See Arnold Run (2005 TV Movie) User Reviews

Nice try, but not good enough

[rdoronr · 5/10 · 31 January 2005]

The actors portraying both young and current Arnold have some facial similarity to him. Roland Kickinger ("young Arnold") also has the right body for the job, but here the similarities end: Jürgen Prochnow ("old Arnold") is too old for this casting, has no bodily resemblance to a bodybuilder, looks too short and his acting is too gloomy. There are also other things in the movie that have very bad fit with reality. "Old Arnold" is dominated by his wife, lacks all shred of leadership (as opposed to the real charismatic Arnold). "Young Arnold" is a loner, desperately trying to succeed, while the truth was that Arnold enjoyed hilarious success even before he set foot on American soil, and was actually brought over by a strong sponsor (Weider). I wondered whether the director saw "Pumping Iron", because he missed the real atmosphere around young Arnold, as well as some aspects of his personality. Not all is bad, but having followed Arnold since 1970 - I was disappointed. I hope a better re-make will be done some time into the future. Even a mix-up of the original Pumping Iron + actual clips from the real campaign would have made a better result. Not recommended (5/10).

Painful to watch...

[keesch83 · 5/10 · 31 January 2005]

I started watching this a little ways in and the whole thing is just ridiculous. Granted, the whole story of Arnold Schwarzenegger is ridiculous, albeit I'm a fan of his, the movie is just silly. Early on we get a chance to see "Gary Coleman" who is clearly a normal sized man sitting on his knees to make him look like the same size as Gary. Things like this go to show how stupid this thing really is.

The one plus side is Roland Kickinger who finally gets a serious role. He was pretty funny in Son of the Beach, which is also ridiculous, but I was hoping to get a chance to see him again in something. He's not a horrible actor but he's not incredible either which makes him perfect to play Arnold.

Social and political studies unexpectedly hidden in this fine, funny film

[diannabot · 5/10 · 13 September 2005]

The Universe found a way to combine my love of trashy celebrity biographies with trashy political exposé and media studies. I sincerely enjoyed the way this story was told, Cody Brink as young Arnold was excellent, as was Mariel Hemingway as Arianna Huffington. William Bradley, unfortunately, was a terrible idea, I mean the man no harm but whom ever decided that gubernatorial candidate Schwarzenegger was an appropriate part for him was very, very wrong. I do not feel the film was especially mean or friendly to the Governor; it was a fine piece of light hearted entertainment about a heavy, ridiculous moment in our political and social history.

Poorly made film and an even worse lead character

[pdoyle-2 · 31 January 2005]

The younger Arnold bore an uncanny resemblance to the real thing. Looks like he can act as well. However even he could not copy Arnolds very odd accent. Jurgen Procknow was too old, too small and his attempt at the accent totally pathetic. He delivered his lines in a Churchillian style, totally different from the real thing. As Maria Shriver, Hemmingway was good but a bit overweight. The best performance by far was Arianna Huffington, beautifully portrayed. All in all a disappointment because of the flashbacks, far too many. Less and longer would have been better because Arnold's real character is still somewhat of a mystery.

Sergio Oliva

[IamGod333 · 1/10 · 9 April 2011]

This movie is such propaganda and a deliberate re-write of the history of Arnold and his past defeats and victories. The very fact that they could have made this movie without the mention or inclusion of Arnold's greatest competition Sergio Oliva, is proof that they wanted to elevate Arnold to a position of which he was not worthy in historical rankings.

It would be like making a movie about boxer Muhammad Ali, and never mentioning or showing a portrayal of George Foremen! I am aware that the movie isn't about Sergio Oliva, however, Sergio was so much of a force in Arnold's life and his most celebrated victories, that Sergio's omission here is as noticeable as a movie about the life of The Beatles, in which they leave out 3 of the Beatles!

Such an injustice. And Arnold and his family had political and artistic control over this movie. It is no wonder why Arnold excelled in politics. It takes a calculating individual who's morals and ethics have no boundaries, to rise to the top of this worlds most corrupt occupation.

Half of this country does not believe that President Obama is worthy of being President of this country. Yet, we had a man, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who became Governor, and can't even pronounce the name of the state! And and American people fell for it. So, See Arnold Run, and See America Ruined! Malik Jubal

The potential for a really interesting biopic slapped together to amuse

[Robert_duder · 7/10 · 9 October 2008]

I think that a true biopic about the action hero we all grew up with who then become one of the country's most influential and recognized political leaders deserves an epic biopic (straight to DVD much like this one but still well done.) I thought maybe that is what I would get when watching this but I was sorely disappointed. Not because the film was worthwhile or mildly entertaining but because the potential for something so much greater existed and you could just feel how much they slapped this mess together without a second though or trying to actually make it fit together. The casting in the forefront role was horrendous and ridiculous...picked solely on the point that he has a German accent I think. The story is rushed and the idea is actually brilliant...comparing Arnold's drive to become Mr. Universe and essentially a Hollywood star with his drive to become Governor against all obstacles. They use flashbacks, sometimes brutally brief flashbacks to compare the two situations. Then they cover some of the more well known scandals of Arnold's campaign but were they really dealt with so easily and calmly?

