I'm a sucker for movies on a plane. Even mediocre flicks hook me when I'm mid-flight. Heck, I shed a tear during Kevin Costner's Draft Day.
Having already been underwhelmed by the new Ghostbusters and pleasantly surprised by the new Barbershop, I decided to try a documentary. There was one called Gleason which I just assumed was about Jackie Gleason. I decided to give it a go.
This movie was not about Jackie Gleason but former NFL player Steve Gleason who was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 34. I was completely drawn into Steve's world where I clinged to every syllable and openly wept like a baby several times.
I'm unsure if the documentary is just that good or if this is the aforementioned plane effect, but I spent the next hour completely reevaluating the priorities in my life, particularly my relationships with my four children. The faucet was open and feelings were gushing out.
Should you trust a man who admitted to shedding a tear while watching Draft Day on a flight? Of course you shouldn't. But if you're facing adversity, struggle with father issues, are a parent or simply interested in a different perspective, I highly recommend this documentary. And not just because it features Pearl Jam and a tearful Ed Vedder discussing his own father issues. That's just icing on a very thought-provoking cake.
