Now Is Good (2012) User Reviews

Now is Good... is Great!

[at_khan · 8/10 · 24 April 2013]

Definitely worthwhile. Colorful, innocent & touchy. The acting is good, even by the other relatively less famous actors. 8 Stars well deserved.

Fanning has certainly established that she will evolve, and so will her roles in diversity. Coming from a child-star, she definitely has lived up to what is expected.

The editing is nice and crisp. There's no rush, no loose-ends, no surprises, yet curiosity still remains throughout, wanting you to keep going on and on and on.

This is comparable to the likes of Burning Man and My Sister's Keeper, and is momentous, beautiful and full of sentiment. It really hits you in multiple ways. What can I say: it made me cry multiple times, and I'm a guy, so.

Now would be a Good time to watch it - though you can always get back to it, and it might just make you do so.

First And Last Love

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 14 January 2013]

American Dakota Fanning leads the cast in this British production about a teen terminally ill from leukemia who wants to crowd all she can in the months or maybe weeks she has remaining. Prominent on the list is that she wants to lose her virginity.

Bring some industrial strength Kleenex to the theater because you'll need it. Fanning gives a sincere and somewhat restrained performance considering the circumstances. Her parents Paddy Considine and Olivia Williams also do well.

If I was going to have a first and last love I couldn't do much better than young James Irvine who scored very big Steven Spielberg's The War Horse. He's the perfect handsome and sensitive youth that anyone would fall for. His role is a supporting one, yet you'll remember him as much as you do Fanning.

Although her British accent could have used some improvement and I suspect that she was cast so that the film could draw some dollars in the American market, Fanning is just fine in the role. You'll not soon forget her in Now Is Good.

Cuts through the clichés with fantastic performance and style

[surlaroute · 8/10 · 13 September 2012]

"Our life is a series of moments… let them go…"

I don't need to go into my decreasing expectation of Dakota Fanning movies as I tend to do it with each of her movies since around 2007… needless to say, I likely wouldn't have been rushing to see this one – which from the outside appears as yet another not-even-Oscar-baiting cancer pity porn story (if you'll excuse the extreme shorthand) with the added "oh no…" factor of Fanning doing her best English accent to boot*. But I got free tickets, and who was I to pass up my first chance to see one of my (despite everything, still) favourite actresses on the big screen for the first time since 2005?

The by-the-numbers story here has Fanning as Tessa, who is dying of leukaemia, has passed the point of expecting treatment to help, and wants to get a few things done before she goes. This in itself, of course, does not an enriching 90 minutes make (not for me, anyway). But while there's certainly a few bad clichés of this kind of story in here (and one particularly awful moment – I shall just say "sweetcorn"…), the reason Now Is Good continued to pull me in is because of this light of a character at its core.

As I said I was worried I'd be adding this movie to a long list of recent Dakota Fanning movies (okay, mainly the Twilight movies) that lead me to ask, frustrated, "what are you doing, Dakota?" – but you can see why she was drawn to this one, despite any of its leanings toward cliché. Tessa responds to the generic way the world usually deals with terminal illness in the same way I always imagine I would (yes – I'll it admit it – I imagine it enough to be able to say such a thing, lol, now who's pitying?), and I connected to her fast – the way her face lights up the moment she spots a hint of mischief in a person, such as when her brother asks at the breakfast table (much to their father's dismay), "when Tessa dies can we go on holiday?" or how she talks back to her doctor ("Good girl." "Would you like to slap my rump? …then stop talking to me like a horse…") She really doesn't want any pity, for herself or anyone (as she says to her love towards the end, "Don't you dare expect me to feel sorry for you because you get left behind, don't you f-ing dare!") but she certainly doesn't deny the creeping darkness of her imminent death either.

There's a ropey segment in which Tessa and her friend go on an attempted crime spree in a shopping centre that smacks awfully of a teen movie cliché I thought long-since past, and the aforementioned unbelievable attempt to cut through one of the movie's most horrific glimpses of disease with the comedy of "sweetcorn" – but even these lows are ultimately countered by terrific performance, not just from Fanning but from the support cast including Paddy Considine and Olivia Williams (both of whom, post-sweetcorn scene, share the best non-Fanning scene in the movie, as she asks him, "Can I stay?"). There are lesser clichés that also ring less hokey for the same reasons, such as Fanning enjoying an air tunnel type ride (her face in this scene is too beautiful to even consider being cynical), a stolen kiss under fireworks, and the horses that ride past at the end – but by that point I was so in love with Tessa they could have played in "This Woman's Work" or "Fields of Gold" over such imagery and still not offended me… it really is her most unforgettable role since Man on Fire for me.