Jürgen Prochnow may be a respected Hollywood actor from yesteryear with great credits including Das Boot, Dune and The English Patient but him playing Arnold Schwarzenegger is like watching a fish learn how to drive a car. He's awful. He maybe vaguely resembles Arnold in the face but he is a puny man (as Arnold would say) and has no body at all which Schwarzenegger still sports in his sixties. His accent is god awful, you can just hear him desperately trying to sound like him and failing. A total wash for Prochnow in this role. Now let's talk the true star of this film who doesn't get his just kudos. Roland Kickinger is absolutely jaw droppingly brilliant as the young Schwarzenegger building himself for Mr. Universe. He sounds like him, looks like him, and acts like him to a nearly frightening degree. Apparently others agreed as he has now been cast in Arnold's infamous role as The Terminator in the upcoming Terminator 4 (although rumor has Arnold's face and voice being superimposed over Kickinger's.) In this film he definitely shines as one of the top performers!! Mariel Hemingway does a solid job as Maria Shriver, although her character is left a little bland and doesn't really get the best of the role but she does a good job. I have to mention that Kristen Shaw also does a god awful impression of what Barbara Walters supposedly sounds like...it's a complete joke.

See Arnold Run is a C+ essay on Schwarzenegger's political career. It touches on key points but never goes into any detail. It doesn't offer any really intelligent commentary but gives you the surface story which makes for a decent TV flick but nothing you'll hang on to for very long. You have some really awful performances on one hand but on the other you have some really astounding performances on the other so it's a trade off I suppose. If you're a politics nut like myself then you'll have to see it and you'll mostly agree with what I'm saying but if you think you're in for watching an actor portray a Hollywood legend you'll be sorely disappointed. It does however give me hope that I will play Tom Cruise in his made for TV biopic Cruise Missile...because that would be just as far fetched as Jürgen Prochnow in his role. 7/10

Excellent bio

[mm-39 · 8/10 · 31 January 2005]

I do not know how true this film is, especially with the time constraints of the movie, but I learned much about Arnold for myself. Confidence and drive is important and essential in order to survive in life's journey and Arnold knows this. The viewer learns that Arnold is brash and positive, and would be hated by negative people everywhere; negative people would find Arnold arrogant, while more mentally healthy individuals would find Arnold's positive attitude contagious. Arnold's visualization and attitude, is no sales act in order to use people, but the natural personality of a driven man. The movie addresses the harshness of Arnold's childhood, and his need of acceptance. (A Freud theory in this movie) Many Dads want their sons to have a toughness and hunger, but balanced with love. A theme throughout this film. I, myself may be seen as cocky, and mistaken as a jerk without a softer side; I believe the director shows a softer side to Arnold that only people who really know the man could tell. I would have to look into Arnold's eyes too really know the man. Compassion is not a event to boast about but a more private side. I learned about Arnold from this film and found this film to be a comedy/ auto bio, which I think is how Arnold is. 8 or 10 out of 10. Great TV movie. A & E sure can make better TV movies than the networks. I would not be surprised if a network makes a whole movie about Arnold's life from childhood on. I wonder if Arnold would write an auto bio?

Missing one-third of the story

[Moonlit_Knight · 8 February 2005]

This was a good biopic interweaving Arnold's the two story lines concerning his victory as Mister Universe and his election as Govenor of California. Through any adversity, Arnold has shown that a positive attitude and a drive to succeed can coexist and allow any person to achieve their goals.

That being said, there was one storyline missing from this movie -- his drive to become a Hollywood star. I would have loved a two-part mini-series that included his Hollywood years. It is remarkable that this man decided to achieve greatness in three endeavors in his life: 1. become the greatest bodybuilder in the world, 2. become the biggest Hollywood star, and 3. become a great and beloved politician. He succeeded in all three where most people would be satisfied to have achieved just one.

The actor who played the Mr.Universe Arnold can quite possibly take over roles Arnold originated on screen. He's already aped the Arnold personae as Chip Rommel in "Son Of The Beach". He pulled off a serious Arnold in this movie. I've read that Terminator 4 will take place further into the future. So, he could definitely play an original T-100. Also, there are talks about reviving the Conan series. Who better to play a young Conan?

