Good , But It Is Overrated By Some

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

Pulling John is a movie that will surprise you as it showcases one of the world's premier strength athletes. I was told that I "had to see this movie, you won't believe it!". I watched it with low expectations as I could not care less about arm wrestling, but I was astonished by the thought that there was a 200 lb, guy out there, who for the past twenty years has been beating every giant that has challenged him. the other reviewer is correct in that the movie does not have a great deal of depth to it, however, I thought that there was moderate development in terms of showing the big Russian's way of life, and the American hick's upbringing. The nearly universal awe and fear in which John is held by all the other competitors is amazing. I highly recommend this inspiring picture.

How exciting can you make a documentary about world-class arm wrestling?! So, although I am not giving this a huge score, for what it is, it's pretty good--but I just can't see its topic interesting the average viewer. I only watched it because I am weird--the word of guy who would watch practically any documentary! The film follows three arm wrestlers--one a Ukranian who lives in Russia and two Americans. One of the Americans, John Brzenk, is sort of like an arm wrestling god--as he's been a world champion in one weight class or another something like 25 years--even beating guys who are much, much larger! He is the man everyone aspires to beat and now two heavyweights (Alexy Voevoda and Travis Bagent--the Ukranian and the cocky upstart American) hope to finally be the guys to stop Brzenk.There really isn't much more to the film than this--lots of footage of arm wrestling and lots of interviews with the camera. Both Brzenk and Voevoda seem pretty likable whereas Bagent is cocky--but it sure works for him! You do find yourself being pulled into the matches (which surprised me) and it was about as interesting as you could make this odd topic.

Man-oh-man, have I been waiting for this flick. Come to think of it, I forget how I even found out about this movie. I think arm-wrestling is badass and all, but I don't think I was looking up arm-wrestling movies….or maybe I was. Actually, yeah, I think that's exactly how I came to find out about Pulling John. And the rest is history. Or in fact, rather, it's just the beginning.I love me some documentaries, especially good ones. And when I started looking into Pulling John and finding out about the ultra talented John Brzenk, my interest certainly took a turn towards peaking the hell out of itself. And when I was introduced to the uber-charismatic Travis Bagent and the 'massively' likable Alexey Voevoda, I knew in an explosion of creamy, sticky arm-tugging goodness, that Pulling John will be mine. And the story of the three men also sounded swell.And it was.John is pondering about retirement, but also about how he should go out. Should he retire at the top, or possibly take on the up and coming freaks of the sport? You see so many other athletes, great friggin athletes, calling it quits at such stupid times. Look at Jordan, look at Couture…they all made comebacks, which we were happy about, but ultimately we all shook our heads at such premature ejaculation. Saving face is what it is. I just have to say, John Brzenk ain't no face saver. He's a competitor, and one that deserves respect of the highest level.The flick's core undoubtedly revolves around John and his legendary career, but its two side characters are just as important to the film's success. Travis brings the laughs and energy to the film that would have been sorely lacking if he was absent. And with Alexey, it brings….it brings…Ivan Drago; a cooler, thoughtful and more friendly Drago. With two steam-rolling powerhouses like Travis and Alexey the film truly does become the documentary I was so hoping it would. Either of the two men is interesting enough to have been the stars of their own documentary. It's this aspect of the film that makes you want to compare it to Pumping Iron, King of Kong, Riding Giants or any other great movie with numerous likable and relatable personalities.Navid, the producer of the film was kind enough to personally email me concerning the updates of the DVD, and even though I thanked him a half dozen times, I'll do so again. Thanks, man. Yourself, and your partners have done a great job here. The production was high, the animations were slick and impressive, and the story presented was goose-bump inducing, and also, without a doubt, it created the some of the best feelings of cinematic trepidation I've had in a long, long time.If you like documentaries, sport flicks, a combination of both, or just flat-out damn good movies, you should check out Pulling John. And with 50 minutes of extra footage and commentaries by the director and Brzenk, I'm very much looking forward to watching it again and again. But first, time for some pull-ups.

This fascinating film had its World Premiere at SXSW Film Festival in Austin, TX. Most of the audience, myself included, probably had no idea that arm wrestling was even a professional sport when they walked in. And yet the film managed to charm the audience in the best tradition of documentaries about sports subcultures. I'd compare it with films like Pumping Iron, Word Wars, Murderball or King of Kong. The film focuses on 3 of the best international arm wrestlers - 1 Russian, 2 Americans - and reveals the complexities of their competitive sport. Their intelligence and commitment to excellence is revealed through interviews which break down many of the stereotypes associated with muscle sports. These guys are sophisticated and charming as well as strong.The film also reveals the fascinating struggle of World Champion John Brzenk as he gets older and struggles with that question that all great athletes deal with: When do you reach your physical limits and decide that enough is enough and it is time to retire? We've seen this sort of question play out with the Brett Farves and Michael Jordans in more high profile sports, but this film allows us all to think about this same question much more thoughtfully.The filming and storytelling is quite good and the drama and suspense of competition draws the audience in. The characters are complex and not simple athletic stereotypes. I hope more people get to see this entertaining sports documentary.