One Last Thing... (2005) User Reviews (33)

Warning! Cancer kid film! Good though...

[siderite · 7/10 · 7 September 2008]

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.

A skilled balancing of death and humor, anchored with a terrific sense of place

[LouisaMV · 7/10 · 8 June 2006]

Writing about death is never easy, and writing about a teenager's terminal illness is a particularly tough act.

Screenwriter Barry Stringfellow skillfully weaves irreverent humor and poignant ideas, the kind that so many of us relate to but from some writers can sound so corny, into a story that moves from a gritty industrial town to the big city of New York. The locations are both supporting actors: You can tell, just from the furniture in their kitchen, the massive industry that looms over their town, and the wide-eyed looks the three kids give the Big City, what kind of lives these characters lead.

The film's especially strong in dealing with unfinished business: Anyone who's ever loved and lost a parent will be touched by the boy's "sightings" of his dead father, which are half hallucination, half heartfelt wish.

Shaken not Stirred

[Intermissionman_ · 7/10 · 21 July 2020]

I caught this Film on what is called Cinelife. It is a Free streaming service that has a daily schedule of Films. So you have to plan to watch at specific time for Free with only Movie related Commercials and Trivia breaks. I like it ! Most of the Films are under the radar movies that did not make the Box Office or released thru Film Festivals. Bunch of Documentaries. Might be generous with my 7 for this movie but It has some unique parts, somewhat predictable though . Recommend watching Trailer. May appeal to you. Has some cool cameos , flashbacks and Music. Neat ending 😂

An excellent film with serious depth

[Acook698 · 10/10 · 9 May 2006]

I went to see this movie on the recommendation of a friend and didn't know what quite to expect - was it another 'teen flick' or something better. It certainly was better. It had humor but also some poignant sadness. The casting, performances, photography, all were balanced and worked well. More important, it dealt with the very real heartache of facing the loss of someone dear - something I had faced recently. The story characters displayed very 'real' reactions to the situation - not some phony approach. It touched on many of the questions one faces in this situation - ones that often strain your fundamental values. With all that, there were many good laughs. All-in-all, certainly well worth seeing and deserving of a wide audience.

A Winning Angarano Not Enough to Offset the Uneasy Blend Between Sentimental and Raucous

[EUyeshima · 4/10 · 25 May 2006]

It's a nice idea to take the standard cliché-driven movie concept of a dying boy's last wish and turn it on its head into something emotionally resonant and blackly humorous. But unfortunately, something goes awry in this oddly dissatisfying 2006 movie. The major problem is that director Alex Steyermark and screenwriter Barry Stringfellow never find a consistent tone to their story as it uneasily blends elements of "Terms of Endearment", "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and "Six Feet Under" into an unappetizing concoction. That's a shame since a cast of solid actors has been recruited by agents I'm sure were convinced of the film's appeal.

The plot focuses on an incurably ill sixteen-year old named Dylan Jameison living with his widowed mother Karen in a Philadelphia suburb. Granted a last request by a "Make a Wish"-type foundation, he goes for the more socially acceptable wish of taking a fishing trip with his favorite football player, Jason O'Malley, but he reveals during the media event that his real wish is to spend a weekend alone with supermodel, Nikki Sinclair. As it turns out, Nikki is on a nihilistic, drug-addled and alcohol-soaked slide and badly in need of a PR makeover, so her savvy agent takes advantage of the situation and turns it into a photo opportunity. An off-the-cuff comment encourages Dylan, now a media darling, to visit Nikki in New York, and the rest of the story, as you can guess, takes care of itself.

Not just focusing on Dylan and his buddies, the narrative also tracks Nikki's buried past and the reasons behind her current diva behavior, as well as Karen's burgeoning relationship with Jason. Instead of adding texture to the story, these story threads feel extraneous and compound the plot contrivances. What's more, Dylan's two buddies, Ricky and Slap, are so interchangeable in look and hormone-driven behavior that they become tiresome quickly, and it is basically left to Michael Angarano to hold the movie on his shoulders.

Luckily, Angarano is winning as Dylan. Most familiar to me as Jack's level-headed, biological son Elliot on "Will & Grace", he latches onto the heart of the character without getting either cloying or manipulative about his mortality. Sunny Mabrey does what she can as Nikki, but her character arc feels elliptical and disjointed. As Dylan's mother, Cynthia Nixon effortlessly finds her maternal instinct here, a role quite similar to the one she played in "Little Manhattan". Her well-honed skills at camaraderie, developed over the years on "Sex in the City", are what make her scenes with Angarano work well. Sadly though, Stringfellow shoves her character into a ridiculously conceived romance.

