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 & 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 & Warner Bros. (WB for short) purchased the rights to adapt the novel into a motion picture. 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.”
Now Is Good was released in 2012. (same year Django Unchained came out) It 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” coming out on July 26th, (three days after my birthday) I want to share my thoughts about Now Is Good, so I can 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 a second season of “The Alienist.”
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 respective 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 & 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.
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.
Adam isn’t like Brian Griffin (from Family Guy) taking advantage of attractive women. Adam is actually a nice guy.
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.”
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 nearly got teary eyed. To quote Robert Downey Jr.’s character, Kirk Lazarus off of “Tropic Thunder.” “The scene is about emotionality!”
I don’t wanna mentioned the ending. You are gonna have to see for yourself. Again, bring a couple of tissues.
Singer, Elle Goulding contributed 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.”
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 dad is somewhat unintentionally unsympathetic, because he refuses to let her daughter spend the night with Adam. Look, I understand he’s trying to protect his daughter, but Adam is not like Brian Griffin taking advantage of women. Especially that one episode titled, “Married with Cancer.” Let Tessa do all the things she wants to do before she bids farewell. It’s as if he’s never seen “The Bucket List” with Jack Nicholson & Morgan Freeman. If Chris Farley were alive today, he would’ve said, “Please let her be with the boy FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!” It’s from the SNL sketch “The Herlihy Boy House-Sitting Service” with Adam Sandler.
Tessa’s mother is also unsympathetic. She wouldn’t let Adam help save her own daughter from bleeding like Tim Roth’s character Mr. Orange from “Reservoir Dogs.” Dude! 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-
In my point of view, Now Is Good is an underrated average romantic-drama. If it weren’t for moronic parents and Shaky Cam, I would’ve bumped up the grade. If you are interested in seeing Now Is Good to get ready for Dakota’s future (possibly) comeback, I recommend it for you & 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 