Gleason (2016) User Reviews

LJ's QR: Beautifully Crafted Documentary

[ljsmovies · 9/10 · 12 July 2016]

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.

[philcordis · 7/10 · 29 July 2016]

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.

An Incredibly Heartwrenching, Yet Inspiring Documentary

[RustyShacklefordd · 9/10 · 8 January 2017]

I watched this film knowing almost nothing about expect that it was a documentary and it had received great reception. I'm not a football fan and had no idea who Steve Gleason was. With that said, it didn't take away any of my enjoyment from this powerful documentary.

The film follows retired NFL player Steve Gleason who is diagnosed with ALS just months before the birth of his son. As he prepares a video dairy for his son, we watch as Steve deals with the disease as it progresses as well as his family as they embark with him on the long and difficult journey. Even without any knowledge of his football career, the film does a great job of quickly introducing to Steve and his family and giving us a background of their live. Although Steve is the star here, his wife Michele also equally shares the spotlight with him as we get to know her and watch her world change as he helps support her husband.

Although I highly recommend this film, be warned it's very difficult to watch. The film does not shy away from just how horrific of a disease ALS is and shows us Steve at several points where he is at his worst with the disease to the point he nearly gives up. What makes the film worth it though is watching somebody like Steve who once had it all have the courage and strength to want to continue living his life in his condition for the sake of his family.

By the end of the film, it's hard not walk away without thinking of Steve Gleason as one of the most inspiring people to ever live. It's the kind of film that when it's over makes you want to go outside and look around and makes you appreciate your own life and the ones around you. The only thing that really keeps the film from being perfect that it is a bit long at nearly 2 hours and a few scenes could've been trimmed down. If you enjoy documentaries and inspiring stories, this film is a must watch and one of the best documentaries I've seen in a long time!

As candid and honest as it is straight forward

[Skeauxsha · 10/10 · 29 December 2016]

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.

Astonishing, intimate, gut-wrenching

[jarthur0111 · 10/10 · 2 January 2017]

(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!

WOW...Just Wow!

[nikicianciola-702-657633 · 9/10 · 23 August 2016]

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.

no-holds barred

[ferguson-6 · 8/10 · 4 August 2016]

Greetings again from the darkness. Heroes come in many shapes and forms. Steve Gleason became a cult hero when he blocked a punt for his New Orleans Saints team in their first home game after Hurricane Katrina. For this, the team erected a life-sized statue outside the Superdome. In his time since that game, he has suffered more than any person should, and he has provided hope and assistance to more unfortunate folks than just about anyone. By now, just about everyone would consider him a hero.

Director Clay Tweel takes a very direct approach to telling Steve's story. He guides us through the life of the undersized Washington State linebacker who, against all odds, carved out a 9 year career in the NFL; married a remarkable woman who was his equal as a free-spirit; was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease); learned to live with the debilitating disease; established a foundation to provide assistance to others with ALS.

Tweel pulls no punches in showing the progression of the devastating disease, and equally as importantly, in the toll such a disease takes on the loving caregiver after so many years. Gleason retired in 2008, and was diagnosed in 2011. Six weeks later, he and his wife Michel found out she was pregnant with their first child. Staring down the disease and the impending birth of their child, the couple took a 2 month expedition to the Alaska wilderness. This could be interpreted as their way of leaving their "old life" behind, but this couple is so full of life and spirit, that it was in fact, merely a next step.

The diagnosis and the baby announcement motivated Gleason to begin filming video blogs/journals for his unborn child. His stated goal was to "share with you who I am", since the odds weren't good that father and son would ever be able to hold a conversation or play catch. Clips of these video entries are shown throughout and capture Gleason's charm, humor, sincerity and spirit of life.

Son Rivers arrives in October 2011 just as the disease is creating severe challenges for Steve's physical and verbal capacities. We watch as Michel transitions from free-spirited newlywed to full-time care-giver and first time mother. Her coping methods are on display, as are the effects on her energy and outlook over the next few years.

