Question: what says pure uncut Stallone? Answer: three simple words....Over The Top!

When I sat down and began to figure out how to approach this review, I found myself trying to recall the first time I saw this beautiful slice of Hollywood trash. Was it in the theatre? I certainly hope not, but the possibility exists.... I don't know, I may have blocked it out. This possibility led me into deeper meditation. When was there a time when a story like Over The Top could be green-lighted, produced and distributed nation wide? And then it came to me, 1987! Yeah, it's all coming back to me, but how and why? That'sright, apparently Sly got himself a sweet two-picture deal as a result of the success of Rambo! Much like that character taking on the Soviets and the Vietcong, Stallone tried to singlehandedly destroy Warner Brothers entertainment through the agent of Cannon Films. The first picture of that deal featured Sly as "The strong arm of the law." That's right, it's Cobra! This was followed by Over the top a year later!! Well, this answers part of the "how" question (I didn't feel the need to delve further into the matter.) Now let's answer the "why" Over The Top was made. Like anything that goes into production in Hollywood; to make a buck. Did they succeed? I'll let you be the judge. Stallone reportedly was paid 12 million before a single frame was shot, and Over the Top made a little over (readyfor this?) 16 million at the box office!! Those who produced this little gem may have failed in making a profit, however they did succeed in making a truly classic bad movie!

Lincoln Hawk (Sylvester Stallone) has made some bad choices in his life and as a result has alienated his family. Now Hawk has a second chance to regain the love and trust of his son through the healing power of big-rig truck driving and arm wrestling. Yes my friends, genius!

This heartwarming story about reconciliation and new beginnings has a plot so predictable I refuse to write about it, and if you're not familiar with this cult hit, shame on you. Chock full of special lines like, "When I turn this hat around I'm like a machine..... like this truck." It also contains a montage you won't soon forget. That reminds me of a clash of opposing philosophies in this film between Sylvester Stallone and Kenny Loggins; that's right kids, Pat pointed out to me that Mr. Loggin's hit "Meet me Half Way" is playing during that touching montage I just wrote about! Then later in the movie, while incarcerated, Hawk gives some fatherly advice to his son Josh, "no one meets you half way." Fight! Fight! Fight! I'd love to see Stallone and Loggins drop the gloves!

I know what you are thinking, "With Kenny Loggins on board, the rest of the soundtrack must be phenomenal!" You're absolutely right! With hits like "Gypsy Soul" by Asia, "Mind Over Matter" by Larry Green, "I Will Be Strong" by Eddie Money, "Winner Takes It All" by Sammy Hagar and last, but certainly not least, "Bad Night", written and performed by Frank Stallone, this virtual cornucopia of inspirational music is the cornerstone of any good music collection!

Over The Top could frighten and scare if you stop to think about it, so don't. Grab some friends and laugh until it hurts, at some pure uncut Stallone!

Hamlin Grade: 5

Fletch is a killing word!