A dishonest businessman asks rich layabout Craig Blake to help him buy a gym, which will be demolished for a development project in Alabama. But after spending time with weightlifter Joe Santo and gym worker Mary Tate Farnsworth, Craig wants out of the deal. The property negotiations turn ugly, causing a brawl at the gym and a spectacle at a big bodybuilding meet, as Craig learns that it's not easy to turn your back on fair-weather friends.
Underneath it all is a lurching and poorly defined film concept.
– Variety Staff,
Variety,
26 Mar 2009
fresh:
It has its slack spells, but Rafelson's sure feel for the inexpressible subtleties of emotional relationships is evident throughout.
– Nigel Floyd,
Time Out,
24 Jun 2006
rotten:
It is the sort of movie whose vapidity is exposed as soon as the clutter is removed.
– Vincent Canby,
New York Times,
9 May 2005
fresh:
It introduces us to sharply defined, rather odd characters and then lets them mix it up. The movie is episodic, and some of the episodes are brilliant.