Gleason Review

I find that documentaries can be tricky. Sometimes they can be about really great topics, but are one sided and preachy. Sometimes their subject matter can be completely boring or be horribly made. Or the topic can be great, not preachy, helps tell all sides to the story and can be well made. I feel that the documentary Gleason falls in the latter.

Gleason is a documentary about the former New Orleans Saint football player named Steve Gleason. Gleason became a local hero for New Orleans fans in 2006 when he blocked a punt early on in the teams first game back in the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina. This moment brought hope and excitement to a city that was down on it's luck after the devastating storm. Nationally, Steve wasn't that well known since he mainly played on special teams. That all changed in 2011 when he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, also known as Lou Gerig's Disease. The documentary, Gleason, tells the story of Steve's life after being diagnosed with ALS and how he and his wife, Michel, must work together to raise their son, River, who was born 6 months after Steve was diagnosed.

The one thing I can say about Gleason is that it can be a tough watch. It is a gut wrenching film that will have you crying throughout. These tears aren't just from sadness, though, there are times of great joy and love in this documentary. You get to see Steve and Michel's love for their son, River. A lot of the footage in this documentary is from Steve's video blog that he is creating for River. Steve knows that at some point ALS will take away his ability to speak, so he records as many videos as possible so that River can some day watch them and learn from Steve. You get to see Michel's love for Steve, no matter how hard it is for her to take care of him. There are things Michel must do that almost bring her to her breaking point, but her love for Steve keeps her going. You also get to see Steve's relationship with his own father and how that affects the way Steve wants to raise River. Through Steve's relationship with his father, you learn about Steve's faith and believes about God and religion. Another aspect you get to see is that Steve is not just fighting to stay alive for his family, he is fighting for everyone else that is suffering with ALS. You learn about his foundation, Team Gleason, and how they what those with ALS to live their life to the fullest and achieve their dreams.

Reviewing a documentary feels weird. You can't judge it on an actors performance or the special effects. If I had to nitpick it, I would say the only negative were some editing choices. At times the emotions would seem to ramp up and then it would cut away. There was one scene in particular where it got really emotional between Steve and his dad and then it just seemed to cut away and left a jarring feeling inside me. Other than some minor editing, I was emotionally invested in this documentary. I loved laughing at the jokes Steve and Michel make throughout it. I enjoyed crying with Steve and Michel when River is just starting to speak and tries to say "I love you". I enjoyed being inspired by Steve's will to keep fighting not just for himself but for others with ALS.

I don't really want to say too much more about this documentary because I feel like it needs to be seen and experienced. The main subject matter for this documentary may seem sad and depressing, but while watching it, you can't help but feel inspired and hopeful. Steve's attitude and love for life is infectious and warms your heart. So please, go see Gleason, but remember to bring the tissues, because you will need them.

4 1/2 out of 5 Stars

For more information about the movie and Steve's foundation, Team Gleason, go to http://www.teamgleason.org/