Cast
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Terry Gene Bollea
as Hulk Hogan
Chris Pallies
as King Kong Bundy
Roddy Piper
as "Rowdy" Roddy Piper
Mr. T
as Mr. T
Randy Poffo
as “Macho Man” Randy Savage
Jim Myers
as George "The Animal" Steele
Tom Billington
as The Dynamite Kid
David Smith
as Davey Boy Smith
John Wisniski Jr.
as Greg "The Hammer" Valentine
Ed Leslie
as Brutus Beefcake
Paul Orndorff
as "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
Don Muraco
as The Magnificent Muraco
Josip Peruzović
as Nikolai Volkoff
Michael Penzel
as Cpl. Kirchner
Keith Franke
as "Adorable" Adrian Adonis
Crew
Director
- Vince McMahon
Writer
- George Scott
- Pat Patterson
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, WrestleMania II examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Vince McMahon brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1986, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of WrestleMania II took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 113 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 151 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 2253 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1986, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While WrestleMania II shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Signature Move, which focuses more on action than character development, WrestleMania II offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like DOA: Dead or Alive and The Naked Man explore similar territory, WrestleMania II stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 7, 1986
- Runtime: 1h 53m
