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

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.

StarkTech This documentary really does reaffirm life and registers in a big way. Thanks to all the Gleason friends and family for sharing this with us.I walked out of the cinema and made sure to take an extra look around at the sky itself and took a loooooong deep breath and remembered to thank God for ALL the big things in life. As anyone that has gone through anything like this with a loved one knows, there are NO small things in life. Everything is large and larger. The ability to walk, talk, think, breathe and live pain free are nothing to be taken for granted. This documentary perfectly reminds you of that and makes any other problems seem insignificant by comparison.I was moved by the depth they cared to share with us from the humbling and frustrating person hygiene issues to matters of faith. Watching Steve bare and carry this HEAVY cross and watching him and those around him suffer is certainly uncomfortable but also awe inspiring. As he stated, his soul is indeed saved and his sacrifice and true pain on every level being recorded is a testament to that salvation and his impact on others. What a terrible and sad cross to bare.Same certainly can be said for his amazing and lovely wife, Michel. She may not want to be labeled as a saint but how else to describe her strength? She's as far way from "dick-face" as it gets! ;) Their journey and strength should make us all want to be better people and live stronger lives.

Paul Allaer "Gleason" (2016 release; 110 min.) is a documentary about Steve Gleason, the former New Orleans Saint defensive back and special team player. As the movie opens, Gleason talks into the camera, explaining he want to make video blogs, "to share while I can". After that, we go back in time when we see Gleason excel at Washington State and then the Saints, retiring in 2008. We then go straight to the heart of the matter: it's January, 2011 and Steve is diagnosed with ACL, better known at Lou Gehrig's disease. Shortly thereafter, we learn that Steve's wife Michel is pregnant with the couple's first child. Couple of comments: let me state upfront that I was not familiar with Steve Gleason, and unless you are a Saints fan, I'm guessing many of you are not either. But when I saw the trailer of this movie some weeks ago, I just knew I had to come watch this. Beware: the movie is not for the faint of heart! it throws an emotional gut punch at you, as we discover what it's like to live with ACl, and to see how a once healthy man's body steadily worsens--while his mind stays sharp, creating enormous frustration at times for Gleason. The movie does not look away either when very difficult moments arrive (check out the confrontations, yes plural, between Steve and his father). But in the end the movie is also very inspirational, as we see Steve persevere, helped with unwavering support by Michel and others. Several Pearl Jam members appear in the movie, and Steve's interview of PJ front man Eddie Vedder is priceless. In another one of his video blogs, Steve says "it's not going to be easy but it's going to be awesome". And that captures the movie right there."Gleason" made quite a splash when it premiered at this year's Sundance Film Festival, and Amazon Studios promptly bought it. It recently had a one week run at my local art-house theater here in Cincinnati, and the Wednesday early evening screening where I saw it at was sadly not attended very well. I sure hope that this movie will find a wider audience in distribution channels outside of traditional theaters. If you are in the mood for an emotional taxing but inspirational documentary about life with ACL, you cannot go wrong with this. Just make sure you have plenty of paper napkins handy... "Gleason" is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!