Episode Summary: "Over The Top" with Bill Simmons and Kyle Brandt

Released September 24, 2024, on "The Rewatchables" podcast by The Ringer

In this engaging episode of "The Rewatchables," Bill Simmons and Kyle Brandt delve deep into the 1987 Sylvester Stallone film "Over the Top." Positioned as one of Stallone’s most unconventional movies, the hosts explore its themes, memorable scenes, and lasting impact on pop culture.

1. Introduction to "Over the Top"

Bill Simmons kicks off the discussion by positioning "Over the Top" against Stallone’s other iconic films like "Cobra," "Rocky," and "Rambo." He remarks, “Over the Top came out in 1987, immediately became known as the greatest arm wrestling truck driving divorce movie anyone's ever made” (04:44).

2. Plot and Key Themes

The movie centers on Lincoln Hawk (Sylvester Stallone), a truck driver and single father who enters an arm-wrestling tournament to win a grand prize that would allow him to reconnect with his estranged son. Brandt humorously describes it as “arm wrestling, truck driving, divorce” (05:06), highlighting its unique blend of genres.

3. Stallone's Performance and Character Analysis

Both hosts critique Stallone's portrayal of Lincoln Hawk, noting his minimal acting range in the film. Simmons points out, “Does he even do a single fucking moment of acting?” (06:43), emphasizing Hawk’s stoic and mechanistic demeanor. Brandt counters by appreciating Stallone's commitment, especially during the arm-wrestling scenes, despite the character's flaws.

4. Arm-Wrestling Scenes: The Heart of the Movie

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the arm-wrestling tournament, with particular attention to the "Over the Top" move—a signature maneuver used by Hawk. Simmons questions the plausibility of this technique, stating, “It's the most important movie of all time. Which it might be, I gotta be honest.” (04:37), while Brandt defends its iconic status, especially in the film’s climactic moments.

5. Critical Reception and Box Office Performance

Initially, "Over the Top" was not well-received, both critically and commercially. Simmons notes, “Stallone signs up for 12. Stallone said years later… they were like, well, what about 12? And the agent's like, okay, fine.” (15:38), reflecting on the financial risks and eventual losses the film incurred, leading to a downturn in Stallone's career trajectory.

6. Behind the Scenes: Golan and Globus

The hosts venture into the film’s production background, discussing producers Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus. They reference the documentary "Electric: The Story of Cannon Films," revealing how Golan and Globus were prolific yet controversial figures in the 80s action film industry. Brandt highlights, “They made 31 movies in 1987. They made Last American Virgin, Runaway Train, Barfi, Street Smart…” (16:46), showcasing their extensive influence on genre cinema.

7. Memorable Quotes and Iconic Moments

Several standout quotes from the movie are dissected:

• Lincoln Hawk’s Philosophy: “You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win.” (12:19)

• Sammy Hagar’s Contribution: The song "Winner Takes It All" by Sammy Hagar is lauded as one of the best sports montages in film history. Both hosts agree, with Simmons declaring, “Winner takes it all has to be on Mount Rushmore.” (36:50)

8. Critical Analysis and Nitpicks

Simmons and Brandt engage in playful criticism, addressing various plot inconsistencies and character motivations:

• Naming Confusion: Simmons laments the inconsistency in Lincoln Hawk’s last name, fluctuating between Hawk and Hawks throughout the film (66:12).

• Transportation Feasibility: Both question the logistics of Lincoln’s arduous journey to the arm-wrestling tournament without modern technology like GPS or cell phones (86:13).

• Character Development: The lack of a substantial backstory for Lincoln’s estrangement from his son and the underdevelopment of pivotal characters like Bull Hurley are highlighted as significant flaws (43:05).

9. Legacy and Rewatchability

Despite its initial shortcomings, "Over the Top" has gained a cult following over the decades, particularly for its climactic tournament scenes and memorable soundtrack. Brandt shares, “As so often happens with the rewatchables, [Over the Top] started to make the rotation. It started to show up on cable.” (10:35), underscoring its enduring appeal.

10. Personal Insights and Reflections

The hosts reflect on their personal connections and the emotional resonance of the film:

• Bill's Nostalgia: Simmons reminisces about watching the movie as a child and the enchantment of seeing his father perform cool actions on screen (57:13).

• Kyle’s Critique: Brandt expresses frustration with the film’s narrative choices but acknowledges the quintessential 80s flair that makes it a beloved rewatchable (105:26).

11. Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• “Don't meet me halfway.” – Kyle Brandt (13:12)

• “You gotta take it.” – Kyle Brandt (31:37)

• “I'm going to give you a whirl.” – Kyle Brandt (04:07)

Conclusion

In "Over the Top," Bill Simmons and Kyle Brandt provide a thorough and entertaining exploration of a film that oscillates between campy action and heartfelt drama. While acknowledging its flaws—from inconsistent character naming to implausible plot points—they celebrate its unique place in 80s cinema and its transformation into a beloved classic over time. The episode is a testament to how "Over the Top" has transcended its initial reception to become a staple for film enthusiasts seeking nostalgic rewatchables.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Bill Simmons: "Over the Top came out in 1987, immediately became known as the greatest arm wrestling truck driving divorce movie anyone's ever made." (04:44)

• Kyle Brandt: "You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win." (12:19)

• Kyle Brandt: “You gotta take it.” (31:37)

• Bill Simmons: “Does he even do a single fucking moment of acting?” (06:43)

• Kyle Brandt: “Don’t meet me halfway.” (13:12)

Timestamps Overview

• 00:00 – 04:00: Advertisements and podcast promotions (Excluded from summary)

• 04:00 – 63:00: Main content discussing "Over the Top"

• 63:01 – 65:00: Advertisements (Excluded from summary)

• 65:01 – End: Continued discussion, nitpicks, and final thoughts

This summary captures the essence of the episode, focusing on meaningful discussions and insights while omitting non-content segments as per the guidelines.