With the help of friends and family, Team Gleason is created as a foundation to provide assistance to ALS sufferers. The foundation finds its newest mission when Medicare announces that vocal/speech technology will no longer be covered for ALS. "No White Flags" becomes the calling card for the foundation, and these activities are blended with Gleason's medical and family hurdles … including his religious father who drags him to a 'faith healer'.

Moments with Eddie Vedder and Drew Brees, among others, lead us to the global phenomenon known as "the ice bucket challenge" for ALS and finally the Microsoft Super Bowl commercial featuring Gleason and new speech technology. The film and story are simultaneously gut-wrenching and inspirational, and provide a rare behind-the-scenes look at the emotional and physical impact of disease on both patient and caregiver.

Just WOW! A Life Affiriming Masterpiece.

[StarkTech · 17 August 2016]

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.

I can't stop thinking about this movie!

[ladrow · 10/10 · 13 May 2017]

I just finished watching this movie on Amazon Prime and I can't stop telling all my friends and family about it. I went through about six tissues. Just so moving, adorable, gut wrenching sad, happy, inspirational, just so real! One of the best documentaries I have ever seen. I highly recommend EVERYONE to watch. It will change your life.

"It's not going to be easy but it's going to be awesome"

[paul-allaer · 9/10 · 17 August 2016]

"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!

High hopes, but takes tme to start

[OJT · 7/10 · 14 September 2022]

I'm sad to say that you have to be American to appreciate the first part of this, because it takes too long time to start, with too much religion at start.

Why? Well the rating of 8,3 om imdb should suggest a very special movie about a serious disease. But what we get is something completely different.

This is no sports documentary about Steve Gleason, but his fight.

I was expecting a film about ALS and realizing that he had little time to giv his child a future, but it's far from what I would expect from a movie with the likes of 8,3 score on imdb.

But then it changes. The the film starts, and we see why it has high scores.

ALS is a very serious diagnosis, and should be treated with more respect tha religion, and it does - finally.

I also get that one can feel some kind of hope approaching God and religion when you are staring death in the white eye, but I would have appreciated more about his career in stead of religion in the start.

This said, the film is not only bad. Except the heavy parts with religion, there are good parts in it as well. But it finally gets there.

Gleason is an American hero for standing out like this on a difficult disease.

My score for this will be 7/10.

Very uplifting.

[subxerogravity · 8/10 · 2 August 2016]

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.

More than a movie

[ansel1261 · 10/10 · 4 February 2017]

Gleason is more than a movie, it's a life experience as well as statement on life and fatherhood.

Art imitates life. You can't get better acting than real life. The main characters in the movie held nothing back. IT WAS REAL! And I mean that literally.

I would be surprised if there was a dry eye in theater. My eyes started getting a little watery during the trailer. I was able to keep it together during the movie. I'm an old school guy, don't cry at movies much.

Took a look at the IMDb top 250 movies, in my opinion, "Gleason" can stand its own with any of them.

Inspirational

[lgustafson · 10/10 · 14 September 2021]

Inspirational not only for anyone going through thus but I found his wife to be just as strong and inspirational as her husband.

A very well made, and extremely touching film!

[Hellmant · 9/10 · 17 March 2017]

'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

Heartfelt and dramatic

[katymiltonsmash · 9/10 · 22 November 2019]

This film shows the immense ups and downs of Steve Gleason's life. The story of struggle and not giving up. Great commentating.

So raw!

[Debralyncranford · 10/10 · 8 August 2018]

I have spent my career seeing the end stages of ALS patients. Setting them up so they would be comfortable at home. Taking care of them in the hospital. I think ALS and Myasthenia Gravis are 2 of the scariest syndrome/diseases to have. There are a lot more scary ones that don't make it to adulthood. This documentary was raw and gritty. And was not wrapped up in a bow. The fears, insecurities, relationship issues of the spouse as the caregiver etc... I cried. Steve Gleason has given the world a hard look at debilitating neurological diseases. May God bless him and his family. I sincerely believe there is no real lesson in suffering and dying a lingering death. Or in dying young. I believe this family made a difference. With grace and dignity.

