Body Slam

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.