22 opiniones
Although this movie is quite dated (as is evidenced by Dirk Benedicts awesome 80's-style pleated leather pants at the beginning of the film) it is still a good representation of how the old wrestling territories/promoters used to operate before the WWF/NWA/WCW took over and essentially eliminated the need for them.
The movie is a nice time capsule if you were into wrestling in that era, and that is all. If you weren't a fan of wrestling, then you will find nothing of this movie that would appeal to you whatsoever (outside of the still smoking hot Tanya Roberts who looks AMAZING in this movie). It is about 1980's wrestling and 1980's wrestling promotion - period.
Still, despite the obvious cheesiness that the movie exudes and its ultra-adherence to 1980's fashion/fads, it is still fun for the particular demographic of movie fan that would appreciate it. I remember watching this movie on a rainy, boring Saturday afternoon as a kid on a local independent station back in 1987/1988 and instantly loved the movie. I could only recommend it for the true wrestling fans out there, but not for anyone else.
The movie is a nice time capsule if you were into wrestling in that era, and that is all. If you weren't a fan of wrestling, then you will find nothing of this movie that would appeal to you whatsoever (outside of the still smoking hot Tanya Roberts who looks AMAZING in this movie). It is about 1980's wrestling and 1980's wrestling promotion - period.
Still, despite the obvious cheesiness that the movie exudes and its ultra-adherence to 1980's fashion/fads, it is still fun for the particular demographic of movie fan that would appreciate it. I remember watching this movie on a rainy, boring Saturday afternoon as a kid on a local independent station back in 1987/1988 and instantly loved the movie. I could only recommend it for the true wrestling fans out there, but not for anyone else.
- jonandshellie
- 11 jul 2010
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I have seen a majority of Roddy Piper's films and this one I saw long before cable brought tbs and nwa wrestling into my home. I only knew who he was because I had read about him in the wrestling magazines I bought as a kid. Wrestling is like a circus without the animals (at least the real kind lol). I thought the movie was well done for being a low budget film. I was entertained but I have been a Wrestling fan since the days of Bruno Sammartino. I enjoyed the nostalgia of the old school wrestlers and though I am not much of a Dirk Bennedict fan I do remember him from the A Team. The plot made sense and I felt though it was predictable it was still interesting enough to set through more than once. Roddy Piper plays a much more subdued version of his true ring persona and considering he has been wrestling since he was 15 I think he took the bumps well and delivered for his fans. If you hate this film remember a lot of folks grew up watching the pretend sport instead of the drawn out, treat it like a TV show wrestling we see on TV presently. I liked this film much better than the Verne Gagne movie The Wrestler, but it isn't in the same league as the Mickey Rourke film of present day. It examines the wrestlers going after the title much like All The Marbles and leaves you cheering and jeering through out the film.
- oolatech2
- 20 ago 2010
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This is not the greatest film ever mind you, but for what it was I found it a funny film with a lot of interesting elements. Dirk Benedict is the star of this one as a guy who is trying to establish something he calls rock and wrestling which of course combines wrestling and a rock band. Dirk plays a bit of an agent and he is trying to not only to promote a band, but also looking out for two wrestling stars. They run afoul though of another promoter and that is what leads to the clashes in this one. Though in the end you know the film is heading to a great big showdown between Dirk's team and Captain Lou's team. The humor is good though as there is a really nice scene at a country place and the final showdown is funny for the fact the one announcer really annoys Billy Barty's character. I sort of liked wrestling when I saw this and will always prefer the old stuff to today's mainly because now it just seems so wrong watching guys in tights and oiled with big muscles grinding each other, in fact it seems really gay. Back then it was a bit too, but at least they did not quite look as oiled. This one though has some laughs and is a nice time capsule type movie.
- Aaron1375
- 4 sep 2010
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This is how a wrestling comedy should be. Body Slam was great and I am surprised that more fans didn't like it.
