Schwarzenegger isn't merely its subject-he's its star, and his beaming, witty, charismatic presence in the film is among the most ingratiating performances of the time.

When documentary buffs insist filmic truth is better than fiction, they'll cite this absorbing look at bodybuilding.

[Schwarzenegger] carries that phenomenal physique so nonchalantly that one can't help feeling charmed and reassured.

In retrospect, the movie is of special interest because of its presentation of Schwarzenegger during this nascent portion of his career. As a result, the film is in many ways more compelling today than during its initial theatrical run in 1977.