Raising the Bar: The Alma Richards Story

Brief preamble: there is a lot of history packed into the end during the credits so do be sure to stick around.

That being said this is a wonderful film in the grand tradition of sportsmen overcoming obstacles, literally in this case (the high jump bar).

This is a film firmly rooted in family and faith (in keeping with other productions from these filmmakers) so if you've enjoyed their other films you're guaranteed to like this.

Hollywood doesn't seem to be able to make these kinds of movies anymore so it's reassuring to see people stepping into the gap to provide quality entertainment for the whole family. These movies can still be made and SHOULD be made.

Too bad a quality writer and director didn't take up this true story. The dialog is absolutely boooooring with laughable "conflict." I don't know any Mormons who actually talk like these do. It would be great for a 6 year-old movie night with friends, because it's as clean a movie as I've ever sat through. But I would not recommend it to anyone except as a good example of what not to do. I sat through this terrible film only to see how bad it would actually get. The "cheese" factor is laid on extremely think and I was looking over at my wife constantly during as the dialog continued to miss again and again.

Glad I only paid the price of a ticket at a discount theater.

I've liked many of these based-on-a-true-story inspirational stories and disliked some. THis one gripped me the most. The acting, costuming and make-up capturing the era are superb. For a no-name cast, I was extremely impressed - especially the one-or-two scene actors getting everything as if I watching it live. The story seems to have been impeccably researched. There's never a slow moment.

A number of these inspirational films get very religious and preachy. This one barely mentions church, just personal integrity and purpose-of-life. Alma's spirituality is very understated until the climactic scene and even then it's just deeply personal. It's his humility, perseverance and strength of spirit that carries him to achieve what no one before him could do. I thoroughly loved it from start to finish.

What an amazing story of human heart, American pride and due diligence in adversity! Alma was a gentle giant who became an incredible athlete and teacher! Alma's achievements become an inspiration for generations to come. Living through faith show's you and those around you how God works in us, his generosity, kindness of heart, showing you your character in the Lord.

The story moves well from one scene to the next. The characters play their parts well. It's not as action packed as Mission Impossible, but it is far more genuine.

The telling of wholesome, true stories is a critical part of healthy culture, and this movie succeeds admirably in that responsibility.

I will now go do more research on the inspiring life of Alma Richards.