Firstly, whether you enjoy a wrestling comedy depends entirely on whether you like wrestling. If you don't then films like this may not be good for you.
This film doesn't take itself seriously and it features some top wrestling stars of the time such as Lou Albano and Roddy Piper. They are joined by Dirk Benedict who is quite good when it comes to playing comedy.
This film has everything for a wrestling fan-laughs and plenty of action in the ring.
Firstly, whether you enjoy a wrestling comedy depends entirely on whether you like wrestling. If you don't then films like this may not be good for you.
This film doesn't take itself seriously and it features some top wrestling stars of the time such as Lou Albano and Roddy Piper. They are joined by Dirk Benedict who is quite good when it comes to playing comedy.
This film has everything for a wrestling fan-laughs and plenty of action in the ring.
- Big Movie Fan
- 6 may 2002
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Lots of cool wrestler cameos from the era but the lead is totally unlikeable and the plot a little preposterous. Still, it's fun for what it is and there's enough to hang your hat on to make it worth a watch. Plus you get to see Bruno Sammartino dance!
- jellopuke
- 24 feb 2022
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- BandSAboutMovies
- 15 jun 2021
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- funkyfry
- 3 jun 2015
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I am big wrestling fan and a big rock music fan so i think this film only made it into my collection for those two reasons. saying that it is so bad that it is great. with Cameo's from some really great wrestlers and a most unusual cast this film is a must see even if you only watch it once. Dirk Benedict was a regular in two of the most cheesy TV Series of all time (Battlestar Galactica and the A team) so it is no wonder that he will never be a major movie star. Roddy Piper has made some good and some truly awful films but you have to admire his perseverance. he is still one of the best wrestlers never to be world champion. Tanya Roberts was a huge fantasy of mine in my teens so it was nice to see her do a film that didn't involve her taking her clothes off. from a Wrestling Fan point of view it was fun to see Rikishi in his early days as a wrestler as well.
- Sean68
- 3 feb 2005
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- classicsoncall
- 17 abr 2017
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If you grew up in the 80's, you probably saw Body Slam on HBO or otherwise on television or cable. If not, you are missing out on a rock n'wrestling classic. Roddy Piper and Fatu are a babyface tag team that left their manager Captain Lou Albano for Face from The A Team. They are at odds with Captain Lou 's stable of heel wrestlers( most notably The Cannibals). One of The Cannibals is Barbarian from The Powers Of Pain. It showed him lifting 500 lbs like it was nothing and from what I heard that was the norm for Barb. Face is primarily in the music industry and manages a cheesy 80's rock band too. Before his accidental foray into pro wrestling he was not so successful. The Wild Samoans show up as bill collectors and destroy his car. Some all time wrestling champions Ric Flair and Bruno Sammartino show up for cameos also. Body Slam is a lot of fun and if you are a wrestling fan, consider this mandatory viewing. Hulk Hogan was great in Rocky 3, but there is no way he could have made this. Roddy Piper is fantastic here and is even better a year later in They Live. (Which is untouchable and the best movie starring a pro wrestler EVER!)
- dworldeater
- 18 mar 2024
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Body Slam (1987) is a flat out terrible movie. The low budget reeks, the direction is pedestrian (at best) and the writing and acting is lame. But if you're into old school wrestling (circa 1970's through the mid-80') then you'll be more entertained than the average viewer. I have to warn you, this movie stinks on ice. I gave it a two because I felt like being generous. This turkey was "directed" by stunt master Hal Needham. The stars are Roddy Piper, The Tonga Kid and a bunch of scrub wrestlers and c-list actors (Dirk Benedict).
The synopsis of this "movie" is about a promoter who wants to combine "hair rock" and wrestling. But their are others that don't want him to succeed. There's more but I don't want to SPOIL it for you. If you can stomach the bad acting and inane storyline, there's a few surprises near the end for die-hard wrestling fans.