* the accent work is fantastic, if you must know – I really didn't want to mention it in my review though, because everybody will… it's the flawless, clipped, but not necessarily authentic to the character, kind most American actresses manage …but like those minor clichés, by around midway it's the last thing on your mind.

** PS. There's some interesting use of Nine Lives footage (at least I think it's that movie), of a younger Fanning climbing a tree, that I just found interesting and felt worth mentioning – it was slightly jarring to me but I imagine even fewer people saw that movie than will see this one lol. At least it connects to something in this movie, anyway, another beautiful scene of tree climbing. ** EDIT I asked the director about this and he said they shot all of the stuff at the end themselves so I guess I was wrong, it just looked very familiar to me :)

No way back

[blogurious · 6/10 · 5 October 2012]

We all know death is the only certain thing that will happen to us. But the thought of living everyday as it were our last is probably taken seriously only by those with an expiration date on their backs.

"Now Is Good" is a compelling drama that raises those questions about how you would plan your remaining days when all you can do is wait for the final curtain. Dakota Fanning is an amazing young actress who can light up the room and yet bring tears to your eyes on a story that moves and inspires. It is many times depressing but also full of life, where the main characters depict so well how everyone around the patient suffers from different angles, ironically making the terminally ill seem stronger than everybody else. Beautiful. *** Director: Ol Parker

British cinema at its best.

[sarahxxlou · 10/10 · 23 September 2012]

In my opinion, this movie deserves 10 out of 10. Some reviews say that Dakota Fanning's portrayal of a terminally ill teenager with cancer wasn't 'convincing' however, I beg to differ. The personality Dakota derived for 'Tessa' is just perfect. She's angry and sarcastic, rude to her loved ones and doesn't let any one in. Her take on playing this role was just fantastic. You believe she's ill because of how she acts, not because of how many times they remind you she's dying, how many days she has left, her short hair and her pale appearance; those aspects just add to the character. This movie is being compared to 'A walk to remember' which, I can see the resemblance to of course; but this film isn't just about a bucket list or romance or just about cancer; it's about how it can make the individual person suffering really feel. I can't really explain in words why I thought it was so good. I just know that I was in tears at the end and I'm not usually one for crying at movies. I think it was seeing that hard shelled character Tessa eventually breakdown at the end after seeing her hold it in for so long. The realisation that she was dying is something that I felt the audience connect to. When the nurse explained what it would feel like to die over the course of the next few days to Fanning's character 'Tessa', you could hear a pin drop. It was perfect, realistic and Dakota was phenomenal. I also am proud that this film was a British production. After hearing Dakota's British accent in the trailer, I was a little worried that it would be hard to bare whilst watching the film, however, it was well spoken on her part and I thought she did an excellent job. I really did like this film. The casting was fantastic and so was the characterisation and family dynamic. It was great to see a typical teenagers response to leukaemia. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Please go and see it whilst it's in cinemas. I'm definitely buying this on DVD. (:

Now Is Good, But It Could Have Been A Little Better

[Convictions · 7/10 · 27 January 2013]

Now Is Good isn't perfect but, unlike Nicholas Sparks movies, it didn't make me gag, constantly roll my eyes, or made me want to keep hitting my head against the computer screen. People have been comparing this movie to the Nicholas Sparks movie A Walk To Remember, that's an insult. This is more closer to My Sister's Keeper, in which it deals with it's subject matter with respect and without getting too sappy. However, 50/50 is the best film that deals with this topic, but this is still a solid film nonetheless.

As enjoyable as this film was I had some issues. First, Dakota Fanning's accent. It's not bad like Anne Hathaway's accent in One Day but, it was distracting. She sounded like an old woman which made things a bit awkward. Next is Dakota Fanning's character. She acts like a brat for a good portion of the movie which irritated me a bit. One moment she would be sweet and endearing then the next she snaps and says something awful. Most of the time the awful things she says are directed at her father who's been there with her every step of the way since she was diagnosed with leukemia and has been taking care of her since she was diagnosed. There was no need for that and it made it harder for me to connect and understand the character. Towards the end though she does treat everyone better but, that's not until the final thirty minutes. Lastly is the subplot with her friend involving getting an abortion and getting pregnant. It could have been done away with, it's only purpose is to try and manipulate the audience even more towards the end. Sure I fell for it, but now as I think about it, it bothers me. Other than those things, I enjoyed everything else about the movie.

