Standout: The Ben Kjar Story
December 16th, 2025
MOVIE: STANDOUT: THE BEN KJAR STORY
STARRING: BEN KJAR, ANTHONY ROBLES
DIRECTED BY: TANNER CHRISTENSEN
AMovieGuy.com’s RATING: 3 ½ STARS (Out of 4)
RATED: PG
RUN TIME: 99 MINUTES
It feels natural in our lives to feel sorry for ourselves. I’m not making enough money. I wasn’t born into privilege. I’m not strong enough. These thoughts can run through our minds in this undeniably cruel world. Then I watched the documentary Standout: The Ben Kjar Story, and I was reminded that everyone has their own challenges. When we face adversity, it is how we respond that matters most—and in Tanner Christensen’s documentary about the life of wrestler Ben Kjar, we see the response of a true champion.
Ben Kjar (pronounced “Care”) was born with a rare condition called Crouzon syndrome, a birth defect of the cranium that causes the premature fusion of skull bones, leading to facial differences and breathing difficulties. Ben’s journey to the top would be long, painful, and demanding. He endured multiple surgeries and unpredictable ridicule from others. As the middle child of six, Ben was often treated as “different.” Other kids would snicker and comment on his appearance, but his family refused to let cruelty define him. Doctors warned Ben not to play sports and told him his life would be especially difficult. It’s a good thing Ben never listened.
The documentary follows a familiar format, featuring interviews, home videos, and highlights from Ben’s life. Christensen interviews Ben’s entire family and presents footage from his childhood, creating a complete picture of his journey. What elevates Standout is the power of Ben’s story itself. The inspiration is undeniable. In high school, Ben’s life took off as he became one of the greatest wrestlers in the state of Utah. He carried himself with remarkable confidence. During his sophomore year, he stitched a patch onto his letterman jacket that read “3XSC,” predicting he would become a three-time state champion. That confidence and never-give-up spirit is contagious, and Christensen captures it beautifully.
One might think the story would end with Ben’s high school success, but doubting Ben Kjar is a mistake. He went on to become Utah Valley University’s first All-American, competing in the NCAA semifinals against legendary wrestler Anthony Robles. Ben later competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics, found love with his wife LaCol, and faced new challenges while starting a family. Through it all, Ben continued to meet every obstacle with resilience. It feels as though he was born ready to handle whatever life placed in front of him.
If Standout has any shortcomings, it’s that the film occasionally leans into its Angel Studios roots by emphasizing faith as the source of Ben’s success rather than focusing solely on his relentless determination. However, this element is never overbearing. In fact, the documentary handles faith thoughtfully, presenting it as a source of support rather than a solution to every challenge.
Ultimately, Ben Kjar has become a new hero to me. Standout is a powerful and inspiring documentary that offers a valuable perspective on life while introducing the world to a true champion. Ben makes no excuses. He responds to cruelty with kindness and never allows his challenges to define him. That is what makes him truly stand out above the rest.
3 ½ STARS
STANDOUT: THE BEN KJAR STORY IS PLAYING IN SELECT THEATERS IN JANUARY 2026. CHECK YOUR LOCAL LISTINGS FOR RELEASE.
Written by: Leo Brady