For an indie film, there are a surprising number of high profile people in smaller roles - an uncredited Ethan Hawke in flashbacks and dream sequences as Dylan's father; the welcome Gina Gershon as Nikki's agent; Brian Stokes Mitchell, Broadway's favorite troubadour, as Dylan's caring doctor; hip-hop maestro Wyclef Jean as a mystical cab driver; and Michael Rispoli (also uncredited) as an urban savior heavy into mysticism. But none of them are helped by the distracting clash between the sentimental and the raucous that the filmmakers seem intent upon forcing on the actors.

Released less than three weeks after its theatrical release (an arguable marketing tactic), the DVD contains a thoughtful commentary track from Steyermark, which is frankly better than listening to the film's misbegotten dialogue; a worthless series of outtakes; and the trailer which frankly says enough about the film if you want to avoid it entirely. There is a half-hour featurette of the film, mainly interviews with Steyermark and the principals, moderated by smug, self-absorbed film critic Robert Wilonsky as part of his "HDNet Higher Definition" series.

Exquisitely crafted and heartwarming surprise

[larry-411 · 10/10 · 10 April 2006]

I had the great pleasure of seeing One Last Thing this weekend at the Philadelphia Film Festival. Twice, in fact – Saturday night's East Coast Premiere and a second screening on Sunday.

The plot involves a 16 year-old (Dylan, played by Michael Angarano) who has a terminal illness. He is given a "last wish" by a national foundation, and making that wish come true is the essence of the story. The wish, and I know I'm not giving anything away here, is to spend a weekend with his favorite supermodel. I generally dislike "reviews" because they invariably give too much away, and that is especially true in this case. So in lieu of posting spoilers, I'll just discuss some general impressions of the film and performances.

Since the earliest days of theater, tragedy and comedy often go hand-in-hand, and it's at the heart of this story. As they say, "you'll laugh, you'll cry" and the audience did. The director, writer, and two of the film's lead actors all hail from the Philadelphia area, which also serves as the setting for much of the film and supplies fodder for the script. Yet I have no doubt that audiences elsewhere will "get the joke" and be able to relate to the working class, oil refinery town which is home to Dylan's family and friends.

The power of this film comes from the script by Barry Stringfellow and a brilliant cast, led by Michael Angarano. Arguably the most sought-after teenage actor in America, Angarano is finally beginning to tackle some powerful leading roles, with the soon-to-be released Bondage (which I saw at its World Premiere last month at SXSW) and now with One Last Thing. As Sky High's Will and Lords of Dogtown's Sid we saw just a hint of the powerful range of Angarano's abilities, and in One Last Thing he uses both his comedic talents as well as dramatic ones in a way that we haven't really seen before. If you liked Sid, you'll love Dylan.

Angarano has an uncanny ability to make us laugh when we want to cry and to make us cry when we want to laugh. It's a real gift, and one which is evident in films like Dear Wendy and Lords of Dogtown. But here is able to use that gift from opening to closing credits. It's no wonder that director Alex Steyermark says that Angarano was really his only choice for this role. Anyone who has seen his films will not be surprised at how elegantly he slips into this character, but no doubt others who are not as familiar with his body of work will discover what many already know.

To say that this is a film about a boy's carnal desires in his last days is to miss the point. Even more than that, One Last Thing is about coping with loss – a son's loss of his father and a mother's loss of her son. It's also about the search for love. "Carpe diem," if you will. The mother here is Cynthia Nixon, who is absolutely heartbreaking in a performance that can only come from deep within. This is a role that lesser actors would find daunting. Who among us hasn't experienced a similar loss? On the other hand, nothing can compare to seeing your child go before you do.

The "love object" (of Dylan – there are others here) is played by Sunny Mabrey. She is the image that has been but a poster on his wall, and his quest to fulfill his dream is only as powerful in its resolution as Mabrey is in her ability to make a petulant supermodel a sympathetic character. But she pulls it off effortlessly. Dylan's partners in crime are his two best buds, Slap and Ricky (Gideon Glick and Matt Bush), who provide much of the comic relief in what would otherwise have threatened to be a heavy-handed statement on death and spiritual belief. Their lines elicit the most laughs and the fact that these were two "real" teenagers, both acting in their first film, gives their performances a ring of truth which more jaded veterans might actually have had to fight to find.

