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I have a lot of movies on my must-watch list, and BIGGER<\/em> has been on there way too long. I\u2019ve been a fan of Dan Solomon for many years and even had him on my Fit Business Podcast<\/em> several years ago. Being that Dan had his hands in this movie, I knew I needed to finally sit down and watch it.<\/p>\n When you watch BIGGER<\/em>, you quickly realize it isn\u2019t just a movie about bodybuilding. It\u2019s a story about grit, vision, and pure stubborn belief in something long before anyone else saw the value. Joe Weider didn\u2019t just help shape the industry. He created the foundation that modern fitness sits on today.<\/p>\n This film attempts to capture that journey. And while it delivers some strong moments, it also leaves a few reps on the table. Here\u2019s my take on BIGGER<\/em> from a fitness writer\u2019s perspective.<\/p>\n Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used to treat or diagnose any condition. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program, making changes to your nutrition plan, or adding any new supplements into your current regimen.<\/em><\/p>\n The storyline follows Joe Weider from his troubled upbringing through the rise of the IFBB, the birth of Mr. Olympia, and the creation of a global bodybuilding empire.<\/p>\n The film jumps through several key phases of Joe\u2019s life. You see his escape from an abusive household. His early passion for weightlifting. His growing frustration with mainstream fitness misinformation. And, ultimately, his mission was to build a space where bodybuilding could thrive and grow as a sport.<\/p>\n As the movie progresses, Joe teams up with his brother Ben Weider. Together, they take on publishing, competitions, and the entire fitness establishment. The inclusion of Arnold Schwarzenegger as a major character adds another layer, showing how Joe\u2019s eye for talent helped shape bodybuilding history forever.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s look at what the movie did really well.<\/p>\n One of the standout elements in BIGGER<\/em> is the casting. Tyler Hoechlin does an amazing job portraying Joe Weider\u2019s stubborn drive and tunnel vision. Aneurin Barnard, who plays Ben Weider, brings a steady, level-headed presence that balances Joe\u2019s intensity.<\/p>\n And of course, Calum von Moger playing Arnold Schwarzenegger was a fun choice. He looks the part, moves the part, and does a respectable job imitating Arnold\u2019s early cadence and charisma.<\/p>\n If you know anything about Joe Weider, you know he wasn\u2019t just a businessman. He was a promoter, a teacher, a visual storyteller, and a rebel against outdated science. The movie does a good job of showing his willingness to challenge norms and push bodybuilding into mainstream culture.<\/p>\n From magazine covers to gym culture to posing techniques, the film showcases Joe\u2019s role as the architect behind the fitness boom.<\/p>\n For people outside the fitness world, BIGGER<\/em> serves as a primer on how bodybuilding grew from a fringe interest to a global movement. It highlights the origins of the Mr. Olympia competition and shows how the industry was built piece by piece.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re new to this world, the movie offers a digestible overview of the sport\u2019s evolution.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s look at some of the misses from BIGGER<\/em>.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s be honest: Joe Weider was an icon, but he wasn\u2019t perfect. The movie glosses over several controversies and business issues that shaped his career. Instead of addressing the rough edges, the film leans heavily into hero worship.<\/p>\n For longtime bodybuilding fans, this lack of nuance feels like a missed opportunity for more authenticity.<\/p>\n BIGGER<\/em> tries to cover decades of history in under two hours. That means certain parts of Joe\u2019s journey get rushed, while others drag. Some scenes feel overly dramatic, almost like the filmmakers didn\u2019t trust the real story to be interesting enough on its own.<\/p>\n The dialogue also leans toward clich\u00e9 at times, which pulls away from the authenticity of the era.<\/p>\n Considering how influential the Mr. Olympia competition became, BIGGER<\/em> surprisingly doesn\u2019t spend much time on the event itself. You get glimpses, but nothing deep enough to satisfy hardcore fans.<\/p>\n The focus stays more on the Weider brothers\u2019 business ventures than on the true evolution of the competition.<\/p>\n \nThe Storyline Behind BIGGER<\/em><\/h2>\n
The Good: What BIGGER<\/em> Gets Right<\/h2>\n
1.\u00a0\u00a0 Strong Performances and Solid Casting<\/h3>\n
2.\u00a0\u00a0 Captures the Spirit of Joe Weider<\/h3>\n
3.\u00a0\u00a0 A Solid Introduction to Bodybuilding History<\/h3>\n
The Bad: Where BIGGER<\/em> Misses the Mark<\/h2>\n
1.\u00a0\u00a0 A Glossy, Sanitized View of Reality<\/h3>\n
2.\u00a0\u00a0 Pacing Issues and Predictable Dialogue<\/h3>\n
3.\u00a0\u00a0 Limited Exploration of the Olympia Era<\/h3>\n