Like The Sister's Keeper the performances are wonderful from the movie's child and teen actors to the adults. As annoying as Fanning's British accent might be and as irritating her character is, she does manage to give a great performance and continues to broaden her range. This is a good example of how she is one of the best young actresses working today. Jeremy Irvine who plays the male love interest gives a better performance here than he did in War Horse. He was probably my least favorite thing in War Horse and though it was his first movie, I didn't think he was that great of an actor. He proved me wrong here. Though he is sometimes out acted by Fanning he does give a genuine performance. Both him and Fanning have effective chemistry which makes a difference as that can make or break a movie but here, it helps elevate the movie. The rest of the cast does a great job as well. Paddy Considine who plays the father gives a fine performance as the protective, caring father. It's sad that he's in so many movies but, he's not well known. There's one scene towards the end with him and Fanning that is heartbreaking and I'll admit it even made me cry a bit. Olivia Williams does a nice job at the mother who hasn't always been there for her daughter. Her too there's a scene that's sad in which Fanning has a really bad nose bleed and Williams doesn't know what to do. Kaya Scodelario does a great job playing Fanning's only friend. Though her subplot with the abortion could have been done away with she does share some effective scenes with Fanning. As for everyone else, they all do terrific jobs.

The score was one of my favorite things about this movie. It adds that extra emotional punch to the scenes, especially towards the end. The movie is gorgeously shot, with some truly beautiful scenes. Sometimes I would actually get lost in the scenery and not pay attention to the characters especially during the parts where Fanning and Irvine were at the Cliffs Of Dover. It was stunning. There was also another beautiful shot towards the end where Fanning is dying and Irvine is taking her home on his motorcycle and as they're riding, horses on the side are running along with them, it was such a simple, elegant shot.

Overall, it might not be the best movie of it's kind but, it rises above most entries in this genre. The story is simple and has been done before but the performances, score, and the chemistry between Fanning and Irvine elevate it above the average melodramatic sap that gets poured into multiplex every year. Sure the subplot with the friend could have be severed, while Fanning's accent might annoy some and her character irritate others but, in the end I couldn't help but get a little teary. This is a good date movie where both of you will find things to enjoy in the movie, I recommend it if you ever have the time.

'Live every moment, love every minute'

[gradyharp · 9/10 · 21 January 2013]

Likely too many potential viewers will see this exquisite little film as just another Bucket List movie, but nothing could be further from the truth. Adapted by Director/Screenwriter Ol Parker form Jenny Downham's novel 'Before I Die', the film deals with delicate issues in a mature way and allows the emotional aspect of the film's theme to soar into that realm of films that deal with death in an honest and respectful way.

Tessa Scott (Dakota Fanning in a miraculous performance with a perfect British accent!) is diagnosed with leukemia. Despite her four-year devotion to chemotherapy she has discovered that her cancer is terminal and her doctors don't give her very long to live. Tessa with the help of her best friend Zoey (Kaya Scodelario) comes up with a list of things she wants to do before she dies, including some risky behaviors that she deems necessary to have "lived". Tessa's dad (Paddy Considine) is resistant to Tessa's behavior from the start but realizes he has little influence and can only enjoy the time they have left. Best friend Zoey is excited and supportive of the outrageous bucket list until an unplanned pregnancy test comes up positive. Tessa's parents are divorced and have very different views on her desire to experience the dangerous side of life before she passes. Her mother (Olivia Williams) simply cannot deal with the diagnosis and copes by distancing herself from Tessa's activities and is more or less absentee in her role as a mother. Her father's main mechanism for coping is denial. Tessa mentions that he spends hours on the computer looking up possible treatments for her even after the doctors have told her that the cancer has consumed her body. Tessa's little brother Cal (Edgar Canham) is a brutally honest individual that has mixed feelings ranging from lack of care to jealousy to sadness. In the beginning of the novel Cal says to his sister "I'm gonna miss you" during a joking situation. One of Tessa's last wishes is to find love, of which she thinks she has with her neighbor Adam (Jeremy Irvine whose performance here is as fine as his War Horse role). Adam is shy and his main priority is taking care of his sickly mother after their father died. But Tessa's gradually breaks through Adam's fears and the two fall in love, Adam promising to stay with Tessa until the end. The film follows her last few months of life, explores her relationships with her loved ones, and her personal feelings about being trapped in a failing body. The film is tenderly brought to a credible and touching close - everyone has grown to appreciate that 'now is good'.