But what struck me more than anything was just how incredibly economical Steyermark and editor Michael Berenbaum are in their work. This is one of the most efficiently constructed films I've ever seen. The tendency lately seems to be to build slowly, sometimes spending up to a third of the film on character development before you begin to see the story unfold. Not here. The basic plot is presented in the very first scene, literally in the opening minutes of the film. From that point on not a moment is wasted – not a shot, not a line, not a frame. Every second here is valuable to the story and yet nothing feels rushed. What a breath of fresh air this was in a season of pretentious, "look-at-me-I'm-an-indie-filmmaker" projects.

Don't let the "teen sex comedy" poster or the ad blurbs fool you. This is a dark comedy in the true sense of the word, packed with the kind of gallows humor that is made especially poignant when the subject is a high school kid. I was moved by One Last Thing, and it will leave you thinking – in my book, the definition of a film that has hit its mark.

good TV fare - nothing more

[leinink · 4/10 · 21 August 2006]

As a made for TV movie, I would rate this an 8, but it ain't (made for TV) that is. I rented this, against my better judgment, based on a review from a credible newspaper reviewer. Normally, I would steer clear of cliché-d based features like this one, but decided to give it a chance, in the hope it would overcome its flimsy premise. Unfortunately, the writing lacked creativity and integrity, leaving the actors to do their best with some TV-quality material. The acting is fine, although I continue to fail to see any range in Cynthia Nixon. How any mature actor can fail to credibly portray a deep relationship with a dying child is beyond me. Her role is not helped by an unbelievable and shallow "relationship" with the football star/male model character. Watchable, but nothing more.

What a pleasant surprise!

[brooklyn_moviegoer · 9/10 · 31 May 2006]

I have to admit that I approached this film with a little trepidation at the Tribeca Film Festival. One one hand, the plot sounded a little like it might come out of an afterschool special; but then again, the cast had Cynthia Nixon, Gina Gershon, Wyclef Jean, and I had heard a rumor about a certain movie star cameo. (Which I won't spoil here.) And I knew that Sunny Mabrey, the only thing I remember from XXX2, was in it. Certainly all of these names wouldn't have been attracted by something pedestrian, right? Right. The IMDb and other reviews summarize the plot, so I won't do that here. (Or rant that the film never got a chance to find a theatrical audience. Thanks, Cuban.) But what I will do is tell you that the writing and the acting elevate this film into something pretty special.

It's not rare to find a funny film. It's not rare to find a sad film about death. What is rare is to find a film that is honest about its approach to death, and that manages to be both very funny and sad. And while some of the laughs certainly qualify as gallows humor, for anyone that has been through something like this, you will appreciate the filmmakers' open approach of looking at all the shades of this experience.

It is a strong testament to the film (and especially the writing) that from the opening scene, you know how this movie is going to end, yet that end is still very affecting. It was definitely more than a little dusty in the theater, if you know what I mean. But the end is not cheap, or manipulative. The emotions that are generated are come by honestly, and true to the spirit of the characters.

I'd especially like to mention the performances by all the actors playing the teenagers. These felt like real kids, who were both terrified by the situation, yet doing their best to get through it anyway they can. A lot of reviews have mentioned Michael Angarano, and rightfully so, but Matt Bush and Gideon Click are also excellent, and the three of them create a really strong dynamic. And there is a killer Wyclef Jean song over the end credits.

I'll also add that this movie sparked more conversation between my girlfriend and I than any we've seen, and that's really saying something.

So buy it, rent it, add it to your Netflix, tell a friend. This is a film that deserves your support. You won't regret giving it a chance.

Good cast wasted on terrible writing

[etruscan1m · 3/10 · 10 April 2006]

I was extremely disappointed by this film. I thought the very able cast did the best they could with truly poor material. The film couldn't decide if it was a melodrama, a teen-coming-of-age story, a comedy, a satire of America's love of celebrity, a New-Age/M. Night Shyamalan sort of mystical thriller, or a "message" film, and this wide variance in tone really ruined it for me. I saw it in a packed-house screening at the Philadelphia Film Festival, and from comments overheard as we exited I assume I am in the minority here, but I really thought it was not worth my time or money. Cynthia Nixon and Michael Angarano, along with the two best-buds Matt Bush and Gideon Glick (who both, apparently, have limited screen experience so far), did excellent jobs of defining and delivering their characters. It's not their fault that those characters are inconsistent and stereotypical.