I wouldn't recommend this to my worse enemy (and I mean it).
The synopsis of this "movie" is about a promoter who wants to combine "hair rock" and wrestling. But their are others that don't want him to succeed. There's more but I don't want to SPOIL it for you. If you can stomach the bad acting and inane storyline, there's a few surprises near the end for die-hard wrestling fans.
I wouldn't recommend this to my worse enemy (and I mean it).
- Captain_Couth
- 5 ago 2005
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This was a pretty funny movie, especially if you're a fan of pro wrestling and recognize the characters involved. Benedict plays a variation of his Face Man character, only no Mr. T to get him out of trouble (surprisingly). Throw in Charles Nelson Reilly, Billy Barty and a dancing Bruno Sammartino, you have to get some laughs, even accidentally.
Well worth the two hours.
Well worth the two hours.
- bobbyknightmare
- 14 may 2002
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One of the weaker wrestling movies. It's ok. But a bit too cheesy. Funny in parts.
- rochfordsimon
- 9 may 2020
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I first saw this movie when I was 12 years old, and I absolutely loved it then, and I still love it to this day.
This is a movie about pro wrestling that does not take itself seriously at all. Dirk Benedict plays the slimy manager type to the hilt, but with a hint of sincerity and humor that make you alternately want to see him succeed and get his ass kicked.
Piper and Fatu are golden as the naive wrestlers who buy Benedict's spiel about taking them to the top.
Captain Lou Albano makes an appearance as the even slimier ex-manager of Piper, and when he finds out that Piper has left him for Benedict's character, he employs the likes of Teijo Khan and the Barbarian to exact revenge on Piper and Tonga.
Tanya Roberts is smokin' hot as Benedict's love interest, and there are hilarious cameos by Charles Nelson Reilly, Billy Barty, and a host of legendary wrestlers.
Yeah, it's cheesy, yeah, it's dorky, but Body Slam is everything an 80s comedy should be - funny, silly, and over the top.
This is a movie about pro wrestling that does not take itself seriously at all. Dirk Benedict plays the slimy manager type to the hilt, but with a hint of sincerity and humor that make you alternately want to see him succeed and get his ass kicked.
Piper and Fatu are golden as the naive wrestlers who buy Benedict's spiel about taking them to the top.
Captain Lou Albano makes an appearance as the even slimier ex-manager of Piper, and when he finds out that Piper has left him for Benedict's character, he employs the likes of Teijo Khan and the Barbarian to exact revenge on Piper and Tonga.
Tanya Roberts is smokin' hot as Benedict's love interest, and there are hilarious cameos by Charles Nelson Reilly, Billy Barty, and a host of legendary wrestlers.
Yeah, it's cheesy, yeah, it's dorky, but Body Slam is everything an 80s comedy should be - funny, silly, and over the top.
- catchascatchcan2004
- 30 jul 2009
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Anyone who is cynical about this movie obviously does not know anything about excellent movies. This movie had it all, highlighted by an excellent performance by midget Billy Barty in what was surely the best job that he's done out of his 67 roles, superb acting jobs by Roddy Piper, Lou Albano, and Sam Fatu, and of course the excellent music of Kicks. Plus, the guy from the A-Team is just a tremendous leading man. The world was waiting for a movie such as this one, and when it arrived, the world was overwhelmed, so it didn't get as much credit as it should have. Still, like fine wine, the movie has gotten better with age, as we can now look back at it with a historical perspective and enjoy it that much more. If every movie were like Bodyslam, the world would be a much better place. I highly suggest this movie. If you miss it, I dare to say that you haven't truly lived.
