Stand Tall

Mark Nalley directed this body builder icon documentary. It is made as a tribute to Lou Ferrigno, and although Boyer Coe acts like a hot shot through out the film, the viewer always feel that Ferrigno is the main man. The film is built up much like Pumping Iron with an antagonist and protagonist, Ferrigno being the protagonist and Coe maybe as a weak antagonist. The most interesting sequences of this film are the interviews with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Joe Weider about what kind of a man Lou Ferrigno is. Weider makes an interesting observation where he says that Lou Ferrigno was always more vacillating than Arnold. Arnold was more mental. If you have seen Pumping Iron and read about it you will know that Ferrigno did not care the most about winning, he most of all wanted to be spiritually free like Schwarzenegger was. Lou Ferrigno does not win the competition in either of the films, but the conclusion this time around is that although he did not win, Lou Ferrigno will always STAND TALL.

This documentary is very much in the style of Pumping Iron, but like Arnold Schwarzenegger's Total Rebuild it is centered around its "Star", Lou Ferrigno. It charts his early years as a kid from Brooklyn, New York who had to deal with having 85% hearing loss due to ear infections in his infancy. He fought against low self esteem by working out with weights in his father's garage, and boy did he win that battle with Mr. Universe (twice), and Mr. World among his physique title wins. Internationally known as a world class bodybuilder and star of The Incredible Hulk, we see him once again step up to the challenge of trying to win the Master's Olympia title in his '40's!

This video is primarily aimed at Big Lou's many fans worldwide and if you are not into him or bodybuilding in general it may not be to your liking. Also, if you are looking for bodybuilding info in regards to exercises and technique this is not it. I recommend "Lou Ferrigno's Body Perfection" as a basic video guide to weight training.

Lou's family are on hand to offer their opinions and encouragement as he tries to obtain the Body Building title that eluded him during his early competing years. This insight into Louis Ferrigno shows us his heart - which is his greatest muscle and where his true strength lies.

I found this film to be inspiring, Lou's message is a positive one, if he can achieve success despite obstacles - so can YOU!