In 2007, British author, Jenny Downham published a book titled, “Before I Die.” The story centers around a girl named, Tessa who’s dying from leukemia. Knowing that her internal clock is ticking, she decides to write a bucket list of things to do such as committing a crime, (not something of off Michael Mann’s Heat) taking drugs and last but not least, lose her virginity. Suddenly, she meets a boy. As the story progresses, they begin to fall in love with each other.
The novel earned some decent reactions from book critics and young readers alike. Sometime Later, movie studios BBC Films and Warner Bros. (WB for short) purchased the rights to adapt the novel into a movie. Dakota Fanning (one of my favorite actresses) signed on to portray the main character. Ol Parker (The Best Exotic Hotel, he’s also Thandiwe Newton’s real-life husband) to direct the movie simply known as, “Now Is Good.”
Released in 2012, (same year Django Unchained came out) Now Is Good received mixed reviews from critics. Despite mixed reception, it managed to recoup its expenses at the box office. The highly anticipated “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” comes out on July 26th 2019. (three days after my birthday) I want to share my thoughts on this guilty pleasure of mine to support Dakota Fanning’s possible comeback in Quentin Tarantino’s ninth movie. One more thing, Dakota will also reprise her role as Sara Howard in The Alienist’s second season.
Today’s review does not contain no big SPOILERS whatsoever. If you haven’t got a chance to see film, feel free to read my non-spoiler article.
Healthy & Unhealthy Elements
Healthy: Dakota Fanning did a fantastic job for her performance. The sole reason why Dakota wanted to star in this movie, is because a friend she knew died from cancer.
Other Cast Members such as Jeremy Irvine, Kaya Scodelario, (Teresa from The Maze Runner series) Paddy Considine, (Wainwright from Hot Fuzz) Olivia Williams, (the chick from Rushmore) all did a great job for their respective performances.
Jenny Downham herself worked as an associate producer.
Ol Parker did a solid job directing the film.
Chemistry between Dakota and Jeremy’s characters, Tessa & Adam felt organic. They’re perfect for each other. It makes you care about them. Thank goodness Shailene Woodley & Ansel Elgort weren’t casted as lovers just like “The Fault in Our Stars.” Why do I think it’s gross? Because they played onscreen siblings in the “Divergent” series. Adam is not like Brian Griffin taking advantage of women. Especially that one episode titled, “Married with Cancer.”
Tessa’s motivation is justified as we know that she wants to complete a list of things to do as much as she can before her life ends. It’s pretty sad she’ll never get to have a family of her own, grow old with a special someone and never give birth to a kid.
Correct me if I’m wrong. At the 0:24:37 mark, was that actually Courtney Love making a cameo appearance? Dakota worked with Courtney in a movie called, “Trapped.” An underrated neo-noir crime thriller.
Heartwarming moments were executed effectively. If you have a sensitive soft side, bring a couple of tissues. Don’t bring a bowl of chopped onions. I got teary eyed. To quote Robert Downey Jr.’s character, Kirk Lazarus off of “Tropic Thunder.” “The scene is about emotionality!”
Although a romantic-drama, there’s a couple of funny moments that made me laugh. Contains better jokes than these unfunny comedies from 2012.
- That’s My Boy
- Pitch Perfect
- The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon
- Rock of Ages
- Joyful Noise
- Thunderstruck
- A Thousand Words
- What to Expect When You’re Expecting
- The Lorax
- Madea’s Witness Protection
- The Odd Life of Timothy Green
- The Watch
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days
- Playing for Keeps
- Parental Guidance
I don’t wanna mentioned the Ending. You’re gonna have to see for yourself. Again, bring a couple of tissues.
Singer, Elle Goulding performed a song for the film called, “I Know You Care.” She also did a music video featuring clips from the movie. In my opinion, I think it’s the saddest song ever made. I have to admit. That song made me cry. Elle deserves Bonus Points for this song. I wish it was nominated at the Oscars for “Best Original Song.” She’s also one of my favorite singers.
Unhealthy: Cinematography suffers from a bad case of Shaky Cam. Who’s in charge of principal photography, Hammy the Squirrel from “Over the Hedge?”
Tessa’s mother is unsympathetic. She wouldn’t let Adam help save her own daughter from bleeding like Tim Roth’s character Mr. Orange from “Reservoir Dogs.” Hey! Let her boyfriend rescue your own daughter!
Product Placement (Pee Pee for short) featuring brands including Burger King, Colgate & Oral-B. I’ll let this con slide, because I couldn’t find any other brand to spot.
The Final Verdict: B, FOR BREATHTAKING!
Now Is Good is an underrated romantic-drama that’ll make you cry. It’s also a guilty pleasure of mine. If you are interested in seeing Now Is Good to get ready for Dakota’s comeback, I highly recommend it for you and your boyfriend or girlfriend. Remember to bring a couple tissues, no big bowl of chopped onions! I hope Dakota gets back on track. She’s one of the most talented actresses of her time and I’m a huge fan of her work.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 