Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet (2012) Reviews

• We live thinking we will never die. We die thinking we had never lived. Cut it out. ~ Jason Becker

  denisescholz@hotmail.com2012-07-23

  This film is about an amazing human being who shows us life is limitless despite our real or perceived limitations. We meet this guitar virtuoso who composed and performed music, sounds & melodies seeming to appear from nowhere in perfect rhythm and tone at a time where the words "personal computer" really would define your own brain. Today, Jason who has survived with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) for more than 20 years (which is unheard of!) continues to compose music with the aid of technology using his eyes and the patience and dedication of family and friends who assist him. His lightening speed thought processes once conveyed directly onto his guitar are now achieved at a much slower pace but achieved none-the-less. As someone who cries at Hallmark commercials, I was prepared to cry a river, and was surprised when instead I laughed and smiled throughout the film. This documentary not only introduces you to Jason and his unbelievable family and caregivers, it makes you feel as if you are a lifelong friend of theirs as well. Their generosity of sharing intimate family moments provide insight and hope, not sensationalism. Greatness was meant for Jason, and we were all meant to be witness to it. Somehow Jason's parents knew that they would need to preserve him for posterity because the family movie montages and audio recordings from nearly birth to present helps us to grow up with Jason, get to know him in a way that mere one dimensional photographs and words from others would never have been able to accomplish. Jason is humble about how powerful his soul is and the possibilities he inspires in everyone who comes into contact with him. There is never a time when you feel sorry for Jason, because he won't let you. You may however be left feeling sorry for not learning about Jason and his music before seeing this documentary, but hey that's okay, At least you know him now and there is plenty of time to continue to enjoy his music!

  More

• Beautiful story of hope, love and determination

  ghostwalker-557-8730362012-12-17

  I will say that I thought the movie would make you feel sorry for Jason Becker and his family. Instead, you are hit with this fierce determination, by everyone around him. At first, I cried and felt terrible for Jason, because he was cheated by life. Then I realized, he took this change and adapted to a whole new way of living. His zest (for lack of a better word) is so contagious I can see why he has so many awesome fans and friends. The Becker's are a beautiful group of people. In my opinion they're care of Jason should be used by the ALS foundation. To get a realistic perspective is what made this move so great.. Thank you

  More

• A truly remarkable man with a remarkable family

  Flang2013-01-22

  Being a huge music fan, I knew of Jason Becker but was never a big fan of the 80s neoclassical metal genre and was not familiar with his music. Now I realize what a remarkably talented musician he is. At the age of 20, he was following in Steve Vai's footsteps with David Lee Roth. Fortunately his musical talents extend far beyond fretboard dexterity; he is a very gifted composer and is able to continue using that gift. The documentary provides a window into how Becker copes with ALS and how his family and friends both support him and receive inspiration from him. I found this to be a moving documentary, and really wanted to be able to tell Becker what an amazing individual he is.

  More