Dakota Fanning rises to new heights in her sensitive portrayal and her skills are matched by inimitable performances by Paddy Considine, Olivia Williams, Jeremy Irvine, Kaya Scodelario and a superb supporting cast. This is a very beautiful film that begs to be seen and understood. Never sanguine, it is just an honest piece of life - and death.

Grady Harp

Dakota's eyes are worth the whole show...

[BigBobFoonman · 13 April 2014]

There is no doubt she is one of our finest young actresses, but Dakota succeeds in a very important area of film acting.....the camera eats her up. Her haunting eyes draw you in, and her characters are the better for it. She has grown into a beauty, and one hopes the often fatal hubris of Hollywood will pass her by. The fact that she and her co-star were in Spielberg movies is testament to their talent and validity. I wish them both great fortune and longevity in that sorry business. Yes, this plot has been done to death, but there is a realism in the details of dying that make this a great film. My only critique is not really a critique, but the mother's character, as played by the fine Olivia Williams, is very disconcerting.....a disturbing portrait of a very flawed person. I may buy the DVD, nonetheless.....highly recommended.

Best Dakota Fanning performance to date

[mdnobles19 · 6/10 · 12 January 2013]

A girl dying of leukemia compiles a list of things she'd like to do before passing away. Topping the list is her desire to lose her virginity.

Now is Good wont win any points for originality, but the movie will no doubt touch you with its heartbreaking, sincere story, and its beautiful, yet simple filming style. The musical score was used in an effective way to pull at your heartstrings, guiding you through the story in a glowing way than being straight out depressing. That makes Now Is Good one of the better films of its kind, just not great.

Where has Dakota Fanning been? I would think she would have had an Oscar or nomination by now! Dakota to me is the best representation of a child star of our generation! She hasn't fu(ked up and is a good role model of that. Now she has blossomed into a young woman and the transition from child actor to young adult actor was smooth, as this is her most assured, mature and beautiful performance to date! She plays Tessa Scott, a girl dying of leukemia who makes a bucket list of things she wants to do before she dies, then finds love in her path. The supporting actors gave fine performances and in the end moving. Most notable was the dad played by Paddy Considine, and the love interest played by Jeremy Irvine, who to me had great chemistry with Dakota.

Director, Ol Parker hasn't directed a film since his debut in 2005, with the romantic/comedy Imagine Me & You, which I haven't seen, nor heard of. He has crafted a beautiful, heart wrenching film in the likes of Love Story, but sometimes comes off as a made for TV. film, because of the simplicity of its portrayal, but pretty solid for his second film. I just wouldn't call it striking. His adaptation of the novel seems to be heartfelt and inspired though.

Overall, it's not a must see, but the performances alone, especially from Dakota Fanning makes this film worth a watch. 6 out of 10

Almost perfect - and I love Dakota's accent

[envity1981 · 9/10 · 22 August 2013]

First of all, don't worry, I won't spoil anything about this film because I'm too lazy to summarise the plot since it has been already summarised by many other reviewers.

I have read the book and watched this film twice, and here is my final review on this film: - very well abridged and modified. - very well acted by all actors, especially by Dakota Fanning. I am not British but I am quite familiar with some British accents by watching many British TV series and listening to British youtubers. And as far as I can say, Dakota's British accent seems to be quite flawless. Of course, if you're British, you are welcome to disagree with me.

The only minus point: I am still wondering if Olivia's blonde wig was necessary. Or maybe she should have dyed her hair to make it look more natural. But even if those two actors (Olivia and Dakota) had kept their natural hair colours, the film would still have worked because the script was perfectly written.

They spoiled the book

[this_is_me_for_forever · 6/10 · 15 October 2012]

First of all it is one of my favorite books. It's a shame they messed it up so bad. In the book the most important thing is the list. In the movie it's not that clear anymore. Zoey is the best of friends in the movie, where in the book she was at some times really mad at Tessa because of the list. They skipped the most parts of the moments she spend at doing the things on her list. As saying yes to everything for one day. The brother acts like he sees fun in Tessa dying. Adam is not there when she eventually dies, while in the book he was. When you haven't read the book it is a very sad and good movie and I would vote something like 8/10 or 9/10. But I was expecting a movie representing the book. That was very disappointing.

