Gleason (2016) Reviews

• LJ's QR: Beautifully Crafted Documentary

  ljsmovies2016-07-12

  LJ'S QUICK MOVIE REVIEW "Gleason" is a heartfelt documentary that follows Steve Gleason's inspiring battle with ALS. Gleason, a former NFL player, was best known for his memorable tenure with the Saints. Now, he's better known for spreading awareness, support, and hope for the ALS cause. This uncensored emotional roller coaster will take you through 5-years of Gleason's life. He teaches you about his sorrows, triumphs, and goals. The rich commentary and interactions with Gleason, his family, and his foundation fill you with respect for Gleason's great contributions to society. Not only does "Gleason" give you a new perspective on those overcoming disabilities, it also inspires you to live your own life to the fullest extent and help others do the same. I sincerely recommend watching this amazing documentary. If you found this quick review helpful, I'd really appreciate it if you could visit LJ's Movie Facts on Facebook.

• See the film, its worth you time to feel human.

  philcordis2016-07-29

  Me and my wife went to a show here in New Orleans. Gleason has been a public figure in the city for some time. Living here during his time as player at the Saints we all knew his name. We where aware of his struggles with ALS and even his outreach. This movie takes you on a deep inside look of the life of his family with no filter and uncut realism. Love knows no bounds and as the movies connects you with the struggles of being human you might take a deep look at yourself. I came away from the theater reflecting on what i had done with my life. Feeling more then a bit of guilt for not doing more with what I have. The films very much a first person blog video, something that you could or would expect to find on Youtube. Its amazing the forethought put into capturing life before it becomes a scrip. As things unfold you become aware of the fragility of life and the greatness. I recommend seeing the film and share with friends. We all have something we can do and sacrifice to make the lives of everyone we know better.

• 'Gleason' reminds us what it means to feel

  loganburd2016-08-12

  On September 25, 2006, the New Orleans Saints returned to their home turf, the Superdome, nearly two years after Hurricane Katrina had turned it into a sad, makeshift refugee camp for thousands of displaced families. On that Monday night, New Orleanians needed a rebirth. Saints safety Steve Gleason, a small, Rudy-esque standout who played his college ball with the Washington State Cougars, gave them just that when he blocked a punt that led the Saints to their first touchdown since Katrina. Gleason had New Orleans' back. Five years later, Gleason needed the city to have his back. In 2011, Steve Gleason was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). And just six weeks after his diagnosis, he discovered his wife, Michel, was pregnant with their first child. Knowing he would be able to see his child grow up, Steve began a video blog to impart wisdom to his son. That, along with interviews with family and friends, became the inspiring and heartbreaking documentary "Gleason." What can I say? If you don't like wiping tears and snot from your face as you cry your way through half of a two-hour movie, maybe you're better off not seeing "Gleason." And this isn't the work of paid actors overdoing it for dramatic effect or composers calculating which violin at which time will tug your heartstrings most effectively. These are real people struggling to live with their scary new lives. This is a candid conversation between a father and son, or a home video in the hospital after the birth of a child. Steve Gleason isn't afraid to show you himself at his worst— struggling to control his bowels, crying on camera as he tries to record a video message his son can watch when he's old enough. "Gleason" stays on message, a message of resilience in the face of adversity. But as much as it inspires and educates, above all, "Gleason" is a portal for you to access emotions you might have bottled up. But then, when it's over, stop blubbering, wipe away those tears, and contribute some money and time to defeating ALS. Because even though the ice buckets have long since melted, the cause is still very real for many people fighting to stay alive, and for the courageous spouses and family members putting in overtime to keep their loved ones with them. "Gleason" is a call to action. Heed the call.

• Astonishing, intimate, gut-wrenching

  jarthur01112017-01-02

  (I thought that "O.J.:Made In America" was going to be the best doc of 2016.) This is an amazing movie. It is an intensely personal movie of a man & his wife/life partner/angel living with one of the most life-sucking illnesses known to mankind. It's tough to watch. It is worth the effort. I struggle with words 3 nights removed from witnessing this film. This is a story of courage, pain, triumph, faith (not in the way you would expect), friendship, sacrifice &, above all, love. There are so many levels deftly handled & addressed in this film. It ends with an odd subtext of man melding into a machine. (Forgive me. I love sci-fi). IDK. I do know it is one of the very films of 2016. SEE IT!

• As candid and honest as it is straight forward

  Skeauxsha2016-12-29

  Having been a New Orleans Saints Fan since 1973 I can honestly say that Who-Dats (Saints Fans) live and die by the New Orleans Saints. Watching the events of Katrina unfold, and the rebuilding of the SuperDome one could only, as a Saints Fan hope for a good season. What I am saying is there is always a unique excitement around anything New Orleans. When Steve blocked that punt against The Saints most bitter rival the Falcons for a touchdown I let out a yell that could have shattered glass. Finding out Steve was diagnosed with ALS did shatter that glass. Now my unbiased review of "Gleason". Thank You Steve and Michel for this open look into the life of someone with ALS. Taking the time to document and experience travel, or bucket list, and live the best you can while you can. Even larger continuing to genuinely give of yourself for others. Best of all, giving to your family. All the while the disease progressing and deteriorating a bodies ability to function. Watching the transformation of Steve is very tough, and at times unnerving. Observing Steve and Michel's unwavering honesty is gut wrenching. Reflecting on just how much they both have accomplished through this ordeal is remarkable. Gleason is a clear eyed and excellently presented documentary.