In the movie "No Holds Barred", the legendary Hulk Hogan stars in a madcap action comedy produced by Vince McMahon. The story revolves around, well you probably guessed, professional wrestling. Hulk Hogan plays Rip, a mega pro wrestling star. A real stretch of character for Hulk Hogan, who is undoubtedly the most popular wrestler of all time. When Rip refuses to work for an evil executive, the executive hires Zeus. Played by Friday's Tiny Lister, Zeus is a bar room brawler turned pro wrestler. Once the groundwork is laid, the shenanigans get going.
For the most part, "No Holds Barred" is exactly what you would expect from a late 80s movie with a very low budget. Obviously, McMahon and Hogan were merely trying to ride the wave of Hulkamania into the theaters across the globe. Given the film's budget, the duo did make money off the release and this subsequent rerelease. All in all, it's really not that of a movie.
Now don't mince words, it's not "American Beauty" of "Forrest Gump." "No Holds Barred" will never be mistaken for a masterpiece. But it is a amusing little movie that provides full bellied laughs, even if it's unintentional.
Many films, including "No Holds Barred", tend to gain a cult following several years after it's initial release. When you combine Hulk Hogan's incredibly cheesy acting, and ridiculous action scenes like Hulk Hogan jumping threw the roof of a limousine, you get a recipe for a B movie like no other. The champion scene happens during the aforementioned limousine scene, when Rip puts the fear of God into man, and makes hum urinate himself. Hogan's tag line has become an internet meme amongst pro wrestling fans.
The movie crescendos into a climax that is only suitable for a movie about professional wrestling. The superhero Rip Thomas, fighting in honor of his injured brother, battles Zeus in the ultimate test of strength. As with many of his wrestling matches, Hulk Hogan comes out on top and mugs for the camera like only the muscular super hero can.
If you're looking for an in-depth commentary on the landscape of 80s Americana, this probably isn't the film for you. But if you want an easy movie that you don't have to pay attention to, and will remind you about how nonsensical the 80s actually were, then "No Holds Barred" is just for you.
Comments