What an amazing movie

[Rachel-Anna · 9/10 · 9 March 2013]

My friend recommended this movie to me with a warning of you're going to need tissues. Let me just say, I don't cry watching movies, but this, honestly I have never cried so much. It was an amazing movie portraying the different emotions felt by the family. It wasn't just about a girl fulfilling her bucket list, but about falling in love, others being her rock and her being other peoples rock when they needed it the most and how the smallest things have such a big impact. The tenderness of the relationships was beautiful. Dakota Fanning did an amazing job as did Jeremy Irvine. What a wonderful and beautiful way to portray young love in such a sad situation. Would highly recommend this movie.

Well acted emotional drama

[MattyGibbs · 7/10 · 11 September 2014]

Now is Good is a British film about a girl who is dying. It's a familiar tale and a bit clichéd at times however as a drama it's pretty good. I found it quite realistic and pretty engrossing.

The acting is pretty good especially Dakota Fanning who is excellent. Her character is strong willed and at times not altogether likable however isn't this the case for a lot of girls at this age. Paddy Considine does a good job as her dad struggling to cope with the imminent loss of his daughter.

The storyline follows Fanning as she tries to pack in a wish list in the last months of her life. The list is predictable and a little depressing, which is a symptom of our times. The acting however does make up for any weaknesses in the plot. There are some emotional scenes that are handled well.

Now is Good is an enjoyable if fairly predictable drama that for me thanks mainly to the acting just nudges an 8/10.

Waste of time.

[wowvscodvsbooks · 1/10 · 13 January 2013]

As somebody who is personally going through something similar to what the the main character is I have to say, this movie is pathetic.

The story was written by someone who clearly does not know what its like to be terminal, Tessa is a flat one dimensional character, the only emotions she seems to feel are sad, more sad, and occasionally less sad. Take the dying element out of it and she's just another brooding teenager.

To the person who wrote the screenplay, I know this was based on a novel, I have no idea whether the source material was bad or not, but in the future: People who face and are around death generally get a (morbid) sense of humor about it. This applies to doctors, soldiers, and the terminally ill.

A morbid sense of humor may seem like a small detail, but its a big whopping error to omit it, and in the end, a movie like this must be at least somewhat comedic (and morbid) to be believable.

The soundtrack for this movie had the same problem, most of it could be played at a funeral without offending anyone. Any possibility for redemption of this film was ruined by that. Even the scenes where I could have been made to feel some emotion other than "some variant of sad" were ruined by the soundtrack.

If you want a more realistic feel for what its like to face death, go watch 50/50 it was written by somebody who's been through this for real. Now Is Good may as well be named, "Unrealistic film where brooding teenager dies at the end."

Touching drama about dying, with a few funny moments.

[TxMike · 19 January 2013]

This is a small movie by modern "blockbuster" standards, we saw the trailer for it on DVDs of other movies and were anxious to see the whole movie. We were not disappointed, a rental from Redbox.

It is set and filmed in England, London and the Brighton areas. The "white cliffs of Dover" are also prominent in several scenes. The star is American actress Dakota Fanning, probably 17 during filming, as English girl Tessa Scott. Her parents are split up, she lives with her dad, the reliable and responsible one, but she is dying. She has leukemia and decides to terminate her chemo treatments because they don't look promising and she doesn't want to spend her last few weeks or months feeling like a sick vegetable. She wants to live her life fully, whatever remains of it.

In a page from the movie "The Bucket List", she makes her own, written with a permanent marker on her bedroom wall behind a square tapestry hung there. When her dad asks if she has made a list of things she wants to do before she dies, she says she hasn't, she didn't want to share it with him. It included such things as losing her virginity and doing something illegal.

Fanning is very good in this and her English accent was good enough to be believable. Some will not like her performance, because they don't like her character. But I think her performance was spot-on because her character had to be a bit "unlikeable." She is hard-headed and often abrasive, but it was written that way because a smart, interesting teenager about to die probably would have those characteristics.

Tessa's best friend is Kaya Scodelario as Zoey and she does a fine job in the role. Enjoyable were her comments in the DVD extras, how she was a bit star-struck meeting Fanning, a young actress she had seen in a number of big-budget films as they both grew up, then finding that Fanning was just a regular, friendly teenager as Kaya was.

