falls short from being like Arnold. Stand Tall is the overall message of Ferrigno's story. Time and time again he has failed but continues to fight the good fight. Although the moral of the story is present, the documentary portrays Ferrigno as second best, if not a less popular version of Schwarzenegger.
Lou's greatest muscle - his heart!
ali6969uk27 July 2003
This documentary is very much in the style of Pumping Iron, but like Arnold Schwarzenegger's Total Rebuild it is centered around its "Star", Lou Ferrigno. It charts his early years as a kid from Brooklyn, New York who had to deal with having 85% hearing loss due to ear infections in his infancy. He fought against low self esteem by working out with weights in his father's garage, and boy did he win that battle with Mr. Universe (twice), and Mr. World among his physique title wins. Internationally known as a world class bodybuilder and star of The Incredible Hulk, we see him once again step up to the challenge of trying to win the Master's Olympia title in his '40's!
This video is primarily aimed at Big Lou's many fans worldwide and if you are not into him or bodybuilding in general it may not be to your liking. Also, if you are looking for bodybuilding info in regards to exercises and technique this is not it. I recommend "Lou Ferrigno's Body Perfection" as a basic video guide to weight training.
Lou's family are on hand to offer their opinions and encouragement as he tries to obtain the Body Building title that eluded him during his early competing years. This insight into Louis Ferrigno shows us his heart - which is his greatest muscle and where his true strength lies.
I found this film to be inspiring, Lou's message is a positive one, if he can achieve success despite obstacles - so can YOU!
This video is primarily aimed at Big Lou's many fans worldwide and if you are not into him or bodybuilding in general it may not be to your liking. Also, if you are looking for bodybuilding info in regards to exercises and technique this is not it. I recommend "Lou Ferrigno's Body Perfection" as a basic video guide to weight training.
Lou's family are on hand to offer their opinions and encouragement as he tries to obtain the Body Building title that eluded him during his early competing years. This insight into Louis Ferrigno shows us his heart - which is his greatest muscle and where his true strength lies.
I found this film to be inspiring, Lou's message is a positive one, if he can achieve success despite obstacles - so can YOU!
well crafted bodybuilding documentary
r-c-s16 March 2007
Warning: Spoilers
this is a well crafted bodybuilding documentary. A documentary to celebrate Lou Ferrigno, not a diet & exercise tape and not a "reality" tape, either. In spite of the goal and in spite of a generally good impression Ferrigno makes, most interviews (EG Weider, Schwarzenegger etc ) portray him as an extremely emotionally challenged individual, short of a loser, reading between the soothing lines. Even Lou's friend Bankofsky gives you that impression. Arnold is known to be a cynical man, yet everyone's opinion concurred with his. Lou is described as a "big sookie baby" eager to bond with people, but bodybuilding is about business and competition, thus Lou is duped more often than not. The positive message is from a man who fought back against physical illness and who proved the value of dedication. Boyer Coe acts as Lou's nemesis: kind of arrogant, very bold and all. Those who (like myself) have been in a gym for decades know well what the absolute beginner may ignore: dedication is paramount; genetics is extremely important, but there is the dark side of the deal as well, made of drugs etc. My message is: do not think you ( whoever you are ) can become like Lou, Boyer or others with just dieting & dedication.
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