Review: There are times when we as humans stumble upon profound ideas, even when our intent is on something totally different.  Surprisingly, first time director Chris Bell happens to do just that in his film Bigger, Stronger, Faster.  If you watched the trailer for this documentary, you would have sworn it was merely an investigation into the problems of steroids in America, but while the first half of the documentary deals with steroids, it's clear that the rest of the film encroaches on an idea no one expected possible: an investigation into the American psyche itself.   If anything, Chris Bell as a filmmaker is probably a better more thorough version of Michael Moore.  He's just as funny and sardonic, his willingness to ask the tough questions in interviews and his voice will all remind you of Moore, only Bell carries the extra ability to be both aggressive and fair.  In Bigger, Faster stronger, facts carry as much weight as the opinions.  For instance, when a former Olympic Drug tester claims Carl Lewis used performance enhancing drugs and the U.S. covered it up, he provides the official paperwork to prove it.  For those who don't understand the steroid debate (and after watching this film, it sounds like maybe only 20 people in the world actually do), it's good to see the facts to support the opinions.   As I said though, this film isn't just about steroid abuse.  It's also not about drug abuse or our nation's general drug addiction.  By the end of the film, audiences will feel compelled to question the American drive to be dominant no matter what.  Simply put, outside of the simple steroids controversy, there are a slew of other fascinating storylines within this one documentary.  Bell's inability to focus the film is both a detriment and a blessing.  On one hand, you'd like more insight as the film clearly drags on past its preferred stopping point, but without these extended moments, the film lacks that extra edge and openness that clearly sets it apart.   Is Bigger, Faster, Stronger good enough to compete for an Oscar?  Probably not, but it certainly is a film everyone should watch.  It provides the necessary information and proper, even handed look into steroids that too many people fear to investigate.  It's funny, insightful and even moving portrait of steroids in America. Review by Matthew Abshire Informative: 5- Though his opinion son steroids are well spoken, it’s Chris Bell’s determination to use hard data that helps his arguments ring true Entertainment: 4- Would have been a five if there was more focus, instead, it drags… just a little bit Technical: 3- Like most rookie filmmakers, Chris Bell doesn’t focus his film enough and occasionally lets a rough edit slip by Overall: 4- A bench mark in filmmaking that takes the Michael Moore strategy to a entirely different (and more appreciated) level
 
Format: Theater Year: 2008 Running Time: 100 Min Distributor: BSF Film and Magnolia Pictures Producer: Tamsin Rawady, Alexander Buono and Jim Czarnecki Director: Chris Bell Date Reviewed: 6-15-2008 Story: In sports, winning is everything, and the pressure to succeed can drive some athletes to start taking banned substances. Filmmaker Chris Bell points the camera at his brothers and himself, all users of steroids. By exploring the reasons behind and effects of steroid use within his family, Bell calls into question the win-at-all-cost attitude so prevalent within American society (NetFlix).