"One Last Thing" is one great thing

[kaczorek-1 · 10/10 · 29 May 2006]

"One Last Thing" is that rare thing, a small film that's big on entertainment while never compromising its intimate feel. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and then you'll laugh and cry some more. "One Last Thing" takes the story of a teenager, dying of cancer, and turn it into a celebration of life that is neither sappy, nor cliché. On the verge of accepting a charitable organization's last wish of a fishing trip with his football hero, the young Dylan throws caution to the wind and states his real wish on live TV: to spend a weekend alone with supermodel Nikki Sinclair. Michael Angarano ("Seabiscuit," "Lords Of Dogstown," "Will & Grace) as the dying Dylan, Cynthia Nixon ("Sex and The City") as his widowed mom, and hot, hot, hot newcomer Sunny Mabrey ("xXx State of the Union") as the gorgeous but troubled model, bring amazing chemistry to Barry Stringfellow's remarkable script. Deftly directed by Alex Steyermark ("Prey For Rock & Roll"), the cast is rounded out by the likes of Gina Gershon, Wyclef Jean, Johnny Messner, Coati Mundi, Michael Rispoli. And added bonus is a wonderful, uncredited turn by Ethan Hawk as Dylan's father who also died from cancer a few years before. I heard about "One Last Thing," of all places, on my classical radio station KUSC here in L.A. Evening host Jim Svedja was so impressed by it at a screening that he took time from his usual musical broadcast to rave about the flick and interview Mr. Stringfellow, Mr. Steyemark and Ms. Mabrey (tough duty I'll bet). He even offered a money back guarantee. Alas, HD-Net the company that released "One Last Thing" apparently lacked his good taste and enthusiasm. After a bare bones release, the film was quickly released on DVD via their "genius" day-date release policy. Fortunately, the DVD is widely available and the small screen doesn't diminish the big pleasure that is "One Last Thing." I don't have Mr. Svedja's deep pockets, but I guarantee you it won't disappoint you.

When Indie Films Go Bad

[marlonwallace · 3 May 2006]

ONE LAST THING is the next film from Magnolia Pictures. MagPics is of course the distribution arm of 2929 Entertainment, which is owned by Dallas Maverick Mark Cuban.

Last year, 2929 announced that it was eliminating its movie windows and that it was essentially making its DVDs available in stores at the same time as the film's release in theaters.

Basically, if you prefer to see this movie on the big screen, you can go to your nearest Landmark theater on Friday, May 5th.

But, if you don't, you can go instead to the video store and pick it up on Tuesday, May 23rd and not have to wait so long for the DVD.

It won't be the usual 3-month or 5-month distance between the film and DVD releases. However, regardless of how one chooses to see it, I recommend that no one does.

So far, MagPics and 2929 have been putting out some great material including two great documentaries, ENRON: THE SMARTEST GUYS IN THE ROOM and HERBIE HANCOCK: POSSIBILITIES, as well as some interesting dramas like BUBBLE and THE WAR WITHIN, so when I heard about this movie I got excited, especially since I saw it playing at the Philadelphia Film Festival.

Philly is my hometown and most of the movie was filmed there, specifically in the Marcus Hook neighborhood. The story centers on Dylan, a 16-year-old kid who is dying of cancer. Cynthia Nixon from "Sex and the City" plays his widowed mother. United Wish Givers, a Make-A-Wish foundation-type of organization, decides to grant Dylan one wish before he keels over from cancer.

At first, they think his wish is to go fishing with super star football player Jason O'Malley, but during the press conference, Dylan recants and says his wish is really to have sex with super-beautiful, super model Nikki Sinclair in her mid to upper 20s. What proceeds are Dylan's attempts to make that wish come true.

But, instead of ONE LAST THING, the movie should have been titled "The Film That Tries to Justify Statutory Rape." This film is more about taking us to a contrived destination that defies reason or believability than really giving us something honest and real. It tries to be heartfelt but really just comes off superficial and annoying.

