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Gleason

Name: Gleason
Genre: Documentary
Released: 2016-07-30
Cast: Steve Gleason, Michel Gleason, Rivers Gleason, Paul Varisco, Blair Casey

2016 | 110 min | Documentary

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (96% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office flop and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it: Made for the curious. If you loved Senna or O.J.: Made in America, start here.
The mood: Eye-opening.
The pace: Moves along nicely, at 1 hr 50 min.
What might put you off: Rated R: meant for adults.

At the age of 34, former New Orleans Saints defensive back Steve Gleason was diagnosed with ALS and given a life expectancy of two to five years. Weeks later, Gleason found out his wife, Michel, was expecting their first child. A video journal that began as a gift for his unborn son expands to chronicle Steve’s determination to get his relationships in order, build a foundation to provide other ALS patients with purpose, and adapt to his declining physical condition—utilizing medical technologies that offer the means to live as fully as possible.

How it earned its rating

CriticsVery strong
96% on Rotten Tomatoes, 80 on Metacritic
AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
Box office & staying powerWeak
$584K worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 18K people sought it out in the past year, and interest is climbing

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by J. Clay Tweel

Steve GleasonSelf
Michel GleasonSelf
Rivers GleasonSelf
Paul VariscoSelf
Blair CaseySelf
Scott FujitaSelf
Drew BreesSelf
Eddie VedderSelf
Mike McCreadySelf
Vinnie VariscoSelf