Back To Index Beyond The Mat
 Barnes & Noble Beyond the Mat bills itself as "The movie Vince McMahon doesnt want you to see." Whats the World Wrestling Federation chairman trying to hide? Ever since his testimony several years ago that (gasp!) professional wrestling is indeed scripted, McMahon and his WWF have continued to push the envelopes of taste and physical endurance under the banner of "sports entertainment." Nobody denies that pro wrestling is a show anymore. But maybe McMahon doesnt want you to see the physical toll that the "fake" matches take on the performers. Beyond the Mat was not only shot backstage at wrestling events but also in the hotel rooms and hospitals where wrestlers live. Director Barry W. Blaustein, a lifelong wrestling fanatic, gained the trust of his heroes and follows them around, very quickly stripping them of their larger-than-life personae. We watch as faded legend Terry Funk refuses the strong advice of doctors and family to quit the game. He confronts the recently retired Mick Foley (aka Mankind, Dude Love, and Cactus Jack) with footage of his familys reaction to him being brutalized by The Rock with a folding chair. The sight seems to hurt Foley -- a devoted, loving father -- much more than any chair-shot. But the scariest footage captures former champ Jake "The Snake" Roberts, who chats openly about his crack addiction and the deep rift that his profession caused within his family. The convergence of acting and sports can take a very heavy toll, and Robertss nonchalance about his problems is glaring proof of that. Beyond the Mat has plenty of body-slams -- behind the scenes and otherwise -- to please wrestling fans, but its dramatic impact will likely mesmerize non-devotees as well. Chris MacDermott Interested in the song lyrics? - Check out themostlyrics.com! Looking For A DVD? - Check out dvd-a-rama.com! |
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