Aubrey Hackett
While it is a pity that the story wasn't told with more visual finesse, this is trivial compared to our real-world problems. It takes a good movie to put that into perspective.
Casey Duggan
It’s sentimental, ridiculously long and only occasionally funny
Arianna Moses
Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.
eddie_baggins
An uncompromising and often unglamorous documentary, that is both a tough watch and a truly uplifting one; against all the odds, Gleason is one of the years must see-films and without doubt, one of the year's most moving movie experiences.Documenting the life of ex-NFL line-backer Steve Gleason, as the husband and soon to be father is diagnosed with the life threatening ALS disease, director Clay Tweel with help from producer and King of Kong helmer Seth Gordon have found themselves with unprecedented access to showcase the terrible nature of ALS and access also to the power of the human spirit and the love between family, in particular the bond between a father and his child and a husband and his wife.Surrounded by a plethora of likable and sincere human beings that is headlined by Steve's wife Michel, whose relationship with Steve is the heart and soul of this film, Steve himself is a figure we instantly can connect with.His down to earth nature and balanced views on life making him a fascinating subject matter as well as a haunting example of a human beings existence cruelled by the harsh realities of the cards they have been dealt.Fuelled by his desire to help others, live his life to the fullest, whilst he still is able to and most importantly driven to give his child a part of himself he will soon no longer be able to give by using a series of extensive video diaries that vary from something seemingly simplistic like how to make a camp fire right down to the meaning behind one's life, Gleason shows himself to be a subject worthy of much praise and a subject not afraid to shine a light on a condition that sometimes would be much easier emotionally to pass over entirely.Never once feeling manipulative, Tweel and various others that helped bring this year's in the making project to fruition capture ALS in its warts and all nature. It makes Gleason a raw and real feature, but one that's all the better for it.From Steve's slowly deteriorating physical condition from one time pro-athlete to barely being able to walk, his gradual trouble to talk, right through to loss of bodily functions, Gleason never once shy's away from the horrors Steve and his family and friends faced but it's how the best of human nature comes through within these times of darkness that makes Gleason so special, a reaffirmation for many that the best of the human spirit trumps everything else.Final Say – Gleason will deliver to the viewer various emotional punches that will stay with them long after the credits have rolled.This powerful, uplifting and insightful documentary on a family of real life heroes is one of the most touching films of recent times and one that will have you in not only tears of sadness, but tears also of pure unbridled joy.5 real-life heroes out of 5
Hellmant
'GLEASON': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)A documentary about former football star Steve Gleason, and his battle with ALS. The film covers five years of Gleason's life, as he battles the horrendous disease with the help of his wife and family. It was directed by Clay Tweel, and it heavily features footage of Steve, his wife Michel Rae Varisco, and their son Rivers (as well as multiple other family members and friends). It was filmed by Sean Pamphilon, Ty Minton-Small and David Lee (who were able to capture some stunningly intimate video). The movie was released by Amazon Studios and it got mostly positive reviews from critics. I agree that it's an exceptionally well made documentary.Steve Gleason was a popular defensive back, for the New Orleans Saints, who is most famous for blocking an Atlanta Falcons' punt (in September of 2006). In 2011 he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also referred to as ALS, and Lou Gehrig's Disease). Shortly later he found out his wife (Varisco) was pregnant with their son Rivers. Knowing he was only expected to live about 2.5 more years, Steve agreed to let filmmakers follow the three of them around, as they battled the disease together. The results are heartbreaking, and very inspirational.The movie is obviously very sad, and it sounds cheesy to say, but it's also inspiring in many ways. The footage the filmmakers got is shockingly intimate. Sometimes so much so, that it's pretty uncomfortable to watch; but I really respect a film that can push me out of my comfort zone (like this did). It's a very well made, and extremely touching film!Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://youtu.be/mFAp0zxR-lY
Nik Neal
I went into this movie never before hearing the name Steve Gleason (shame on me), and only knew what I read in the reviews. I figured it would be sad, but I was not at all prepared for what this documentary entailed. From the very beginning, I fell in love with both Steve and his wife Michel. Both were very likable and brutally honest and I appreciate that.This documentary was one of the most powerful pieces of work I have ever seen on film. From the very beginning, you knew it was going to be a roller coaster, but nothing prepares you for the love, determination, heartbreak, devastation and unthinkable circumstances that Steve and those around him have to endure. It was hard to watch, yet captivating at the same time. I simply can not imagine having a terminal illness such as ALS, or watching someone that I love go through what this man and his family have gone through.Yet as heartbreaking as it was to watch, I was amazed at how they managed to somehow keep their sense of humor. The movie was laugh out loud at parts and gave you a very up close and personal view of what happens to a human when their body fails them.I can not say enough about this movie. It was very powerful and will stay with me for a long time. I think it is important to show films such as this to bring education, awareness and support to such important issues. This film managed to show you the real grit of marriages, parenting, health/illnesses, family, faith, and football.
subxerogravity
Just like a good sports movie should be (Weather it's a documentary or not) Gleason is very upbeat and makes you feel bad about not getting up off your ass to do something with your life.What I like especially about the film is Steve Gleason's positive tempo. He's a fighter and you can tell. The documentary keeps tabs on the amount of time Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is taking to effect his body. For a while I did not really notice that anything was changing, it was not until others in the documentary pointed things out, that I realized the effect it was taking.http://cinemagardens.com/Keeping an uptempo as he watched from a chair his son growing up was hard on him, so there were times when he broke down and that's understandable, cause he's human, that is the reason he was making this documentary, to show his son what type of man he is, and the best part is that he broke down but didn't break. He picked himself up and kept going.Same goes for his wife. She's a strong beautiful woman, who was going through it the same as him, and it was hard for her to keep it together but she's going strong. You can't help but to tear up a little over that.It's an inspirational story about what can happen if you never give up on life, and a touching story of a father making a connection with his son.
