Don't Believe the Hype

I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

It is both painfully honest and laugh-out-loud funny at the same time.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

It was a decent documentary. But not great. could have been, but wasn't. I thought the Juggler and the cycler were interesting. The "Grape guys" rivalry was cool but individually their story lines were lame. It was like the timing of the documentary was off at the end. (when they revealed who broke records, and who failed.) Guiness is Epic. Everyone has read the books at some point. I even remember being thrilled as a kid when i found one. With the Guiness book of records there is so much story there, or I should say potential story. However, it was like they chose the the 3 simplest stories. like i said, good, not great.

Records were made to be broken, and this movie highlights just how far people will go to prove they are the best in the world at something. It highlights the very basic human instinct to achieve something no one has accomplished before. The movie uses seemingly average human examples and shows how this desire drives them to go well beyond what most of us would be willing to endure just to have their name in the world renowned book of Guiness World Records. These wonderfully constructed stories somehow accomplish making the viewer both empathetic to their obsessions, yet at the same time inspired by their will to accomplish their goals.

This documentary shows what very hard work and determination can accomplish! Not only does it show what can accomplished physically but mentally as well. It is a must see for everyone who hopes to accomplish something. It reveals the determination some have to never give up and say "I can't do that!" Like many who face adversity, those who are compelled to try and break a world record, must overcome not only their own obstacles but those of others competing against them. This documentary details the time and expense those who put forth the the effort to become a world record holder as well as the struggles their families go through.

As a movie that I chose to see as part of the Cucalorus Film Festival partly due to it's intriguing premise and partly due to the family friendly nature of the movie, it was entertaining and educational on both accounts.When I read the movie summary I was immediately taken back to my childhood and days skimming the pages of the Guinness Book, hopping between longest fingernails (all curled and gross) and largest twins (proud and prestigious on their motorcycles...you know the two). This reminiscence along with the fact the boys, 12 and 8, also now share the love of all things worthy of a world record were both a huge draw.Great job by Director Benjamin Fingerhut, who through the course of the Q&A was evident in his sincerity and knowledge, and all the record holders that star in the documentary. The director took on a topic that could have easily been lampooned with an angle that not only didn't demean the records and their holders but pleasantly educated in the process.