About Heavyweights

"Heavyweights" is a comedy-drama movie that was released in 1995. The plot revolves around a group of overweight kids who are sent to a fat camp. Driven by the power-hungry fitness guru Tony Perkis, the boys are pushed to their limits to lose weight and improve their fitness. However, they decide to fight back and regain control of their summer holiday.

Making / Production

"Heavyweights" was directed by Steven Brill, a filmmaker known for his work in the comedy genre. It was produced by Roger Birbaum, Joe Roth, and Morgan Michael Fottrell. The film was scripted by Brill along with Judd Apatow, a well-recognized name in Hollywood for his work in successful comedy-drama films.

Actors

• Aaron Schwartz portrayed the protagonist "Gerald Garner." Schwartz excellently showcased the emotions of an overweight kid struggling with his body image and bullies.
• Ben Stiller played the role of fitness guru "Tony Perkis." Stiller's depiction of the militant and obsessive camp owner was both humorous and intimidating.
• Tom McGowan played the role of "Pat Finley," a kind-hearted counselor at the camp. McGowan's performance added warmth and sympathy to the film.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The movie was shot in North Carolina at an actual summer camp which had been closed for several years prior to production.
• Many of the young actors were in fact overweight and lost weight during production as a result of the rigorous schedule and activities portrayed in the film.
• Ben Stiller's character, Tony Perkis, is a hyperbolized version of the fitness-obsessed characters Stiller is known for portraying.

Quotes

• “Attention campers. Lunch has been cancelled due to lack of hustle. Deal with it.” - Tony Perkis
• “I'm feeling skinny, Tony!” - Josh Birnbaum
• “You can't kidnap the owner of a business!” - Tony Perkis

Music, Soundtrack

• "Closer to Free" by BoDeans
• "Reggae Groove" by Blue Beat Players
• "Hang Tough" by Stefanie Eulinberg