Over the Top is a 1987 American sports drama film directed by Menahem Golan and starring Sylvester Stallone. It tells the story of Lincoln Hawk (Stallone), a struggling trucker who enters an arm-wrestling competition to raise money to save his son from being taken away by his wealthy grandfather.
Hawk is a former arm-wrestling champion who gave up the sport after a tragic accident. He is haunted by the memory of his defeat at the hands of Bull Hurley (Rick Zumwalt), the reigning champion. However, Hawk is forced to return to the world of arm-wrestling when his ex-wife dies and his son, Michael (David Mendenhall), is sent to live with his wealthy grandfather, Jason Cutler (Robert Loggia).
Cutler is a ruthless businessman who has no interest in Michael. He simply wants to use Michael to gain control of Hawk's trucking company. Hawk is determined to win back his son, and he enters the arm-wrestling competition in order to raise the money he needs to fight for custody of Michael.
The film follows Hawk's journey through the arm-wrestling competition. He faces a number of tough opponents, including the reigning champion, Bull Hurley. Hawk is determined to win, and he eventually defeats Hurley in the final match.
Over the Top is a classic underdog story about a man who fights for what he believes in. It is a film about the power of determination and the importance of family.
The film is also known for its iconic training montage, in which Hawk trains for the arm-wrestling competition by pulling trucks, lifting weights, and chopping wood. The montage is set to the song "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor, which has become synonymous with the film.
In addition to its exploration of themes such as family, determination, and the power of the human spirit, Over the Top also offers a glimpse into the world of professional arm-wrestling. The film features a number of real-life arm-wrestlers, including John Brzenk, who is considered to be one of the greatest arm-wrestlers of all time.
Over the Top is a well-made and entertaining film that is sure to appeal to fans of sports movies, underdog stories, and Sylvester Stallone.
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Cast
- Sylvester Stallone as Lincoln "Linc" Hawk
- Robert Loggia as Jason Cutler
- Susan Blakely as Christina Hawk
- Rick Zumwalt as Bob "Bull" Hurley
- David Mendenhall as Michael "Mike" Hawk
- Chris McCarty as Tim Salanger
- Terry Funk as Ruker
- Bruce Way as John Grizzly
- Jimmy Keegan as Richie
- Greg "Magic" Schwartz as Smasher
- Allan Graf as Collins
- John Braden as Col. Davis
- Reggie Bennett as Female Arm Wrestler
Multi-time world arm wrestling champion and future professional wrestler Scott Norton also makes an appearance along with other professional arm wrestlers such as Allen Fisher, John Vreeland, Cleve Dean and Andrew "Cobra" Rhodes (as the final match referee). Professional arm wrestler John Brzenk also makes an appearance.
Director: Menahem Golan
Writers: Gary Conway David Engelbach Stirling Silliphant
Box Office Gross: $16,057,580
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Release Date: February 13, 1987