An unexpected masterpiece

What a freaking movie. So many twists and turns. Absolutely intense from start to finish.

In other words,this film is a surreal ride.

The movie is wonderful and true, an act of love in all its contradictions and complexity

About 3 years before this short, there was another one which Ivan Kander had made about his friend Rob Jones; it was clearly a very personal one and, although this meant it had its weaknesses, it did also give it more heart and interest. Viewing it solely as a short film, I didn't really feel like I needed to return to the story, but then saw this 2014 film. Okay, the title is clunky but the film itself is actually very good, because it retains the personal interest and touch, but the wider relevance of the story in this case does rather add to the quality and appeal of the short.Having only watched Survive Recover Live recently, it was interesting to see the difference that 3 or 4 years had made – because it was a period in which Jones himself has really grown. Physically is the most obvious way perhaps, but his positive outlook also appears to have matured and become something that makes him even more engaging and worthy of being respected. His focus on going beyond just surviving his injury has also matured and his efforts to raise money and awareness for veterans like himself are shown here as he sets out to cycle across America – and rather than training specifically for it, with lots of riding going nowhere, he decides to train as he rides.The short film also shows more maturity than the previous one from Kander on the subject of Jones. Here the film is much tighter, with a more focused approach, a big name narrator in Gary Sinise (who met Jones while in recovery), and a reason for the film to exist that goes beyond the personal. Crucially though the film retains that personal engagement with those involved, and the sense of that helps the viewer without bringing the same degree of weakness that it did in the previous film. Ultimately it is a well made and cheering film, to see Jones' spirit continue and mature as it clearly has, and also as a physical act of defiance and inspiration the film deserves a look.