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:

Kevin Durand, Julianne Hough, Tyler Hoechlin

Cast

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

based on true story | bare chested male | arnold schwarzenegger character | propagandist | bodybuilding | 

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Taglines:

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

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Genres:

Biography | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

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

Did You Know?

Trivia

On September 26, 2017, an extras casting call went out to the greater Birmingham, Alabama, area stressing that the production was especially in need of bodybuilders and members of "the fitness crowd" to serve as extras.

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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 1972.

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Quotes

Joe Weider: What you do not realize is all these men want is to compete against the very best.

User Reviews

Great film for exactly what it is....

BIGGER is essentially the video biography of the grandfather of bodybuilding/nutrition, Joe Weider.

Perhaps best known for his weights (WEIDER across a set of plates or barbells at your local gym), Joe and his brother Ben arguably brought bodybuilding and the need for balanced nutrition to the forefront of western culture, some 60 years ago. The billion dollar market that exists today, is based on the template that Weider created with his magazines, equipment, pro competitions and the creation of the IFBB.

The film portrayal is loyal to his life, vision and clearly conveys the passion Joe obviously felt from a very young age without any outside influence in being drawn to the sport of bodybuilding (before he had it recognized as a sport).

To me, the firl was very entertaining beginning to end; some of the acting was a little wooden at times and downright awful at others (Calum Von Moger, looking at you) but it can be forgiven for these moments, since the goal of showing Arnold in his prime at a competition were achieved/believable, which obviously outweighed the requirement to have him be a good actor to boot. With that said, I really hope Calum pursues acting (after some good lessons) because it would be a lot of fun to see him throw people around in roles like Arnie used to do, coupled with memorable one-liners ( "Crush ya' enemies, see dem driven befo' you...")

All in all, a great movie which I recommend checking out. Solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.

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

Gross USA:

$46,382

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$49,997

Company Credits

Production Co:

13 Films, Bee Holder Productions, Red Sky Studios

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Color:

Color