Hands on a Hardbody: Texans keep on truckin'...

And so the contest begins, and with it, the "human drama." Twenty four people are reaching for the brass ring but only one can come away the winner. As time marches on, it becomes a question of how long each person can hold up with the mounting list of ailments chipping away at their determination. This is no picnic; the contest lasts an average of four straight days and nights, and the pain is both physical and mental. It begins with boredom, the primary obstacle during the first 12 hours, and then the real suffering begins. Fatigue and monotony quickly turn to pure exhaustion, and aching backs and feet are joined by swollen knees and ankles. Anyone who has ever stayed up for more than 24 hours has to respect the lengths to which these people are willing to go, as they remain on their feet after 48 hours, rocking hypnotically to keep their legs from going numb. Things can only go downhill from there and eventually delirium begins to set in. Director Bindler, himself a Longview native, recognizes the absurdity of willingly participating in this exercise, but also manages to convey a sense of respect for the sheer will power and continuing optimism necessary to keep standing.

Like any good drama, the film doesn't overlook the comedic moments, and there are plenty of them. The very premise of the contest is humorous, and the various strategies undertaken and theories thrown about, always with utmost seriousness, are downright hilarious. Every element of the contest is analyzed on a minute scale, from what to eat to what to wear to how to keep your head in the game. Each contestant has their own particular support system devised to keep them going, whether it revolves around old time religion or chocolate candy. One woman has her entire church behind her, listening to a constant score of gospel music and laughing uncontrollably whenever her energy begins to wane. Another man turns to Snickers, eating only this sugary snack food at each break, just like he did on his high school track team. Veteran Benny has the whole contest down to a science, mapping out the phases people go through and the mine holes to avoid. He's out to break the world record (105 hours) and might even stay up by himself after the contest is over just to make history.

Still, as funny as the movie is,

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