- rvd420-4
- 27 jul 1999
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This movie is very funny. It has a great cast of famous Wrestlers from the 70s and 80s. Bruno Samartino, Rick Flair, Freddie Blassie, The Sheik, Capt. Lou Ablano, The Samonans, The Towers Of Pain, Roddy Pipper, and a few more. Overall the plot isn't that interesting, and some parts are kind of dumb, but it is all worth it for the ending. At the end the legendary Chick Hern gets to announce tag team championship title match. Chick did an amazing job announcing that wrestling match. That just proves how Chick Hern is the best announcer of all time. No other sports announcer can call a professional wrestling match that good. I would even watch snails race if Chick Hern was the announcer. Plus also the famous baseball announcer Harry Carry was in it too. This movie is a must see for all fans of 80s Wrestling or for fans of the Lakers.
- jefftranhuang
- 24 jul 2004
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Maybe it was the lack of sleep, or the fact that I was in a really great mood, but there was something about Body Slam that made me laugh almost non-stop. Of course, to say I laughed at any of the deliberate jokes in the film, would be a complete lie. I would not pretend that readers of this are complete idiots and such a farce would be believable to any of them. Whomever wrote this film is in dire need of some intelligence. But that utter lack of brains, that total undeniable inability to comprehend anything filled with wit or satire, made for one of the most laughable films I have ever witnessed in my life. I have gone on to be one of Dirk Benedict's biggest fans. He was perfect for this role. Anyone who thinks someone else should have played Harry is a complete fool, because only Mr. Benedict could get down the necessary nuances to be so implausibly stupid that we, as viewers, wonder if we're not becoming stupider as we watch the film.
- SpiderPants
- 28 sep 2001
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This movie was funny but some parts were cheesy. This movie also got me to get to know the old wrestlers a little bit more. The only reason why I don't reconmend this movie for kids is because this was movie was made when the old wrestlers were in WWF and kids may not know who they are. But overall I give it an 8/10
- ab-2
- 27 may 2000
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If you're going to do a comedy about professional wrestling, at least make it funny. The real thing is hilarious, why can't the movies be just as funny. Well, Hal Needham has made a film about wrestling here and it's not funny, not silly, not even about wrestling. It's about a sleezy little windbag of a character named Smylak, played to sleazeball perfection by Dirk Benedict. (A-Tea,) He's egotistical, untrusting and looking for any way to make a quick buck. Where was Burt Reynolds? Needham assembled a cast of wrestlers for the film including Rowdy Roddy Piper, Captain Lou Albano and a cameo by the Nature Boy Ric Flair. A film made for kicks, not bucks. It doesn't even deliver in the kicks department. A waste of time and money, but hey, it got Charles Nelson Reilly a job.
- Coxer99
- 3 mar 1999
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My review was written in May 1987 after a Cannes Film Festival Market screening.
"Body Slam" is a pleasant surprise, a genuinely funny film that pokes fun at a scheming record industry manager while utilizing popular wrestlers to capture the spirit of the current pro wrestling renaissance.
Dirk Benedict is terrific as a glad-handing promoter, always one step ahead of the repo man. His music career failing, he lucks into managing a wrestler, Quick Rick Roberts (played by popular pro Rowdy Roddy Piper), and though creating a war with traditional managers quickly achieves success in this new field. Forced to book his rock group set in tandem with the wrestlers, he accidentally creates the rock 'n' wrestling craze.
Simple premise works because there is a load of humorous situations and slapstick, while the emphasis upon wrestling is not overpowering. As a result, pic's entertainment quotient is not limited to wrestling freaks. Conversely, the presence of an ecumenical grouping of wrestlers drawn from the various pro leagues is a treat for enthusiasts.
Besides Benedict, who exudes charm as the unscrupulous guy you can't resist, cast benefits from solid support turns by various comedians. In addition, Piper, who has retired from wrestling to pursue an acting career full time, is very sympathetic in a large role. Virtually parodying his larger-than-life manager persona, Captain Lou Albano is very funny as Piper's irate former mentor. Sam Fatu, who wrestles undr the name Tama, makes a good impression as Piper's tag team partner, while there are numerous other grapplers on display, including cameos by Ric Flair, Bruno Sammartino, the Samoans Afa & Sika, Freddie Blassie and Sheik Adnan Al Kaissy.
