Artivels Undescribable Perfection

AniInterview Sorry, this movie sucks

ShangLuda Admirable film.

Hayden Kane There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

siderite I wanted to rate it higher, but I found it rather average as cancer kid movies go. The movie is actually an exploration of the meaning of life and death and how it affects both the dying and ones left behind.I felt that, as the two wacky friends of the dying kid used him a little as a macabre joy ride, so the writer of the film took the tragedy of death and twisted it to fit his message on life. The result was a benign slightly dream like experience that kind of conflicts with reality. As in superhero movies, too many coincidences led to the desired result; any one missing and it would have all been a sad and depressing experience.And what is with the funeral home people trying to erase the smile of dead people? Isn't it better to go out happy?Bottom line: a mild drama, played well, directed OK, a bit over melodramatic and a bit to fantastic in some places, but hey... it's a drama.

dobbin-4 I did not think this would be worth watching, so I avoided it. It was only last year and this was the only thing on that I attempted to watch this film. The film it self is about a terminally ill boy who's last wish is to go on a date with a model. The story is truly touching and deserves recommendation for that. Anyone who loves a movie will love this movie with its humour and dramatic experiences found all through the movie. I think this should go down as one of the better attempts from people to make Comedy/Dramas this year. The only drama I can remember that is WAY better then it in this century is Garden State. Overall this film is a good watch and I think fans of cinema will really get a kick out of seeing. You SHOULD see this film.

mhenbro I thought it was awesome. Particularly the writing. At first, I was afraid that this would be some raunchy "American Pie" type of film with easy, crass jokes and gratuitous nudity. I think we have all seen enough shallow attempts at this type of entertainment. This movie however was fresh and revolved around genuine human emotion. The ups and downs of our life here on earth. In the face of death, what does a teenager do? Well, this one goes out swinging. While he cannot control what is happening to his body, this boy takes charge of the time he has left. It has a sweet, positive message. If this were a Hollywood film, I'm sure they would have found a way for the boy to miraculously live in the end. The truth is, we all die. This film embraces that and makes it entertaining. I found myself laughing one minute and crying the next. The themes in this movie were true to life. The scenes of reconnection with his father were especially touching, leaving the viewer with a bittersweet longing for a world where we live forever with those closest to us. I left the theater feeling pondering life and feeling inspired to make the most of it. Way to go!

gradyharp The concept for this little Indie film - the dying wish of a teenager opening spiritual doors - is far from original, but Barry Stringfellow's strong script as directed by Alex Steyermark (whose only other directorial venture was 'Prey for Rock and Roll', though he has been on the crew of some very fine films like 'Pieces of April' etc) results in a far from ordinary drama. For those who have not seen Cynthia Nixon expand beyond her 'Sex and the City' role, this performance will be enlightening! Dylan (Michael Angarano) is a young teenager diagnosed with terminal cancer, a fact that he shares with his loony buddies (Gideon Glick and Matt Bush) who support him with silly but genuine companionship. Dylan's mother Carol (Cynthia) is still reeling from her husband's death (Ethan Hawke) and facing the loss of the one remaining part of her family is devastating but her strength of character keeps a positive support for Dylan. When Dylan is informed by his doctor (Brian Stokes Mitchell) that further radiation and chemotherapy are useless, Dylan places his desire for living on one last thing...he is on a TV show where dying wishes are granted, and rather than the asking for expected fishing trip with football hero Jason (Johnny Messner), he opts for a weekend alone with supermodel Nikki Sinclair (Sunny Mabrey). Nikki, we discover, has problems and demons of her own and her agent Arlene (Gina Gershon), in trying to rescue her faltering career, advises the reluctant Nikki to visit Dylan in his home in Pennsylvania - for positive PR purposes. Once they meet Dylan is determined to have his one last thing, gains money and a room (a gift form Jason) in New York and travels with his sidekicks to the Big Apple to cash in on his prize. The Nikki he finds is the wasted girl down at heels and though she feels tenderness toward Dylan she tells him to just go home. Dylan's disease progresses to the point of final hospitalization when Nikki re-enters the sad room and changes things.The power that changes this predictable story lies in the extraordinarily sensitive performances of Michael Angarano, who plays Dylan with a twinkle in his eye and allows us to feel his burden with resorting to bathos, and the always-impressive Cynthia Nixon whose performance as Dylan's mother is the most understated and heart wrenching on film. She owns the screen whenever she is on. The supporting cast is strong (though Gideon Glick and Matt Bush are allowed to become obnoxious and would have benefited from some stronger direction). In all, this is a striking, simple, compelling film that rises well above its premise to become an important statement about death and dying and the power of hope and love and family. Grady Harp