The Price of Fame

This documentary brought up so many interesting points about the evils of fame and money as the older wrestling generation deals with religion, family, and health. Unfortunately, the documentary devolves less than halfway through into a reality based tv show about Ted Sr.'s grown sons' emotional daddy issues (Brett's scenes were ridiculous, staged, and cringeworthy). The best parts (and we started fast forwarding through the sons) are the interviews with the old school wrestlers. This film would have been a grand slam if it had stuck with the old schoolers and provided their life lessons learned and testimonies. It is one in a million to have a stepfather like Ted Sr's. It is too bad we didn't hear more about Ted Sr.'s life (he was a college athlete???) and his wrestling career. At least half of the film is about Ted Jr and his brothers. Honestly, I never heard of Ted Jr as a wrestler until today. This reality show was a totally missed opportunity.

Watching a grown man (Brett) act like a child confronting their father for an apology made me cringe. After so long and already knowing what happened to create such a scene is embarrassing for everyone in that scene.

Growing up, professional wrestlers were my heroes. Not in the moral sense (thank goodness!), but in the way that all children have larger-than-life figures they are awed by. As such, I am always sucked into documentaries about any figure of the "old WWF gang". This one ranks near the top of that list. For a basic plot summary, "The Price of Fame" is a documentary about the life (in the ring and out of it) of former professional wrestler Ted "Million Dollar Man" DiBiase, ostensibly narrated or guided by his son Teddy (also a current WWE star). This pretty much tells the story of all the key points of Ted Sr.'s life, including his childhood (how close he was to his own father), his time in "the business" (and the infidelities it brung about), and the "later years" of turning to Christianity and trying to be the best father and husband he could be. I usually have a nose for when these documentaries seem "fake" or totally produced for publicity, but this one does not seem that way at all, as it is so sincere. At times, there were tears rolling down my cheeks. Even though I've obviously never met Mr. DiBiase in person or know anything about him, his persona had such an effect on my childhood (he truly was one of the greats) that there is an easy "in" for me in hearing his story. As a child, I marveled at these WWF figures for their feats of strength or personalities. Now, I'm much more interested in what they were/are like as human beings and how their stories have played out over the years. The story of Ted DiBiase is a gripping one, to say the least, and it is made even more emotional by the fact that his son is the one presiding over it all. Including snippets and/or interviews from other WWF stars (Shawn Michaels, Jake Roberts, Roddy Piper, George "The Animal" Steele, among others) was a very nice touch as well. The Christianity angle is pushed pretty hard in this documentary, but I honestly do not think it will have much of an effect on potential viewership. It is just part and parcel of DiBiase's story, and if you are interested enough to watch it at all, this won't dissuade you from finishing the experience. Overall, "The Price of Fame" is an excellent documentary for any professional wrestling fans, but especially those who remember the heyday of "The Million Dollar Man". As I said, I watched portions of the proceedings through welled-up tears, as it was so emotional seeing one of my childhood icons open up and express such deep emotions (that aren't put-on) in front of the camera.

An emotional heartwarming introspective piece about a Wrestler's life, beliefs and the human condition. Sappy but true to itself. If you know anything about the Million Dollar Man the faith aspect shouldn't have come as a surprise. Solid doc! Give it a chance.

Ted Dibiase brings his shopworn tales of overcoming adultery and being guided by his dad, living a life of avarice and excess blah blah blah. This was so pitiful in so many ways, Ted has made a living on telling his trite tales, I can't tell you how many times this shameless man has shopped his pathetically underwhelming sins around. Him and his weepy progeny ruminate about the same stupid adultery transgressions throughout, also if you love close ups of Ted's giant squinty eyed orange face, you won't be disappointed, almost every scene is with Ted's Robert Z'dar sized cherub giant face in it. I also had an unbridled love of men weeping but even In was daunted by how much gratuitous weeping and moaning was in this mockumentary. It was cloyingly excessive blubbering and it was uncomfortable, the braying and hawing did not engender sympathy from me, rather disgust, I saw weak men that pretended to be strong and they mewled on and on about stuff that was so innocuous. The only parts that were good were the Super 8 home movies but they were too fleeting and sparse to make a difference..

We arrived early and were surprised to find extra clips before the movie. There was also an extra interview after the movie. It was good to see two men (Ted Sr. and Ted Jr.) walk away from money to be with family. It is also good to see men proclaim their faith without fear. It was enjoyable, at times heartbreaking, but in the end, positive and a blessing.

I can't believe Ted Dibiase's son consider's this a tribute to his father. For all their christian talk about forgiveness, this family has never forgiven Ted Sr. for his transgressions. The scene where Brett confronts his dad is both pathetically staged and uncomfortable. Give this one a miss.

Massive fan of Dibiase and was really looking forward to watching this but this was more about his religious beliefs and nothing really to do with his career. Each to their own on beliefs but do not want to watch about something that looks intended to do be about someone's illustrious career only to be about how "Christ" saves lives. Very disappointing