A love interest is provided by Jeremy Irvine as Adam who lives next door to Tessa and her dad. He is smitten but wary because how much should a teenager invest emotionally in a girl who will die soon?

Olivia Williams is good as Tessa's Mother and especially good is Paddy Considine as Tessa's Father . He tries to be strong but he is entirely consumed with the grief of knowing his daughter he loves so much will be gone soon.

I'm not sure there is a "good" way to handle dying and death. But it does focus on the idea that our lives are made up of countless moments, and all of them together lead up to our final fate. But we need to make the most of and enjoy the moments.

I think the movie is a very good one. The title is a reference to her response when Adam asked if he could take her out some time, she responded "Now is good."

Boring Romance

[suham_cmc10 · 6/10 · 13 July 2013]

"Now is good" is an average film. Really vexed too much by the film and I got slept at a time. From my review I will give 6.2 actually.

Acting : Dakota tried to accomplish her role the critical one as a leukemia patient, facing lots of obstacles in society, couldn't enjoy her life like others, and no assurance to be cure from disease. She tried get her into this role. Irvine is so cute and perfect for the role and he did good for the role of lover. Expressions went on well. I also liked the supporting roles. (7.4) Music : That is quite better corresponding to acting (9.5) Direction : The main problem of this film is the director himself I think. Could make it much better. (7) Screenings & Scripts : Sorry I totally disliked the structure of the film and the sequences arranged one after another. (5.5) Effects : In several scenes , there was extra lighting. In some case it was good. (6.5) Dialogues : So much boring and tenacious. (5) I think you guys agree with me.

Life is a series of moments

[Cedric_Catsuits · 10/10 · 28 April 2013]

I must say the tag-line doesn't come close to doing this film justice. There is so much more to it – a thoughtful, uplifting story about a difficult subject. This is without doubt the best film about dying I've ever seen. If you're a softy then it's a two-box tissue weepy but in no way is this film ever depressing. It's a little sugary at times but on the whole a nice balance is struck between dealing with the sadness of death and the joy of life. The writing and direction are spot-on, and the performances are without exception faultless. It's heartening without being sentimental, funny without being glib.

I should reveal I am Fanning's number one fan and also at times her harshest critic. I have a love-hate relationship with her, having watched her develop from the most amazing child actor of all time into what can appear at times a rather lack-lustre adult performer with a dubious choice of off-set professional partnerships. However my opinion of late has changed and I've come to the conclusion Dakota is simply and pleasantly naive in many ways - and I mean that in the nicest possible way; she has a certain innocent charm that most young people today seem to be devoid of, and I mention it only because this role seemed tailor-made for her, and perhaps because I understand her better as an actor and as a person now.

OK so the English accent was not perfect - it fluctuated a little and sounded much better when she was being loud and emotional; a little too 1950s prim-and-proper at other times. Kids in England tend not to speak like that now, but to her credit there was never the slightest hint of the native Georgian-cum-West Coast burr. I'd also take issue with the hair stylist that issued what was presumably a wig, the first of the two styles in the movie looked quite dreadful and unrealistic. Later on we see her with medium-length hair which actually looked natural and quite suits her slightly boyish features.

The art of Fanning is however in the subtlety of her performances these days - possibly an antidote to the oft-maligned enthusiasm of her early career, or maybe just a result of thoughtful maturity and trying harder to look natural. For me it didn't quite work in The Runaways (although that still remains my favourite Dakota film) but it fits perfectly the role of Tessa Scott. If you take the time to watch this film alone and study Tessa closely, you will hopefully appreciate the performance as I do.

As a fan I could happily waffle on all day about Dakota, but I have to say there wasn't a duff performance in this movie. All the actors played perfectly, especially Paddy Considine who gives the under-stated performance of his life. He also gets some of the best lines, maybe not enough of them, but I have to say he was an inspired choice for Tessa's dad and I have a new respect for him as an actor. Irvine, Williams, little Edgar Canham, delicious Kaya Scodelario, Dr Wadham - they all deserve the accolades.

This is British story-telling at its best, a knack we've lost in recent years as American and European films have shone in that department. Don't be put off by the subject matter - this is a film that might just change your view of life and death. As Tessa says, "Life is a series of moments". Think about what that means for all of us and enjoy this film.

The Vidiot Reviews...

[capone666 · 7/10 · 14 September 2014]

Now Is Good

The good thing about dying young is that you die with all of your hair.

