Greater (2016)

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

Simple and well acted, it has tension enough to knot the stomach.

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

I'm not even sure how I heard about this one; it seems to have suffered from a lack of advertising. Not only was I unaware of the movie, I didn't know the story of Brandon Burlsworth, arguably the greatest walk-on in the history of college football.Boy am I glad I do now and, if you too have seen, I think we owe it to the filmmakers to make sure that it becomes widely known. It's a terrific family movie, and a great story about perseverance, character, and doing the right thing whether anyone is watching or not (because someone always is).Burlsworth was a football player from humble beginnings without the natural size or giftedness that so many athletes are born with, so he had to work hard to become an All American offensive lineman at the University of Arkansas (aka the Razorbacks), and was eventually drafted in the third round by the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, in the late 1990's. Unfortunately he was killed in an automobile accident before he was to play at the professional level.Brandon's faith in God was a large part of his story, his influence and the positive example he was to others, and his legacy continues today through foundations, scholarships, awards and trophies that are given in his name annually to help others.Chris Severio plays Brandon while Leslie Easterbrook is his loving and faithful mother Barbara, who raised him without his absent, alcoholic father Leo (Michael Parks). Much of the narrative is realized through the eyes of his older brother (16 years his senior) Marty, played by Neal McDonough, who struggles with his own belief through a conversation with "Old Scratch" (Nick Searcy).

So, not a very good movie at all. Bad acting, slow pace. Plus there is so little football action. Worst of all, they give away the ending at the very beginning so no surprise there that the guy dies.I don't understand how this got a 7.1 on IMDb. Really? It goes to prove a theory that Christians will buy anything or like anything that is faith based. Just because it has a Christian faith background doesn't mean you must like it. Please, demand more from those that want your money for entertainment. There are plenty of examples of good faith based movies. This is not one of them.Examples of good, faith based movies: Courageous, War Room, Facing the Giants, When the Game Stands Tall, Unbroken. Many more. Again, Greater is not worth your time or money.

I can't add anything more than what most every other reviewer has said, other than to add my "Amen!"There are several other "faith-based" movies (not nearly enough), but it's such a challenge to achieve a balance between the message of faith and trust that these movies are sharing, and the need for an engaging and entertaining experience. Greater nails this balance right on the head.The acting was done so very well and the story was so powerful and moving. I loved the dialog between the "farmer" on the field with Brandon's brother Marty. Their dialog hits on most every thought that most believers have faced in their minds and hearts."Greater" stands as a testament to the power of God's love in our lives and how He can bring us through all of our trials when we trust Him.

I grew up in Harrison, Arkansas. My family and I knew the real Brandon Burlsworth and still know the family to this day. Brandon has always been a big part of my life, even after his death. The Junior High I attended had his name all over it along with his slogan "Do It the Burls Way" on the field house for football practice. I knew Burlsworth was a big deal in Harrison, but never in a million years did I ever think a movie was going to be made about his life. And when it finally debuted, after several years in the making, I was amazed. I can say with all sincerity that I have never seen a sports film that I have enjoyed more than "Greater." The acting, the dialogue, the cinematography, the editing; pretty much every aspect of the film was completely fantastic. It's the only film I've ever seen that's made me cry. It was so beautifully done!