OVER THE TOP (Theatrical Release USA 1987)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

Over the Top—not a Rocky by any means—has a basic storyline: alienated Father endeavors to create relationship with son after long absence with a final, positive resolution.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Grandfather Jason Cutler (Robert Loggia) has, long ago, broken all communication with his son-in-law, Lincoln Hawk (Sylvester Stallone), for abandoning Cutler’s daughter, Christina Hawk (Susan Blakely), and her son, Michael Cutler (David Mendenhall). Michael has adopted his grandfather’s last name because of his father, Lincoln Hawk’s, apparent disinterest in him. No reason is provided in the movie for the marital breakup or abandonment. Ten years later, Michael Cutler, now twelve years old, is in military school and Lincoln Hawk is working as a truck driver who owns his own truck. Christina Hawk is ill and requests Lincoln Hawk to renew acquaintance with his son, Michael Cutler.  Lincoln Hawk drives to the military school to pick Michael Cutler up for the long drive from Colorado to California to see Christina. After Lincoln Hawk establishes his identity to both school officials and Michael Cutler, they leave for their long trip together—a trip that exposes Michael Cutler to a very different life style than that to which he is accustomed.

Additional Thanks

Really Good Work for Director and Producer Menahem Golan. Thank you to Executive Producer James D. Brubaker for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Bob ‘Bull’ Hurley (Rick Zumwalt), Tim Salanger (Chris McCarty), Ruker (Terry Funk), Announcer (Bob Beattie), Collins (Allen Graf), Smasher (Magic Schwarz), Grizzly (Bruce Way), Big Boy-Richie (Jimmy Keegan), and Colonel Davis (John Braden).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It’s definitely a ‘C’ grade movie, but the show is decently presented. There is some language.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers