You'll Never Make It At The Next Level... "Greater"

Greater (2016)

Rated PG-13

Starring Christopher Severio, Neal McDonough, Leslie Easterbrook, Peter Gray Lewis, Frederic Lehne, M.C. Gainey, Mark Dobies,

Directed by David Hunt

The Story:

Brandon Bulsworth (Severio) dreamed of playing for the Arkansas Razorbacks since he was little. He lacked the size, but he had the heart. If only he could get his chance, he could show the coaches, and the world, what he could do.

Naturally, based on a true story.

Bulsworth's life is probably part of Arkansas lore at this point, but for the rest of us, it's a nice movie that flashes back to Brandon's life as he struggles to become...well... greater than what he is.

His high school coach believes in him, and gets him a tryout at Arkansas. They are unimpressed, but Brandon foregoes a full scholarship at a junior college to instead walk on at Arkansas. The financial impact will likely cripple his mother (Easterbrook) and his big brother (McDonough) is frustrated that Brandon's heart is overruling his head.

However, you can probably tell where this movie is headed.

After all, they rarely make movies about has beens, or never weres.

Of course all of this is told via flashback as we prepare for Brandon's funeral.

Because on top of the inspirational football life, Brandon was a devout Christian, whose faith and determination helped him become the man that he was.

Which of course leads his brother to the awful question of why do bad things happen to good people.

It's a fine balance that the film walks, as it is neither a complete sports movie nor is it a complete faith movie.  Both are presented equally, fairly, and are well done.

Even though you know what the movie is building up to, you may still find yourself with a lump in your throat by the end.

Final Grade: B+