Doesn't that put life in perspective?

[haphazard72 · 10/10 · 3 April 2017]

Every so often you see something that puts life in perspecpctive. This is the one.

You watch this and come away reflecting on how you live, what you're doing with your life, and how your friends and family fit in with everything.

I didn't have a clue who Steve is or what he'd done in the lead up to his ALS diagnosis, but I just watched this on a crowded plane and tried hard to hide the tears (not sure I succeeded!).

Steve has achieved so much! Whilst ALS has changed his life drastically, he's fought and pushed hard to make a difference. Having said that, I don't think enough can be said for his wife, Michele, and what she's worked through- a new born and then growing son while her husband becomes more and more dependant in her- an amazing lady!

Great movie. Watch it!

Saints Pro Football Player cut down with ALS at age 34.

[TxMike · 15 January 2017]

My wife and I found this on Amazon Prime streaming films. She bailed on it about 30 minutes from the end in a particularly difficult scene. It pulls no punches, we get to see exactly what a person goes through in the first few years after early symptoms appear and the diagnosis is made.

The subject is Steve Gleason who, after highly successful school and college athletics found himself playing standout pro football for the New Orleans Saints. He was rough and tough, also very intelligent, and seemed to never quit. At age 34 he started having some unusual symptoms and shortly was diagnosed with ALS.

(As an aside I just watched 'Concussion' which deals with CTE caused by head trauma that long-time football players experience so I immediately wondered if it could also trigger ALS. The research is ongoing but so far experts in the fields have no evidence of a link.)

Most of the film takes place in New Orleans, Steve married Michel Varisco, she of course has a key role in his life and in this documentary. I used to live in the New Orleans area and I recognize Varisco as a genuine family name for that area. Michel was always an energetic and happy person, and for the most part remains that way, but as the film progresses you can see the stress she experiences.

When Steve received his diagnosis and his prognosis, not good, he and Michel were determined to have a child, and the result is a boy, Rivers, who it seems inherited most of his physical features from his mom. Much of the film is Steve leaving video for his son so that he will be able to see dad as he was before being debilitated by the disease.

Plus the film covers Steve's work to form the foundation that among other things raises money for ALS research, and to lobby Congress for proper medical coverage for ALS victims.

It is not a pretty picture, to see a formerly elite athlete deal with his quick degeneration into helplessness, but it does show how one can deal with it, and perhaps a reminder to all that life is precious, always live it as if today were your last. Don't take life, health, and relationships for granted.

Steve's dad, Mike Gleason, also had a key role as related to father-son relationships.

very honest, sad, funny, beautiful

[gracjanski · 10/10 · 22 January 2019]

This documentary is still in my head, although I watched it yesterday. I cried often in this movie to see how this disease is destroying the life. It was very sad to see how normal function of the body are stopping to work and what terror that means for Gleason and how much help he needs. One scene caught me a lot. Gleasons foundation fulfilled some trips for ALS patients and you could see how happy a patient was to go to Italy and cried because of that. In 5 days I will fly to Kenya and am only little excited because I travelled so much and for me it is like normal. I even was so lazy, that I didnt organize much. So I felt, how lucky I am to see the world alone and without any problems. In addition I organized some hosts today already.

Enough of sad situations. The humour sometimes... perfect dark humour.

The movie is beautiful also...what a contrast to the sad conditions. I was stunned by the help and solidarity by his wife and how eager Gleason is to be a good father. A big punch in the face to feminism and the system we are living in the western world. I am 39 and not married because of the danger of being married (men going their own way :) ). But some of the scenes could shake my opinion ... for a short moment of course ;)

A powerful and uplifting documentary

[eddie_baggins · 10/10 · 7 June 2017]

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