I saw See Arnold Run

[quebecgirl1027 · 31 January 2005]

Last night i actually sat down and watched See Arnold Run. Surprisingly i actually did enjoy the movie. I've always been an Arnold fan ever since i first saw Terminator but never really knew much about him until this movie. Being from Canada, i was vaguely aware that he was running for Governor of California but did not follow the race never believing that they would elect an actor to represent them. Imagine my shock when he won, but watching this movie i learned that politics has always been a big part of his life. I thought this movie was an interesting look at all the work that goes into being Governor. The actor who plays him, Jürgen Prochnow was not bad. I don't think he looked much like him, but then again it's tough to find a man Arnold's age who looks as fantastic as he does! The actor who played him as a bodybuilder, Roland Kickinger bore a striking resemblance to Arnold, both in body and voice. I was actually half convinced at some points that it was him or a family member of his even though i knew it wasn't. Quite honestly i thought that this movie was interesting and a good watch for anyone who is interested in Arnold or in politics. I plan to follow his tenure as Governor to see if he is more then just an actor. Maybe someday they will change the law that states that you have to be born in America to be President and Arnold will run for President. That would make an interesting movie none the less, just hopefully they hold on the stupid one liners this time around!

Well directed poorly written

[jason-yanuzzi · 12 February 2005]

This is a case where the direction is fantastic (ie: imagery, symbolism, pacing, blocking, getting as much as you can out of terrible actors), but the written story is horrendous. They left out the fact that Arnold was wildly successful in not only body building, but real estate and the restaurant business. They also made him appear to be clueless and out of touch with not only his political advisers but the world and the media. Arnold is a shrewd businessman that is completely aware of his surroundings.

Again I must say I was impressed with James Rogers' direction. He did a lot with a poor script, bad actors and minimal funding.

Das "i cant do accents" Jurgen

[Hernandezrdlc · 31 January 2005]

You would think that a German could do a credible Austian Accent. You would also think that A person could do a impression of Arnold. I guess this guy couldn't do that let alone deliver lines. He seems to have just had a "don't forget to spell my name on the pay check" attitude in doing the movie. I think they should have let the younger(a seemingly more gifted) actor Roland attempt to do the older Arnold Role. However that would have required him to go through some physical Perparation(sizing down) to do so. I think he had a genuine passion for the Portrayal of his Idol that Jurgen didn't posses(perhaps professional snobbery?) and it showed. He had me, at times, believing I was watching Arnold in the Arnold Swazhenegger movie. If anybody ever has it in mind to do a serious bio pic on the guy they should allow Roland to to the role. As to whether Arnold deserves a serious bio pic? We will have to see. If he gets elected Governora gain or Senator. I think it needs to be considered. I liked the execution of the flashback sequences....

Is it A&E or E&O?

[Herag · 31 January 2005]

The younger Arnold had an authentic accent and came close to the Arnold the body builder. The actor playing the older Arnold is a Clown doing a terrible impression of Arnold to the point of ridicule. He may be a good actor but he is cleary misfit here.Looks like the movie was put together in a hurry. Mariel Hemingway was probably the best of the lot as Maria Shriver with an uncanny resemblance to Maria Shriver. In real life Maria Shriver may have coached Arnold for interview's but I don't think she was that active or dominating behind the scenes as it made to appear in the movie. The Strategy sessions are well done with some juicy dialog but when it was joined by Arnold it turned into a stand up comedy. The constant interposition of the younger Arnold was just annoying and intrusive with no depth to the story. Arnold was made to look like a buffoon with series of One liners fit for a monologue than a consummate Politician with a sense of humor. The direction is immature with more of piecing of clips than an artistic endeavor. A mediocre presentation of a Teflon Actor albeit with biceps and determination like steel. The caliber of Production is more fit for E&O (Errors&Omissions)channel than A&E.

Exposed Flash on the Beach

[mvaldez · 31 January 2005]

I was curious about the film, to see if any reference was made to the other gubernatorial candidates (I was among the others who ran for the office: placed 41st out of 135). No references, of course: it was all Arnold worship, all the time. I was most surprised how little mention was made of Tom McClintock and Cruz Bustamante (but, of course, both remain in state government, and I'm sure out of prudence, the filmmakers kept references to these important figures to a bare minimum).

One scene caught my eye, though. The (uncredited) photographer taking pictures of Bodybuilder Arnold with three lovelies on the beach sure looked like David Hume Kennerly, a photojournalist who helped start a Web Site called Candidate Camera. Gateway, Inc., passed out digital cameras to the candidates and encouraged them to take photos of their individual campaigns. A handful of the images are still on-line at: http://www.kennerly.com/editorial/gallery.php?page=_03recall04