As Benedict's rock group, Kick shares the spotlight performing several okay musical numbers. David Wolff, who with Albano and his client Cyndi Lauper launched the rock 'n' wrestling connection three years ago, served as a consultant on the picture.
"Body Slam" marks a solid comeback for director Hal Needham, who gets the comedy timing down right and provides some effective stunts which keep the wrestling footage from merely regurgitating what is shown constantly on tv . Tech credits are pro.
"Body Slam" is a pleasant surprise, a genuinely funny film that pokes fun at a scheming record industry manager while utilizing popular wrestlers to capture the spirit of the current pro wrestling renaissance.
Dirk Benedict is terrific as a glad-handing promoter, always one step ahead of the repo man. His music career failing, he lucks into managing a wrestler, Quick Rick Roberts (played by popular pro Rowdy Roddy Piper), and though creating a war with traditional managers quickly achieves success in this new field. Forced to book his rock group set in tandem with the wrestlers, he accidentally creates the rock 'n' wrestling craze.
Simple premise works because there is a load of humorous situations and slapstick, while the emphasis upon wrestling is not overpowering. As a result, pic's entertainment quotient is not limited to wrestling freaks. Conversely, the presence of an ecumenical grouping of wrestlers drawn from the various pro leagues is a treat for enthusiasts.
Besides Benedict, who exudes charm as the unscrupulous guy you can't resist, cast benefits from solid support turns by various comedians. In addition, Piper, who has retired from wrestling to pursue an acting career full time, is very sympathetic in a large role. Virtually parodying his larger-than-life manager persona, Captain Lou Albano is very funny as Piper's irate former mentor. Sam Fatu, who wrestles undr the name Tama, makes a good impression as Piper's tag team partner, while there are numerous other grapplers on display, including cameos by Ric Flair, Bruno Sammartino, the Samoans Afa & Sika, Freddie Blassie and Sheik Adnan Al Kaissy.
As Benedict's rock group, Kick shares the spotlight performing several okay musical numbers. David Wolff, who with Albano and his client Cyndi Lauper launched the rock 'n' wrestling connection three years ago, served as a consultant on the picture.
"Body Slam" marks a solid comeback for director Hal Needham, who gets the comedy timing down right and provides some effective stunts which keep the wrestling footage from merely regurgitating what is shown constantly on tv . Tech credits are pro.
- lor_
- 19 abr 2023
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"Body Slam" was originally intended to be a major theatrical release by its distributor (De Laurentiis Entertainment Group), but legal troubles resulted in the movie being barely released to theaters. That was probably a good thing, because I can't picture this movie getting a good reception even with a major release behind it. The script is pretty awful for one thing. Quite often it seems that the movie is making things up as it goes along. And the kind of humor on display here would even make rednecks feel that their intelligence is being insulted. Hal Needham's direction makes the movie feel like it was made for television instead of theaters, and Dirk Benedict's character is extremely annoying. Is there anything of merit here? Actually, real-life wrestler Roddy Piper actually shows some charisma and likability, so it's no surprise he managed to make a number of movies despite the otherwise wretched quality of this debut for him.
- Wizard-8
- 5 oct 2012
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Bodyslam was one of the first films I can ever recall as youngster that made love the sport of wrestling. It's a good little comedy about a guy named Smeliack, a down on his luck music manager, he see's an oppurtunity in professional wrestling with Quick Rick Robbins (Roddy Piper) & Tonga Tom (The Tonga Kid). This film really ushered in the era of Rock N Wrestling back in the mid 80's, it was an awesome time to be a wrestling fan and the film couldn't have come out at a better time. Look for special cameos of Ric Flair, Bruno Samartino, and the late Classy Freddy Blassie.
- NineBall1986
- 13 feb 2004
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