For example, Dylan's two friends, Ricky and Slap, played by Philly natives Matt Bush and Gideon Glick, tag along when Dylan sets out to New York to score with the super model, but while Dylan is throwing up in the bathroom and is clearly becoming sicker, all his friends want to do is concentrate on sneaking into a strip club.

Wow, two teenage, horny boys with a one track mind! Haven't we seen this before? Haven't the American Pie movies been enough? Couldn't the screenwriter, Barry Stringfellow, have come up with something else a bit more original, or supporting characters with maybe a bit more depth? Also, Wyclef Jean plays a foreign cab driver. How cliché! Jean's cab driver magically drops in here and there for no real reason and his appearance seems only to add a little color to this otherwise lame white-washed world.

Ethan Hawke makes an uncredited cameo, but I'm forced to ask why. His efforts are wasted.

Michael Angarano who plays Dylan is a cute kid and potentially a great actor, but I was "so" not impressed with his performance here, and quite frankly I haven't really been impressed with any of the movies I've seen him in. He was funny though as Jack's son Elliott on the NBC TV show "Will & Grace."

But, I think there are a ton of better actors in his age group like British actors Jamie Bell and Max Minghella, Canadian import Kevin Zegers, Dane Christensen, Jesse Eisenberg, and Robert Ri'chard. Watch out for these guys in the future, all of them are amazing.

More amazing than I've seen Angarano, but I don't really blame him though. He did the best he could with what he had to work with, which wasn't much. The script here was simply senseless. Just a bad indie film! Just bad!

Sort of an Abomination

[arfdawg-1 · 2/10 · 27 February 2024]

Not really sure that Make a Wish is funny. But that's what this movie wants you to believe. And the kid doesn't even look sick.

Also these "wishes" are all pre-determined so the movie makes zero sense from the get-go.

I found the premise marginally offensive.

Frankly this film is so poorly written and acted I had a hard time sticking to it. The characters are cardboard cutouts with no basis in reality.

Not really sure who put the money up for this. Well, the movie was made before nutty Nixon took her turn into deeper nutsville. I was waiting for Gina Gershon who was still hot when this movie came out 20 years ago. That's the only thing that kept me watching.

The girl he wants to spend the weekend with isn't even all that attractive.

surprising

[mattkratz · 8/10 · 1 November 2006]

This movie was actually a good film that surprised me a little bit. When I rented it, based on what I had read about it, I was expecting to see a raunchy teen flick. Instead, it turned out to be a not-bad film that balanced comedy and drama in it. In the movie, a teenager is dying from cancer. A foundation that grants wishes to dying youngsters has him appear on television to make his "one last wish," and everyone thinks he is going to ask for a fishing trip with his favorite football player. Instead, he asks for a weekend with a hot supermodel whose bikini-clad image adorns his wall on a poster. We then shift to the supermodel, who is portrayed as somewhat on the hot-tempered side and has totally exasperated her manager. The model is surprised when she learns about the wish and reluctantly agrees to meet him. After a couple disappointing meetings, the boy becomes frustrated too. I will leave the rest to you to watch to figure out what happens. All in all, this was a decent way to spend an hour and a half of your time, and I recommend it. It has both funny and tear-jerking moments.

** 1/2 out of ****

Awesome, Moving Movie

[schmid215 · 9/10 · 3 August 2006]

One of the most wonderful and touching movies i have ever seen. I am not a crier at movies, but this one got me. The cast does a phenomenal job, and despite what some say, have an excellent feel for how to handle the film's dual genre. Michael Angarano does a superb job as the terminally ill boy, and his two buddies Slap and Ricky( Gideon Glick and Matt Bush) are in a way the best part of the movie, playing likable and hormone driven best pals. Cynthia Nixon as the young boy's grieving mother gives a deeply moving performance. The on screen relationship between Nixon and Angarano is authentic and a treasure to watch. I have seen some rather harsh critique of this film, and frankly cannot fathom it.The film splices comedy and drama well, and creates a beautiful portrayal of a young boy's last days around those who are closest to him, and his last wish(ill leave you to watch the movie to find out about this). The song at the end, Wyclef Jean's "Heavens in New York" is beautiful, and devastatingly poignant.

