One Strong Arm 2004
Distributed by Fanlight Productions, 32 Court St., 21st Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201; 800-876-1710
Produced by Loren Mendell and Tiller Russell; Angry Young Ranch
Directed by Loren Mendell and Tiller Russell
VHS, color, 19 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Health Sciences, Psychology, Social Work, Child Development, Parenting
Date Entered: 05/12/2005
Reviewed by Lori Widzinski, Health Sciences Library, University at Buffalo, State University of New YorkProducers Loren Mendell and Tiller Russell have put together a marvelous story about disabled arm wrestler Cody Wagner and his extraordinary family. They successfully create an intimate portrait filled with empathy, hope, and even suspense as Cody enters his first arm wrestling competition.
After surgery for a brain tumor at the age of 18 months, Cody suffered a stroke, resulting in paralysis of the right side of his body. Growing up in an active, fun loving family, Cody wanted to play sports and tried everything, finally discovering competitive arm wrestling in his teens. His parents brought Cody up as normally as possible, and their dedication and love shine through in every facet of their teenage son’s accomplishments. One Strong Arm is an inspirational story of independence, unconditional love, support, hard work and joy, symbolized in Cody’s ultimate victory over an able-bodied opponent.
Academic health sciences library collections will find this a worthy purchase, as will high school, public and hospital collections.