However, that won't be the case with the ailing adolescent in this drama.

When her cancer returns, Tessa (Dakota Fanning) formulates a bucket list comprised of high-risk activities.

Despite her death sentence, her parents (Paddy Considine, Olivia Williams) still cannot condom her hazardous behaviour, urging her to mind her health.

It's not until she encounters her kindhearted neighbour (Jeremy Irvine) that Tessa begins to feel her first glint of love.

Adapted from the Teen Lit book Before I Die, this British based love story is an emotional and frank exposition on the final days of a debilitating disease, and the people and moments that make them memorable.

Heart wrenching performances throughout, Now is Good is not only believable but also beneficial.

Incidentally, the one unchecked item on all sick kids' bucket lists is: cure cancer.

Green Light

vidiotreviews.blogspot.ca

Incredible Film

[cute_sexie_wolf · 10/10 · 13 December 2012]

I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting much out of this film when I decided to watch it. I'm happy to say I assumed wrong.

Dakota Fanning's depiction of Tessa was incredible, I don't care what anyone says, not all cancer patients try to be positive and brave. The fact of the matter is Tessa is a dying teenage girl, she doesn't have much time left and it's not fair, anyone that can say that a cancer patient wouldn't act the way she did obviously hasn't met terminally ill teenagers.

Paddy Considine also delivered a powerful performance, a particular scene that really got to me was when he broke down in front of Tessa crying and begging her not to die, it was amazing acting and my heart was wrenching by the end of it.

All in all the acting was superb and the story was amazing. Through out the film you have a lingering sense of hope and yet you also have a feeling of melancholy knowing that Tessa's probably not going to make it.

I highly recommend it.

Standard dying girl tear jerker

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 27 August 2013]

Tessa Scott (Dakota Fanning) is dying of leukemia. She has a to-do list before dying, one of which is to lose her virginity. Her father (Paddy Considine) is unable to give up even though she has stopped all treatment. Her mother (Olivia Williams) can't deal with her impending death to the point of avoiding her daughter. Her irresponsible friend Zoey (Kaya Scodelario) is a little too eager to party and help her do the list. New neighbor boy Adam (Jeremy Irvine) falls for her but has secrets of his own.

Director Ol Parker has written a simple tear jerker. Luckily, it's not going to be such an easy contrite premise. There are a few traditional sad moments. The romance is there. We have the inappropriate friend. The parents can't deal. The only thing isn't there is any big jokes. Dakota Fanning is doing a British accent, and I don't know if she's any good. All I can say is her acting is subdued but it's all there.

Artistic, tasteful and honest

[Garcwrites · 9/10 · 1 January 2015]

The premise is a bit of a drag but it's a drama, and a really good one at that. The film is emotional, moving and funny. It's an amazing experience, you get into Tessa's mind and you understand the character. She's sweet strong and clearly has grown with all that's happen to her but she's still a teenager with her fears and her aspirations. She sort of wants her life back and experience things like any regular teenager.

The cast is amazing, they make sense, it's a great ensemble. Paddy Considine is so good in this movie, such a great dad and I love the fact that the dad is the one facing things head on, not running away, denying or escaping the hardship. Olivia Williams is perfect as the flawed mother. Edgar Canham is so sweet and brilliant I love how they wrote it and how he played it.

Jeremy Irvine is not just the pretty boy next door and played Adam with an innocence that was perfect for the role. Kaya Scodelario is also a gem in the movie and she might be playing another flawed teenager but her relationship with Tessa (Dakota Fanning) is very much how I would expect a real friend to be when her best friend is dealing with cancer.

The movie feel very artistic, truthful and honest. The Family and friends are very real which gives the film a raw aspect even though it is made with taste and humor. Now is Good shows a different side of young people, the film is intelligent, inspirational and is not just about falling in love with someone and having sex with them. I think the movie does cancer justice, it's not sugar coating things or getting horribly pitiful.

The film is wrapped with humor but hits the emotional notes. You'll probably be touched watching and it'll stay with you. The cast brought weight and humor to the film. It was one of the best movie I've seen in 2012 I am so glad I saw it. I would highly recommend the film.

@wornoutspines

Couple of Things

[offtoday · 6/10 · 17 January 2013]

Yes I liked it, but as has been mentioned, similar to other story lines The wardrobe department did not have much to do, Adam wore the same shirt (apart from 1 scene) the whole movie, almost a nine month time span, Tessa nearly wore out those black tights she wore them so much.

