Sylvester Stallone plays an underdog athlete getting his shot at the big-time and also a chance at redemption. No, this isn't Rocky Balboa. It's the story of Lincoln Hawk (an awesomely fake movie name), a truck driver/amateur arm-wrestler. In what is likely the worst "sports" movie of all time, Stallone tries to win back his son and win a big arm wrestling completion at the same time. Said competition is hilariously filled with 80s style professional wrestling types of characters who seems to grunt and sweat more than speak human words. Even more ridiculous is Stallone's secret arm wrestling move where he repositions his hand to defeat his opponents, which begs the question, way aren't all of the other arm wrestlers using this same move or coming up with some sort of counter move after having seem Sly go "over the top" several times during the picture? Whoever had the idea that audiences were clamoring for a film about the world of competitive arm wrestling was quite mistaken. That person was likely producer/director/studio head Menahem Golan. "Over the Top" has added entertainment value for me, having recently watched the documentary "Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films," which documented the rise and fall of Canon Films, including how this film's excesses contributed into Canon's eventual demise. Featuring wall-to-wall cheesy rock music (by the great Giorgio Moroder, no less) and non-stop product placements (everything from Alka-Seltzer to Pennzoil to BRUT cologne), this film is the typification of excess (or over-the-top, if you will) at it's most ridiculous. However, in the film's favor, I did get a lot of ironic entertainment value out of how mind boggling awful it is. I'll also say that I do honestly think Stallone is a good actor, despite what his detractors may say, even if it's hard to see it in this film. Although I gave this film two stars out of five, it really deserves much less. If your film is beat out at the box office opening weekend by "Mannequin," "Outrageous Fortune," and "Platoon," your film is likely not going to be a big success. Overall, if you're in the mood for a movie that's so-bad-it's-good, you might get ironic enjoyment from this nonsensical film.

I don't get it why this movie has such a low score in here and so does in Rotten Tomatoes also even Sly was disappointed with the final act of the movie but i think that it's an amazing film with really good performances but also it's not your typical Stallone flick i mean sure he does punch some dudes but that's it he's mostly doing arm wrestling with some giant beasts also the score for this film is truly amazing so many great songs they even put WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk in here what else do you really want? Also the movie has a powerful message about the love of a father for his son that really is handled very well done here. Guys in the end Over The Top is a classic 80's Flick that you don't wanna miss.

Over the Top is exactly that, over the top. It's a movie about a truck driver/arm wrestler played by Sylvester Stallone in a performance that is actually not bad. In all seriousness though, this movie is terrible, just awful. Just think about the plot I mean it's a movie about a guy that drives trucks and workouts only his right arm in his truck for a World arm wrestling competition in Las Vegas to get custody of his son. More or less that's the movie for you. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. This movie has that Rocky Sequel feel, especially at the end and cheesy just doesn't cut it. I mean, you got Stallone with his oh so 80's tan and full of baby oil, the amazing soundtrack and at one point, one guy drinks oil. Yeah, that actually happens in this movie. But although it's all terrible, it instantly becomes sort of entertaining. I liked this movie. I didn't like it a lot, and I think its not one of the best cheesy 80's guilty pleasure type movies, although I did find it hilarious and enjoyable at the same time. OK 80's cheese fest.

I think its unfair most of the criticism here focuses on superficial aspects. At the same time this shows that the actual qualities of this movie lies within its message. I admit the story isn't quiet realistic and the acting is not special but this movie is not like movies are nowadays. Its not a hype-realistic documentary about a father's life and his relationship to his son. Its rather a modern fairytale with focuses on the message its trying to bring across (which is predominantly the same message as in Rocky but in a more metaphoric way) alongside with portraying the type of a sympathetic warm hearted and sensitive man that is also strong and has his principles .. yes, both at the same time. Its a movie that will appeal to people who like warm hearted and emotional stories about underdogs fighting their way to success by the help of those that believe in them. If u like fairy tales with happy ends and with sympathetic leading actors, i recommend watching this movie.