Pretty Good

Please don't spend money on this.

just watch it!

This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

Document of singer-guitarist Glen Campbell's farewell tour in the States, following a diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease. Director James Keach has crafted a moving testament to how music affects a fading mind; when all else fails, Campbell still remembers how to perform, so deeply embedded is the music in his brain. Why ask a man with Alzheimer's to perform a concert on-stage week after week? Loyal spouse Kim says he wanted to tour one last time, although we don't see Glen attest to this. Kim is able to get her husband up, showered, dressed, rehearsed and ready to go, but a point comes when no more dates can be scheduled, so weak is Campbell's memory (if he did declare he wanted to do a goodbye tour in support of his final album, he's already forgotten it by the time he and his family are on the second-leg of their venture). Keach weaves poignant home movies quite nimbly with doctors visits and backstage business, and nothing seems to be off-limits for the camera. The results might have been harrowing and depressing, but Keach somehow manages to make the journey one of hope, for Campbell's loved ones, his fans and for everyone touched by the disease. *** from ****

Glen Campbell decides to do one last farewell tour across America in the wake of being diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Despite the inherent risks, Campbell, his family, and members of his tour group are determined to soldier on regardless of whether or not things go 100% smoothly. Standing tall not only as an incredibly moving and inspirational portrait of Campbell's admirable grace, humor, and above all courage in the face of a dreadful disease, but also as an equally touching and uplifting depiction of a wonderfully tight and compassionate family -- doting fourth wife Kim, sons Cal and Shannon, and simply extraordinary daughter Ashley, whose song "Remembering" is positively devastating in its sweet emotional candor about her father's unfortunate plight -- coming through for their husband and father like gangbusters in his time of greatest need. Moreover, it's a joy to see the audience being so loyal and supportive of Campbell as he does his best to give them their money's worth and generally succeeds at doing so. It's also amazing to witness Campbell pull it together on stage and surmount his sickness with commendable strength and tenacity. Director James Keach warrants praise for not sanitizing the harsh reality of Alzheimer's as we see Campbell blunder his way through a few songs and begin to act more increasingly erratic as the tour plugs on. By doing so, this film puts a very human and heart-wrenching face on Alzheimer's for both those afflicted with it and those who must take care of their loved ones as they slowly, yet surely fade away. Naturally, there are numerous striking moments, with Glen and his daughter Ashley engaging in a delightful on-stage duet on "Dueling Banjos" and Campbell's recording of his powerful last song "I'm Not Going to Miss You" rating as definite highlights. Slightly marred by rather unnecessary testimonials from various musicians on Campbell's undeniable greatness as a musician (it's almost as if the filmmakers didn't have complete faith in their subject matter), but overall a lovely and affecting tribute to a terrific entertainer who refused to go quietly into the night.

We went to a showing of this movie last night, thoroughly enjoyed it. I never really followed Glen Campbell's career but growing up in the 60's and 70's his hits received wide exposure and they were the kind of catchy songs that repeated themselves in your brain when you didn't expect it. This movie showed us that Glen Campbell really was the happy go lucky country boy who rode his singing abilities into the limelight but didn't become an obnoxious jerk. The treatment of his Alzheimer's condition is powerful, sad yet tinged with Glen's humor. Kim Campbell's explanation of the choice to tour is critical to the involved viewer and to those of us who have dealt with an Alzheimer's patient. Without, the ubercritical would accuse the family of dragging Mr. Campbell on the tour to wring dollars from his fading celebrity. So not the case. Glen Campbell's performing ability endured and the shows appeared to be sold out.Kim Campbell came to our town for the screening and took questions. She warmed to the crowd and explained how her family has worked against the awful progression of this horrid disease. How they still take joy in Glen every day. Unfortunately this film has received little attention from the general public. In our generation, it seems that everyone knows someone who is dealing with Alzheimer's. The movie going public doesn't want to pay good money to watch a movie about anyone who is suffering from a cruel disease. But this movie is so much more than that. The music, humor and love rise above the undeniable pain of Mr. Campbell's suffering. This is a very valuable movie for anyone who knows someone suffering from Alzheimer's disease, and for anyone who may encounter it in their family. Which means just about everybody. It will help to further erase the stigma of this disease, which doctors are still loathe to diagnose. Go see it for the educational value and be entertained by the music and the story of the love of the Campbell family, instead of watching yet another formula movie from Hollywood. You will be glad you did.

A first hand look at the effects of Alzheimer's, not just on the individual but the family and friends. Usually when it hits someone, they always go into seclusion and no one wants to interact with them because they always want to remember them as they were. Thanks to Glen and his family for sharing this with us and informing the public on this dreaded disease, as he says in the song, "I'm not gonna miss you", Once the memory has been flawed there is still a person, one of God's creations, in that body, although they may not recall events or even their closest friends or family, they are still the people we love. Can't wait to view the entire movie. May God's Blessings be on Glen, his family and all others dealing with Alzheimer's.