Review of Bigger Stronger Faster* (2008) by Tyler W — 28 Jun 2009

This was a well put together documentary about steroids and it's ongoing time in the spotlight. Steroids are always in the news involving some scandal or athlete being stripped of his metal. What documentarist Chris Bell does is educate the viewer on some of the facts of steroids and portray how it's pretty much mandatory to take them in order to get ahead.

In the Olympics, pretty much every athlete has taken some sort of drug enhancer with some athletes being caught and others not. With all of the pressure today to win and do your country proud, you can't really blame them IMO.

He also touches on the medical facts and statistics, showing how the side effects have been blown way out of proportion, and how, compared to other drugs, it's quite harmless. I know it sounds like I'm pro-steroid, but I'm really not.

I've simply been educated and have learned not to judge so quickly. A lot of this documentary touches on Chris' two brothers who are steroid users and depend on them to be at peace with themselves.

It's heartbreaking at times watching their parents and family shed tears over their well being, worrying whether or not they'll be alright. Like any drug, steroids are addicting and, shown in a disturbing way, many don't know when to quit.

The documentary is very educative, yet touching at the same time. It was done well and hopefully will conjure up some interesting discussions.