“Michael” and the Tension of Lacking Tension
It is not hard to make a musical biopic that pleases audiences and draws a profit. Michael is no exception.
West of Greatness: The Story of the Westwego Muscle Boys (2025)
In a fading Louisiana town, Jerome dreams of Hollywood while Terry seeks escape from a troubled home. United by desperation, they train for a high-stakes bodybuilding competition that becomes their shot at something more. Filmed over 18 months, WEST OF GREATNESS blazes a bold new trail in cinematic storytelling, blending raw documentary with scripted drama. It's a haunting, human story of ambition, survival, and the quiet bond that forms when there's nothing left to lose.
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In a fading Louisiana town, Jerome dreams of Hollywood while Terry seeks escape from a troubled home. United by desperation, they train for a high-stakes bodybuilding competition that becomes their shot at something more. Filmed over 18 months, WEST OF GREATNESS blazes a bold new trail in cinematic storytelling, blending raw documentary with scripted drama. It's a haunting, human story of ambition, survival, and the quiet bond that forms when there's nothing left to lose.
Rating:
Genre:Drama
Written By:Jared Cliff LaReau
In Theaters:6/20/2025
Box Office:
Runtime:110 minutes
Studio:Something Human, Staunch Character Films
Cast
Jared Cliff LaReau
Director
Elise Adams
Carole Ann
John Zimmermann
Guy Bridgeway
Gordy Cassel
Jessica Priscilla Bridgeway
Stevie Cavalier
Stevie Baudier
Catalina Cielo
Leslie
Fred Davis
Alfred
Lamont Douglas
Cassius Carmichael
James Goodreau
Eli Wilder
Gregory Hobson
Muscle Man #1
Shelby Howes
Joseph
LaEric Moore
Jerome Bettis Carmichael
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