"Over the Top" (1987) is a sports drama film directed by Menahem Golan and starring Sylvester Stallone. The movie is centered around a truck driver named Lincoln Hawk (played by Stallone) who enters the world of arm wrestling to win the affection of his estranged son, Michael, and to turn his life around. The title "Over the Top" refers to the arm wrestling technique where the competitor turns their hand and wrist in a dramatic way to gain an advantage.
Plot Summary: Lincoln Hawk is a tough, no-nonsense trucker who, after years of estrangement, seeks to reconnect with his son, Michael. His ex-wife has just passed away, and Michael is sent to live with Hawk, a man he doesn't really know. As Hawk struggles to connect with his son, he decides to enter the world of professional arm wrestling to try and win enough money to secure a better future for both of them. The film focuses on Hawk's training, his attempt to prove himself to Michael, and his effort to defeat a series of powerful opponents in the arm wrestling tournaments.
Along the way, he faces personal and physical challenges, but his determination and grit keep him pushing forward, especially as he battles the antagonist, a muscular arm wrestling champion named "Bull" Hurley (played by Robert Loggia).
Cast:
Sylvester Stallone as Lincoln Hawk
David Mendenhall as Michael Hawk (Lincoln's son)
Robert Loggia as "Bull" Hurley (arm wrestling champion)
Susan Blakely as Christina Hawk (Lincoln's estranged wife)
Rick Zumwalt as "Hammer" (one of the arm wrestling opponents)
Chris McCarty as the truck stop bartender
Terry Funk as a trucker (cameo)
The film is a mixture of family drama and sports action, with themes of redemption, father-son relationships, and overcoming personal struggles. Despite its somewhat cheesy and melodramatic tone, "Over the Top" has developed a cult following over the years due to Stallone's charismatic performance and the over-the-top action sequences that define it.
Fun fact: The film features intense arm wrestling scenes, and while it didn't receive critical acclaim at the time, it has gained popularity in the world of arm wrestling and pop culture for its dramatic flair.
