One Last Thing...

Plot synopsis:
Dylan (Michael Angarano), a high school student with an inoperable brain tumor, lives with his widowed mother Carol (Cynthia Nixon) in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania. He is invited on television by a wish-granting organization and stuns viewers with his wish: he wants to spend a weekend alone with supermodel Nikki Sinclaire (Sunny Mabrey).
Living in New York City, Nikki is watching television and hears about Dylan's wish; she is convinced by her agent to see Dylan, as part of a publicity stunt to improve Nikki's image, but her visit is very brief. Dylan is disappointed and decides to raise money and travel to New York, trying to see Nikki again.
Carol struggles with allowing her sick son (traveling with two friends) to be unsupervised in an unfamiliar city. Nikki has her own problems and is reluctant to even speak to Dylan.
Striking out and growing sicker, Dylan and his friends take a cab back to Pennsylvania, and eventually to the hospital. Surprisingly, Nikki shows up and, at his request, takes Dylan to the beach. They spend the day together talking, fishing, and kissing, eventually falling asleep on a blanket.
In the morning, Nikki discovers that Dylan has died. Nikki attends his funeral with friends and family. As he enters the afterlife, Dylan arrives on the beach to see his father, who died years before, fishing. He invites Dylan to join him. Dylan asks his father how he knows this is not a dream. His father replies, "You don't, and you never will".

Tags: romantic, flashback

Review:
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.
"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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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..
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.
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).
This movie was actually a good film that surprised me a little bit.
Instead, it turned out to be a not-bad film that balanced comedy and drama in it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
As Dylan's mother, Cynthia Nixon effortlessly finds her maternal instinct here, a role quite similar to the one she played in "Little Manhattan".
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.
Cynthia Nixon and Michael Angarano Shine in this Tender Story.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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 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..
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!!.
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.
The story centers on Dylan, a 16-year-old kid who is dying of cancer.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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..
I can't remember when I had the last time this much of fun and sadness in one film together, in the right balance.Michael Angarano (Dylan) shows the perfect face and attitude for his slow paced character, and I also loved her mother's play.
I loved the two friends together, in Dylan's room, in New York, at the funeral, they were just teens, enjoying life.Now again I remembered that I live once, so I should do what I like, and do it now...
This film dealt with issues that people must face when fate deals a tragic illness to someone we love.
The teenage actors were very believable and delightful, skillfully handling roles that brought humor to the film.
The entire cast did an exceptional job, but particularly, Michael Angarano is fabulous as the terminally ill Dylan.
The movie has more heart and more depth then you would think by looking at the cover, dealing with issues of the past, regret, loss and the afterlife, all of the things you imagine an imminent death would bring.
Writer Barry Stringfellow does an excellent job balancing comedy and drama without getting schmaltzy and cliché.
I rented it thinking, "Yeah, time for some mindless entertainment," and instead was pleasantly surprised by intelligence and courage the film offers..
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
Cynthia Nixon plays Dylan's Mom Carol and although she kind of has more of a supporting role does a terrific job at that.
Sunny Mabrey plays the object of Dylan's obsession...his "One Last Thing.." super model Nikki Sinclaire.
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.
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.
If you love a good story, maybe even some tears and laughter then One Last Thing is the absolute must see!!
If this were a Hollywood film, I'm sure they would have found a way for the boy to miraculously live in the end.