Acensbart Excellent but underrated film

Erica Derrick By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

Zlatica One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

Billy Ollie Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

t_pullins Her name is Grace, a sickly misfit teen who brings life back into a crotchety funeral director. Easily my favorite so far this year, this an independent film showing now that won't get the attention it deserves. Description is difficult, which points to it's originality. The first half is hilarious. The second is half heart rending. I was dubious how comedy could be found in a subject matter like this, but the movie somehow strikes its' humorous tone without being irreverent or inappropriate. The comedy is derived from the pesky antics, sarcastic quips, and quirky personality of the title character, a natural comedienne. Her contagious charm and inner strength touches the lives of those around her, including her own struggling mother, charismatic celebrity charlatan, and fellow child patients. Each was missing something in their life, yet also had something to offer. They just needed something, or someone, to bring it out. I didn't want to leave these characters behind as I left the theater. Instead, I wanted to invite them for coffee. Tears will flow at the end, both of joy and sorrow. (The depicted plight of cancer victims makes for sensitive viewing. Some characters make it through, others do not.) Grace reminds us that good and bad can be found at every turn, so while bad things can happen to good people, grace can be found.

jamesonpatz Low-budget films have their limits. They cannot afford the finest acting ensembles. Shoot schedules are short, meaning quick setups and bare-bones cinematography. Smart and talented filmmakers create greatness within these limits. "Getting Grace" is the farthest thing from low-budget-movie greatness I have seen in a long time.I will admit that Grace is a somewhat charming young woman, but I quickly grew tired of her non-stop exuberance and cartoon voices. The real issue with this film is that it has the most lousy writing. Characters' word choices don't make sense, and none of the jokes are funny. Beyond writing, several technical aspects were executed so lazily-notably the editing and music score (if I see one more "slide" scene transition or hear one more stringed instrument play a pizzacato walkup that ends with the strike of a triangle, I will shove one of Bobby's bent spoons down my throat).I don't want critic or audience reviews to be the end-all reason I see or don't see a movie. However, I do feel decieved that when I screened "Getting Grace," 27 out of 31 Audience reviews were 10-star reviews. Critic's reviews were also hidden from Rotten Tomatoes. I am no cynic, but I am honest. The quality of this production is inexcusably terrible. I can only conspire that the A+ ratings were left by the filmmakers themselves. I would have liked a fair warning that "Getting Grace" was one to skip.

susanmarie-01191 It's a quirky, uplifting, unique comedy about the impending death of teenage girl. It's story comes at you from an angle you wouldn't expect for such a heavy subject. That brave choice by Daniel Roebuck, who wrote, directed and starred as the awkward funeral director, really works though!You leave the theater feeling great as it ultimately celebrates life, takes the fear out of dying and shows you that attitude is indeed more important than circumstances. You don't have to let the negative things of life steal anymore from you than they have to.I also must note that are some amazing performances here especially from Madelyn Dundon as Grace and a powerful dramatic performance from Marsha Dietlein Bennett as her mom battling her own demons of alcohol as she struggles to cope. I believe young Madelyn Dundon will be a rising star to watch in coming years. A talented breath of fresh air who is a joy to watch on screen. Couldn't help but think this movie is the beginning of a great career for her like Mystic Pizza was for a young Julia Roberts.Getting Grace is an honest slice of life with an amazing top spin of positivity with what is possible if you face things bravely, with great grace and lots of love. I highly recommend you see this movie!

theatregoddess-22030 I was lucky to be at one of the sneak peaks last night and what a BRILLIANT film this is! I know that to say "I laughed and I cried" is pretty cliche, but it was never quite so true before. This is truly a joyful comedy. Yes, Grace is a teen-aged girl dying of cancer, but the movie is so much more about how she touches the lives of those around them and teaches them to live life to its fullest. She asks all the tough questions and drags people into doing what makes them happy. Daniel Roebuck really kills it as the funeral director Bill in the story, and the fact that he also wrote, directed and produced this film is truly impressive. Madelyn Dundon is a newcomer to film and you would never know it if it weren't in the credits. She is subtle and authentic and truly delightful to watch. I am not a "laugh out loud" person yet I guffawed several times. And then suddenly, I'm crying and you are SO in love with Grace and ALL the characters who are going to miss her that by the end you can't stand to see her go. Ultimately, this is uplifting and glorious, but to say you experience all the feels is an understatement. Highly, highly, highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys life and all it brings.