I don't think dad changed much either Why no credit Julian Wadham as the doctor? Fanning was marvelous, great English accent, you would never guess she was American. Some very nice location spots, although I am not sure where it was supposed to be, Brighton maybe, are there white cliffs at Brighton, not sure. Jeremy Irvine as Adam was excellent, big future for this young guy , I am surprised he only has two films in post-production, after Warhorse

Worthwhile

[neil-476 · 8/10 · 28 September 2012]

17 year old Brighton girl Tessa, dying of leukaemia, has a list of things to try to do before her time is up. This doesn't include falling in love with the son of the new people next door, but life plays strange tricks even when there is so little left of it.

Dakota Fanning, stellar as a child actor, faces the same problem all child actors face as they move into adulthood. After variable levels of success with Jumper and the Twilight films, Now Is Good provides an excellent transitional vehicle for her. The story is simple - a bucket list of ambitions, some of them questionable, undertaken by an ordinary middle class English girl whose anger at her fate is somewhat ameliorated by unexpectedly finding love with the boy next door.

This story is delivered well (with one or two minor mis-steps on the way) by an excellent cast. Fanning shows that her undeniable acting talent has remained with her through adolescence: Tessa is a very believable character. Jeremy Irvine makes the rather thankless role of love interest Adam into a rounded, likable young man, Kaya Scodelario is good as best friend Zoey (with problems of her own), and Olivia Williams makes Tessa's fairly rubbish mother a good deal more sympathetic than she perhaps deserves to be.

But Paddy Considine, as Tessa's father, shows us a man trying to balance dealing with the practicalities of his daughter's illness, trying to be a normal father in circumstances which are far from normal, remembering that he also has a son, and holding himself together in the certainty of his firstborn's imminent death. It is an immense performance; I doubt I will see a better one this year. There were tears from the audience and mine, as a father, were for him.

My sole reservation was that, with the exception of one scene where Tessa gets a nosebleed, it all seemed rather (and I hate to use the word) nice. Though Fanning has an interesting and attractive face, she will never be easily pigeon-holed as conventionally pretty, yet her illness and decline were never ugly. That was not enough to spoil a rather good, if small, film though.

Oh, and yes, her English accent was flawless. I expected nothing less.

Predictable

[mc_croucher · 6/10 · 5 December 2016]

While this movie was interesting to watch the whole plot was predictable and had a lack of twists. The only thing I would say I enjoyed about the film was that it followed a similar path of Fault In Our Stars. Aside from the lack of twists, the movie had little pull to keep you interest through the film. If watching this kind of film is something you are into then go for it, but if you'd like something that takes you to a path you didn't expect then don't watch this. No plot twists, not deviation to somewhere you didn't expect, and there will be no epic romance. I would go for Fault In Our Stars any day over this movie.

Unconvincing

[lesniewskis · 2/10 · 19 September 2012]

I was lucky enough to see "Now is Good" followed by a Q & A session with one of its producers, Peter Czernin, and one of the actors, Jeremy Irvine. I must say that I found the Q & A session much more interesting than the movie.

If I were to summarise this film in one word, it would be "unconvincing". I didn't believe that the main character was dying, and I didn't believe in the suffering of her family and friends. We are forced to believe that Tessa is about to die, because we are told so, almost from the very first minute of the film. It is repeated and reminded over and over throughout the whole movie. For some reason, the more I was told to believe it, the less I did.

Apart from that there is a very cliché love story weaved into the film, and some postcard-like shots of sunrises at the seaside. The dialogues, which are meant to be witty in order to ease the reception of the film, are mediocre. I didn't even smile once. The main character, who apparently is meant to be portrayed as someone who doesn't want any pity, comes across as a spoiled brat – not endearing at all.

One of the scenes that is supposed to convince us that Tessa is ill is when the doctor removes a cord from her arm. The scene looks like a clumsy performance of an amateur magician.

Towards the end of the film I could hear several people weeping, which means that not everyone would agree with my opinion. The sobbing in the audience only made me feel embarrassed. It's not that I don't cry on movies – I (almost) cried on Titanic when I first saw it.

Overall, the film is rather far-fetched, though potentially it could have been really moving. I wouldn't even blame it on the acting. My impression is that whatever vision the producers had in mind, it somehow did not come alive on the screen.