Tools for this page
Print

Bigger, Stronger, Faster

(2008, Rated PG-13, Documentary, Starring Christoper Bell, Mark Bell, Hank Aaron)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 16, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 16.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Documentary minimizes harmful effects of doping.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 16–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The competitive spirit turns desperate. Cheating and lies are excused.

  • Violence:

    Lots of scenes from blow-'em-up movies, such as Rambo.

  • Sex:

    A porn star is interviewed about injecting viagra.

  • Language:

    "Ass," "SOB"

  • Consumerism:

    Supplements, pharmaceutical drugs, and Gold's Gym are highlighted.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    This is a film about drug use. Legal or illegal, drugs are shown to affect behavior and physicality.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Bigger, Stronger, Faster

Parents need to know that this documentary discusses the benefits and downsides of illegal and legal drug use and not in a balanced manner. Because the director interviews his brothers who use anabolic steroids and other drugs, his perspective is skewed and viewers will be able to tell that despite his reservations about drugs, the director admires his brothers regardless. Also, the dangers are played down, and the overwhelming statement that "everyone is doing it" smacks of justification. Drugs are shown being injected, and pills are taken to achieve a different state of being.

Read our full review by Joly Herman

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about why being the best is so important in our society. Do you feel the need to have an edge over your peers? How far would you go to be number one? How does Smelly lie to his family and his students? How is he lying to himself? What does cheating really mean? Do the people who use anabolic steroids in this film behave differently than those who do not?
Tools and tips that can help

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Bigger, Stronger, Faster?

  •  I think this movie is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Age 6+
    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Age-apropriate 3-D food adventure doesn't fully satisfy.

  • Tech Tip

    How to help them think more ... and want less.Making the Sale

    How to help them think more ... and want less.

  • Must See TV

    Age 7+
    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Zany adventures are low on depth but high on imagination.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Download This

    Age 3+
    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Acccchhhoooo!" A funny reminder to help kids fight the flu.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.