Could you ever doubt Sly?

Rating: 6/10 (14 April 2020)

Sly Stallone is once again in his element, in this memorable example of formula filmmaking from Cannon Group head honcho Menahem Golan. The star plays Lincoln Hawk, an independent trucker who'd left his wife (Susan Blakely) and son (David Mendenhall) years ago. Now, 10 years later, she is on her death bed, and urges him to make up for lost time. So Lincoln and young Michael do their best at bonding, while Lincoln prepares for an event that could make him or break him: winning the World Arm Wrestling Championship. Lincoln must also compete with Michaels' arrogant, filthy rich grandfather (a scenery chewing Robert Loggia) for the boys' affections.
Ultimately, the movie is better than its reputation. It worked for this viewer because it wasn't *just* about arm wrestling. For its first two thirds, anyway, it's a fairly compelling and touching story of a dad who knows he screwed up and is now determined to atone for his mistake. The father-son relationship will obviously get off to a "rocky" start, but will improve as the story progresses. (The movies' script is credited to Stirling Silliphant and Sly himself, based on a story by David Engelbach and veteran actor Gary Conway.)
The final third that focuses on the competition is pretty standard stuff: slick, manipulative, and trying to keep us in suspense even though we *know* how it's all going to turn out. It does benefit from the colourful personalities of the ultra-macho competitors, with Rick Zumwalt (actually, the third choice for his role) as domineering, reigning champion Bull Hurley. The soundtrack is full of grandiose pop tunes from the likes of Eddie Money and the ubiquitous Kenny Loggins.
The acting is serviceable from most of the cast. Sly's appeal as an underdog hero remains intact, and Loggia isn't treated as a purely one-dimensional villain. You do believe that he genuinely loves his grandson, yet he's still the type to believe that money and influence matter. Blakely has a thankless role, being required to literally phone in her performance. Mendenhall is okay as the kid. Assorted familiar faces among the supporting cast are Terry Funk, Magic Schwarz, Randy Raney ("Rambo III"), Sam Scarber ("Shocker"), and Flo Lawrence ("Don't Answer the Phone!").
All in all, this is a predictable and yet amusing bit of entertainment that does have its moments, such as Sly driving his big rig right into Loggias' house.
Six out of 10.