A beautiful film that made me laugh and cry and happy to be alive

[drmmrgrrrl · 10/10 · 19 September 2005]

I got to see "One Last Thing..." at the Toronto Film Festival while visiting friends. I loved Alex Steyermark's previous film, "Prey for Rock & Roll" - and couldn't believe my luck that I was in Toronto during the premiere of this new film (although I missed all the fun of the premiere and saw it at the second screening). I didn't know what to expect, but this film is completely different. I don't know how to describe it without giving out spoilers - this film is a complete surprise, incredibly funny and incredibly poignant - and you feel good about laughing at the jokes and crying at the sad stuff. It made me appreciate the people in my life. All of the acting is excellent across the board - and the three kids are the most real group of teenagers I've ever seen on film. The script strikes the perfect balance of emotions without getting sappy. The music is amazing. At the screening, the director said he expected a wide release next Spring (2006), so all I can say is go see it when it comes out.

Wonderful and full of surprises

[chorus-masters · 10/10 · 30 January 2007]

I'm overjoyed - although not surprised - that this is an indie production; Hollywood tends to make comedies or schmaltz out of the subject matter for "One Last Thing ...". _This_ movie was breathtaking in both it's simplicity and subtle complexity. Each and every "actor" .... although I prefer participant ... played their role with honesty and a genuineness that is rare. Many people, myself included, have had experience with sever illness, seemingly unreachable dreams, and the odd twists of fate that surprise us. This movie explores these events with sensitivity, humour, brutal honesty, and genuine confusion without allowing the actors (or audience) to fall into a pit of "why me" and self-pity.

This is _not_ a teen love story. This is a story about life, love, friendship, dreams, loss, hope, and the willingness to endure and _live_ life to the fullest regardless of what fate provides. It is a _MUST SEE_.

Cynthia Nixon and Michael Angarano Shine in this Tender Story

[gradyharp · 8/10 · 25 May 2006]

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

A great film, funny and touching!

[tony_m1962 · 10/10 · 24 April 2006]

Michael Angarano plays a great part, he seems to be an up and comer (he was also in Sky High). There's even short scene with Joe Jr. (Michael Rispoli -- While You Were Sleeping). It's funny, sad, and is an all around great story. This is a must see date night movie!!! We got to meet Stephen Beatrice -- Production Designer and listening to him discuss the intricacies of making a low budget independent film was wonderful!!! The story takes place in Marcus Hook, PA and New York City, but hearing how the set for the house that Dylan (Michael Angarano) lives in was actually a different place for each room they shot was amazing.

Reminds me the power sometimes these people have

[tsoupl · 8/10 · 26 May 2006]

I would like to vote more for the movie, but to say the truth i still don't remember much because most of the movie was like an abstract to me. It mixed my feeling watching it. Having seen some comedy elements in to the movie made it a little more lite for people to watch it. I could have vote for more but at the end the movie had me feel a little disappointed on the view of what the director wants to pass about life after death.

The only thing that touched me and made me feel something different about this movie was to see that really these people have a lot of power and their attitude towards death. Especially to people that had lived a similar story in their lifes, its really touching!!

Brilliantly deep and meaningful movie

[dobbin-4 · 25 April 2008]

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.

loved this film

[cooperbuzz · 10/10 · 31 May 2006]

when a movie makes me laugh out loud and kills me at the same time I know I have experienced a great film. "One Last Thing ..." takes on the big issues of what makes life meaningful in a fast moving, character driven story. It's both different and fresh. The film deals with the topic of death head on. We see the central character, who is dying of cancer, and those close to him reacting to the inevitable in their own way. The authenticity brought to these relationships in this tragic situation was believable and thus immensely powerful. Showing the play and humor that lives within the moments of darkness is where the surprise is. It's real and rare. Wonderful acting and seamless writing and direction make for a rewarding movie experience. Bravo. this is a film made for and by people with heart. Enjoy it and share it with your soul mates.

Not just your average comedy...sweet and very moving!!

[Robert_duder · 9/10 · 12 August 2006]

One Last Thing is pretty much misrepresented by trailers and even by the DVD box itself. It sort of looks like a teen comedy filled with rude jokes and a National Lampoon's type film and that isn't the case at all!! Relatively new director Alex Steyermark and TV Writer Barry Stringfellow make a very moving and touching film and best of all a very real film about a teenager with terminal cancer. On top of that he interweaves a story about a super model who lost her grip on reality and in the process lost her true love and everything she believed in. The story and film is really about life and death and the struggle with it and it's brilliant!! The lead characters are brilliant and the story is captivating and touching.

