No Holds Barred (1989) (Blu-ray Review)
Directed By: Thomas J. Wright
Starring: Hulk Hogan, Joan Severance, Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister
Rated: UR/Region A/1:85/1080p/Number of Discs 1
Available from IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT
When world wrestling champion Rip Thomas (WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan) refuses to join a competing network, an evil executive creates a new program, “The Battle of the Tough Guys,” where rules don’t exist and men engage in an all-out brawl for money. After a murdering ex-convict by the name of Zeus (Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister, The Dark Knight) comes out on top as the toughest man, an ultimate title match with Rip is the TV network’s best chance for big ratings. But when Rip refuses the challenge and his brother is roughed-up as a consequence, the world champion has no choice but to teach Zeus a lesson in a final ‘No Holds Barred’ fight to the finish.
Next to The Marine, No Holds Barred is probably still the best film WWE has ever had a hand in making. Starring my hero growing up, Hulk Hogan, this film is a pure slice of 80s cheese. But it’s the type of cheese that has aged very well in my opinion. The movie is a bit wacky and packed with little in the way character development outside Rip and his love interest. The evil Brell also gets time to develop, but characters that should matter more than they do, like Rip’s little brother, are just here to as tools to get to the Rip/Zeus showdown. Rip’s brother Randy is pretty much just Rip’s brother. We know he stands in his corner when he wrestlers, but there isn’t much there other than that to show how strong of a bond they have. But you know what? Who cares about that? This was the 80s, this was an action film, and when things are so bad they are this good, you just don’t need to worry with stuff like that, brother!
Hogan in the role as Rip (who is pretty much just Hogan with different ring gear colors and a new name), bashes and smashes his way through the bad guys all the while dropping corny one-liners. I don’t want you to think of this as a bad thing, it’s awesome. I loved this movie as a kid and the scenes I enjoyed as a kid I still enjoyed and they still stood out now. This is one of those movies you just need to stop being uptight and enjoy. Don’t worry about plot hole this and character development that. Just enjoy this silly ride and accept it for what it is a mindless and fun action flick. It’s also really cool watching and spotting some of the random wrestlers that have small roles in this thing. My only real complaint about the release has nothing to do with the movie itself. I just wish we had got some extras besides a photo gallery. Hulk did do battle with Zeus in the WWF a couple of times. Why couldn’t we have gotten that? Regardless, it’s a very fun film in the same vein as Over the Top. Sadly, the film is spotty in the transfer, being spotty and more times than not soft. Still, it is the best version of the film on the market.
– Summerslam Match (8/28/1989) Zeus & ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage w/Sensational Sherri vs. Hulk Hogan & Brutus Beefcake w/Miss Elizabeth.
– ‘No Holds Barred’ Steel Cage Match (12/27/1989) Zeus & ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage w/Sensational Sherri vs. Hulk Hogan & Brutus Beefcake.
– Photo Gallery
