Jason Genova: My Story (2017) User Reviews

A developmentally challenged man who overcome the odds

[RuiChiu · 9/10 · 23 August 2021]

This short documentary follows the story of a boy named Jason Genova as he trains and prepares to compete at a bodybuilding show. If you don't know Jason's backstory, he was born to a meth addicted mother and raised in the forest in an abandoned Chevy van. When Jason was about 8, he was diagnosed with significant developmental delays related to autism. Despite this setbacks, Jason's natural effusive charm and iron will wins over friends and supporters the world over. He went on to become Prom King & Queen and after completing his education, sets off to pursue his dreams of becoming the next Arnold Schwarzenegger. Though short, you'll enjoy every moment of this heartwarming film.

One of the best worst things I've ever seen

[goombajp · 9/10 · 5 February 2022]

I saw the full 45 minute film on YouTube this past Friday. Simply incredible. The interviewing style, soundtrack and editing are top notch and have a big budget indie film feel at times. It gives me 2010s nostalgia. Why it hasn't been featured on streaming sites or some online platform is beyond me.

Pointless ambition

[manboopswa · 7/10 · 5 September 2023]

My Story appears to be a well compiled film but with no main storyline, nor actual goal in mind. It's more like following a kid on the first week of summer vacation with a handheld camera and gaining insight into his mismatched but entertaining friendships. There are no scenes depicting any real gym training unlike the Del Rey Misfits videos from back in the day and at no point does Genova actually compete in bodybuilding shows. Jason would eventually cover this later, but the lack of substance leaves a lot to be desired in this film. Jason however seems very charismatic and photogenic with some parts coming off as an As-Seen-On-TV advert where he sells his custom shirts and pitches new video skits, the latter being noticeably and hilariously unsuccessful. By the end, Jason is still working at Publix and filiming on the same property with no acquired wealth to display. He proves to be the misunderstood, hopeless romantic of the bodybuilding world.