Young but veteran and talented actor Michael Angarano gives an honest to God Oscar worthy performance as typical teenager Dylan Jameison. The only thing about Dylan is that he is dying of cancer. Still haunted and emotionally distraught over the loss of his father he is dealing with trying to be an average kid and deal with his death feeling as though he doesn't believe in an afterlife. Angarano is so believable and heartfelt and you really connect with him and he truly does an amazing job. Cynthia Nixon plays Dylan's Mom Carol and although she kind of has more of a supporting role does a terrific job at that. This is the second time I've seen Cynthia Nixon in a role besides Sex and The City and she has done an outstanding job (the first being the absolutely phenomenal Warm Springs.) Nixon is great and she shows being a caring and concerned mother while having to deal with losing her son and already having lost her husband. Sunny Mabrey plays the object of Dylan's obsession...his "One Last Thing.." super model Nikki Sinclaire. Mabrey is terrific as the self involved, obsessive and lonely model. She slowly begins to realize what she lost by not staying grounded and she sees that through Dylan's strength while he dies. The two of them together although they share only a little screen time is sweet and lots of chemistry between them despite the age difference. Matt Bush, and Gideon Glick play Dylan's best friends and at first I thought they were overused and out of place as the wise cracking, rather immature stoner buddies but then I realized these guys ARE your typical teenager and they were dealing with the cancer and death of their best friend as well in their own way. I do still think they might have been a little misplaced in the film but they are there and they do a decent job. Ethan Hawke plays a strangely very small cameo as Dylan's Dad in flashbacks and dreams.

The film is really made by the chemistry and story between Dylan, Nikki and Carol. This film is just everything you don't expect. It's really a dark comedy and definitely no really laugh out loud moments but instead very touching elements of drama and moving moments of life lessons and clarity. This one truly is a hidden gem that might not have made a big splash but it's so definitely well worth seeing. If you love a good story, maybe even some tears and laughter then One Last Thing is the absolute must see!! It's just a warm and tender film. 9/10

A beautifully written masterpiece

[wade_vermeersch · 10/10 · 12 May 2008]

Screenwriter Barry Stringfellow writes a beautifully touching, and comical script in "One Last Thing". The film is special from start to finish, as powerful performances from Michael Arangano and Sunny Mabrey reach out from the screen and truly touch the hearts of viewers everywhere.

What truly struck me about this film was the touching story. If you were dying and had one wish, what would it be? Well, for sixteen year old Dylan Jamieson it was his wish to spend the weekend with his favourite supermodel, Nikki Sinclaire (Sunny Mabrey). The story is based around Dylan's wish to meet Nikki, while interlaced with touching roles played by Dylan's deceased father (Ethan Hawke)and his mother (Cynthia Nixon)along with his comical best friends Ricky (Matt Bush) and Slap (Gideon Glick)who truly add a great dimension to the film! The movie is a wild and touching ride that you should surely watch, as I guarantee you will enjoy this great story by Barry Stringfellow. Featuring an excellent use of the flashback technique to add a brilliant back story the writing and acting in this movie will leave you feeling satisfied time and time again!

*WARNING* May cause males to shed tears.

Great Film! 2 Thumbs Up!

Laughter through tears

[wildflower93 · 10/10 · 3 June 2006]

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.

This is quality entertainment!

[scott-1430 · 10/10 · 30 May 2006]

Taking my girlfriend to see a movie about a teenage boy that wants to final wish in life to be having a weekend with a supermodel was a really tough sell, but after watching the movie she thanked me! We found ourselves laughing and crying, traveling on emotional journey, and contemplating our own lives, sounds like a what a movie should do to me!

Personally, I don't see what's so off about the premise, sounds like exactly what I would have asked for when I was 15, if I had the gumption to ask for it. I'm not much for naming all the names of the actors in the movie, read some of the other reviews for that, though I will say I didn't really get Ethan Hawk as Dylan's dad, but if I was making a movie and Ethan Hawk wanted to be in it make a cool cameo appearance, and he was my bud, I'd say sure what the heh, let's party!

Sunny Mabrey (who keeps her clothes on) is plenty hot as the babe though I'm sure if the producers had been able to land say model turned actress ANGELINA JOLIE, you wouldn't be reading this review, you'd have already seen this flick now wouldn't you!