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A documentary about steroid use in America and the myths behind the drugs. Is it safe? Are we being lied to, and why?

The Story :

Chris Bell takes us on an intelligent journey into his life. A life that is surrounded by steroids and the misunderstandings about the drug and its apparent side effects on the human body.

However, Chris demonstrates that the only real dangers of steroids are actually quite small compared to the benefits of steroids. I have no reason to take steroids, my body produces enough for my daily activity, but the film really opened my eyes to the myths surrounding these banned substances.

I really didn’t know how people stricken with HIV benefited from steroids, or its importance in finding a cure for MS, Muscular Dystrophy and other deteriorateing diseases.

I never understood how birth control pills are a steroid, how the US Air Force gives their pilots the banned substance.. or how even members of the orchestra take drugs to calm them down. Chris isn’t applauding the use of steroids, just trying to figure out what the fuss is all about.

The film leaves you with a strange feeling, sort of an empty one. Most of our heros have all done steroids, they are hypocrites and full of shit. The Governer of California has admitted to mass steroids use, yet we place him on a pedestal as the poster child for the American Dream. Arnold cheated, he only achieved his dream because of his incredible physique .. and its all attributed to steroids. BTW, Arnold has never shown any side effects from his steroid use…. strange isn’t it?

I found it quite funny that Schwarzenegger ordered his pictures removed from every Golds Gym .. he doesn’t want to be associated with steroids or the gym scene any longer. He does proudly hand out his trophy to the biggest steroid abuser every year in the Arnold Classic though, a bodybuilding contest that does not screen for steroids.

We learn about the conspiracy of the Seoul Olympics.. how Ben Johnson was stripped of his medal for a positive steroid result, so the gold was awarded to Carl Lewis. Guess what? Carl Lewis also tested positive for steroid use in 88, but he was given a warning. Odd? Not really, the US Olympic team was the biggest investor in the 88 Games, the IIOC wasn’t going to kick out the United States, why would they?

I was impressed at how Chris Bell laid his story out there for everyone to judge. His brothers are rampant steroid abusers, yet he doesn’t condone them for it… he just tells the story with them.

The Verdict :

Well, I guess if you read my movie review this long you already know how I feel about Bigger, Stronger, Faster. Its a fantastic film, one of the better documentaries I’ve seen since “Sicko”. Chris Bell reminds me of a young Michael Moore, he’s very intelligent and nonchalant with his questions.

Bigger, Stronger, Faster is one of the better movies you’ll watch this year. Its intelligent, thought provoking and real. I love movies like this, congratulations Chris on a fantastic piece of work.