Review of Bigger Stronger Faster* (2008) by Peter E — 10 Mar 2009

This is a wonderful exploration of steroids/performance enhancing drugs in our country. It plays out like a well-written thesis paper in that Christopher Bell has questions and uses this films to try and get some answers.

It is an unbiased film with terrific clips and great editing. Bell's narration is solid writing and well spoken. His interview with Congressman Henry Waxman (CA) who was one of the men who made Congress delve into the steroids issue in baseball is eye-popping - the man barely knows the laws, including what the proper drinking age is! This is a Congressman! Bell gets everyone interviewed to really open up and answer candidly -- and he gets many of the talking heads necessary and does his due research.

Great family conversations as well. A gut wrenching scene is between Chris and his mother and the look on her face when she discovers that her own brother is the one responsible for giving Chris's brother steroids -- it is genuine, real and a great moment in film.

I highly recommend this film -- a well-made documentary about a very controversial subject.