15 of 16 people found the following review helpful: 4.0 out of 5 stars Cynthia Nixon and Michael Angarano Shine in this Tender Story, May 25, 2006 This review is from: One Last Thing... (DVD) 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 from 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 without 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, May 06
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you?9 of 9 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars i've seen this four times, June 14, 2006 This review is from: One Last Thing... (DVD) And it keeps getting better. I, too, thought the premise was an eye-roll. and the poster didn't help. but from the opening credits til the last, great closing credits song by wyclef jean, i found a sweet, smart, sad, and very funny movie. the writing is amazing. my teenage brothers were stunned, and thrilled, to find realistic teen dialogue and comraderie. and on top of that, they all admitted getting teary eyed, right along with me. as a mom, i was slayed by the scenes with cynthia nixon and michael angarano. there are so many lessons and wisdom to be heard here.cool, if you're into that. if, instead, you just want to watch a really entertaining movie with a great soundtrack and sublime acting, see "one last thing..." Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you?
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Laughter through tears..., June 4, 2006 This review is from: One Last Thing... (DVD) The DVD cover does a great disservice to this memorable indie film. It is as if whoever designed it hadn't even seen the film. Sadly I think many folks are going to pass this gem by - mistakingly thinking is is some bubble gum/locker room teen flick. It is not. This is the most beautiful movie I have seen in a very long time. I cried... I laughed... I really never wanted it to end. I can't wait to share it with the people closest to me. Barry Stringfellow's script feels personal and full of heart as well as being well-paced and emotionally powerful. Wow! Would love to meet that guy! The quality of the direction and acting did this script justice. Michael Angarano knocked me out - he is going places. I had never liked Cynthia Nixon, so I expected an average performance. I was so wrong! She portrayed a woman in an unthinkable life tragedy with such depth, bringing life and poignant originality to a character who could have so easily been overplayed. There is a hauntingly beautiful song at the end - Wyclef Jean's Heaven's in New York. I need to find this. In conclusion, One Last Thing was/is a perfect surprise. The skillful balance between pure comedy and real tragedy was what will stay with me.... Please see this tender film, and share it. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you?
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