Common Sense Media Review
By Alistair Lawrence
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Stunt person docu has peril, movie violence, some language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Hollywood Bulldogs
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
HOLLYWOOD BULLDOGS is an oral history of a pioneering group of British stunt people who took the hard hits during 1970s and '80s Hollywood.
Is It Any Good?
A bright and bold exploration of an under-appreciated art form, this insightful documentary is an enjoyable sit-down with a group of unlikely heroes. Hollywood Bulldogs focuses on the community of British stunt performers who established themselves against the odds during the 1970s and '80s. Having helped drive change and improve standards across the industry, the filmmakers wisely give the interviewees room to tell their remarkable stories.
There's much to savor for movie lovers here, from archive footage of classic flicks from different eras to the way in which the participants speak largely without a filter. Icons such as John Wayne and Steven Spielberg are praised and remembered with funny anecdotes, while Michael Winner is frankly dismissed as "pathetic" and likened to a bully on set. Perhaps a wider story could be told about a more diverse group of stunt performers' work, but the scope of Hollywood Bulldogs is to capture and commemorate a particular set of friends and colleagues. In that respect, it's a smash hit.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the role of stunt performers as shown in Hollywood Bulldogs. Why do you think they were so successful? What character strengths do you think you need to be a stunt person? Do you think the film will change the way you watch action movies from now on?
Discuss the period of time discussed in the film. How has the entertainment industry changed since the 1970s and '80s? How has it not?
How did this documentary compare to other documentaries you've seen? What makes a good documentary?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 1, 2021
- Cast : Ray Winstone , Vic Armstrong , Jim Dowdall
- Director : Jon Spira
- Studio : Popcornflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Character Strengths : Courage , Teamwork
- Run time : 105 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : November 11, 2021
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