Bigger (2018)

The inspirational tale of the grandfathers of fitness as we now know it, Joe and Ben Weider. Facing anti-Semitism and extreme poverty, the brothers beat all odds to build an empire and inspire future generations.

Director:

George Gallo

Writers:

Andy Weiss, George Gallo

Stars:

Julianne Hough, Tyler Hoechlin, Kevin Durand

Cast

Credited cast:
Julianne Hough	...	Betty Weider
Tyler Hoechlin	...	Joe Weider
Kevin Durand	...	Bill Hauk
Victoria Justice	...	Kathy Weider
Steve Guttenberg	...	Louis Weider
DJ Qualls	...	Michael Steere
Max Martini	...	Jerry George
Colton Haynes	...	Jack Lalanne
Aneurin Barnard	...	Ben Weider
Robert Forster	...	Joe 2008
Tom Arnold	...	Roy Hawkins
Calum Von Moger	...	Arnold Schwarzenegger
Nadine Lewington	...	Anna Wieder
Ben Gavin	...	Bronson Guy
Jason Burkey	...	John Corbine

Storyline

Brothers Joe and Ben Weider were the architects of muscle. Against all odds, they launched an empire. Along the way they discovered Arnold Schwarzenegger, inspired female empowerment, championed diversity, and started a movement that changed the world.

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Plot Keywords:

bare chested male | based on true story | bodybuilding | bodybuilder | arnold schwarzennegger | 

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Taglines:

He Created Fitness As We Know It, Together They Changed the World

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, language, some suggestive content and brief violence

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 October 2018 (USA)

Also Known As:

Bigger

Filming Locations:

Birmingham, Alabama, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$31,477, 14 October 2018, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$46,382, 25 October 2018

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bee Holder Productions, Red Sky Studios

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

In an October 2017 article on al.com, columnist Bob Carlton reported that Birmingham filming locations for this movie, included the Alabama Theatre (a restored 1920s movie palace), the Lyric Theatre (a restored 1910s vaudeville theater), and Temple Emanu-El (a Reform Jewish synagogue built in 1889). Another theater used was the historic "Little Theater" at Samford University.

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Goofs

Stock footage of Times Square cites the year as 1970. But a theatre marquee shows "The Possession of Joel Delaney" playing--it was released in 1973.

User Reviews

Excellent, solid movie throughout

I just saw this movie on opening day at the only theatre in the Bay Area that was showing it (in San Francisco).

This movie is excellent. Well paced, excellent editing; it tells the story of the Weider brothers as they lay the groundwork for what would become the fitness industry.

Anyone who grew up idolizing Arnold or any of the other body builders will love this too. The actor who plays Arnold is phenomenal - he looks, sounds, and acts like him.

My only complaint is the movie wasn't long enough. It ended a bit abruptly. But this movie is a solid 7.5 - 8 in my book. Engaging throughout, great acting, choreography, etc. I hope it gets the praise it deserves.