One Last Thing Review

May 9, 2006 11:44 AM
by [email]

One Last Thing… is a surprisingly solid and effective film about Dylan, a 16 year-old boy with terminal cancer (Michael Angarano), who’s last wish is to spend the weekend with supermodel Nicki Sinclair (Sunny Mabrey). He ends up on a quest to NYC to make his dream a reality, dealing with issues like his already dead father, his own impending departure and being a horny teenager.

Sounds like a recipe for a sappy, cheesy or ridiculous film, but every time it drifts in those directions, director Alex Steyermark (Prey for Rock and Roll) and writer Barry Stringfellow deftly reverse course. The strength of One Last Thing… lies in its portrayals of the various characters, which ring true, while shifting back-and-forth between a sometimes funny, sometimes heart-wrenching story that stays interesting throughout.

The one aspect that works less well is the portrayal of religion and concepts of afterlife. Luckily, there is no pushy agenda or clear religious message. Reactions will likely vary; however, the otherworldly aspects of the movie break the flow in a way I found distracting.

Angarano, a rising young actor who has appeared in Seabiscuit and Will & Grace, but whose biggest claim to fame might be being a finalist for the role of young Anakin in Episode I, carries the movie. No small feat for a teenage actor who’s not a hot girl. Look for a big future from Michael, who might be glad he missed out on being the young Darth Vadar, considering the “wonders” it did for Jake Lloyd’s career.

Mabry, a former model herself, is called on to show more range than one might expect in her portrayal of a supermodel. She does a respectable job in what is probably the biggest role of her career so far.

There are plenty of big names in smaller roles. Gina Gershon takes a turn as Nicki Sinclair’s agent, Ethan Hawke plays Dylan’s dead father in an uncredited role (though the 35 year-old Hawke being the father of 16 year-old seems like a stretch) and Wyclef Jean plays a helpful NYC cabby.

The largest role amongst the established names belongs to Cynthia Nixon, looking to transition from Sex and the City, who plays Dylan’s mom. Some further transitioning is needed, as she gives the weakest performance amongst the major characters. While not bad, she seemed awkward and uncomfortable at times ― and not just because her character’s son is dying.

Finally, there are number scenes stolen by Dylan’s teenage buds, Ricky and Slap, played by first timer’s Matthew Bush and Gideon Glick.

One Last Thing… is part of Mark Cuban’s new “day and date” release system, which he hopes will revolutionize film distribution. The concept is that a movie will be simultaneously released in the theater, on DVD and on Cuban’s HDNet. That is not fully happening here, partially at the filmmaker’s request, as One Last Thing… opens in theaters on May 5th, will air on HDNet starting May 19th and be available on DVD on May 23rd.

Still that is a much tighter schedule than normal. Only time will tell the success of Cuban’s concept … and its desirability. His plans would seem to likely minimize the importance of theatrical runs and it is hard to see how that would be a good thing for those of us who enjoy seeing movies the old fashioned way ― in a dark theater with strangers, popcorn and sticky floors.

One Last Thing… is hardly a must see movie, but it's a safe bet. Those who have experienced the death of a child, parent or sibling at a young age may find it particularly moving, perhaps even cathartic.

I give One Last Thing… ** ¾.