I was kind of disappointed that Kennedy got older because I was really liking Scarlett Hazen as the bratty little girl and even Liza Brown as the concerned younger sister. What I hoped was that the whole movie would be about her, although I had looked at the brief summary and knew something terrible would happen. The young girl came back briefly in flashbacks, though.
Then Tatum Chiniquy took over and she just wasn't as good or as likable, but she sure was pretty. She too showed a strong faith but didn't have this bratty quality. Okay, maybe she's a little naughty, doing things she shouldn't, and annoying her brother. Chiniquy improved greatly later on, as she had challenges that showed how skilled an actor she really could be. What a loving girl, and what a positive effect she had on others. And what a great personality.
One very loving scene is the one where the family meets Charlee, who has the same disease as Kennedy and is almost unable to do anything and hasn't spoken.
I hated to think that people would mistreat this girl because she was so different, but even the shallow cheerleaders showed they had a good side. There was actually little negativity. Not even from the opponents in football games when Kennedy became a cheerleader. As hard as she tried, she couldn't do what they did, but she did the best she could and everyone appreciated it. And those girls were fantastic.
Everyone loved Kennedy, and why not? She loved everyone. She couldn't have a negative attitude. I am reminded of television's JJ DiMeo. Okay, he could have a bad attitude at times. That's what some might think this movie needed. She certainly had a good reason for a bad attitude. She didn't need to, because she had faith.
It is never stated that the Hansens were anything other than Christian. Some Mormon boys are shown training to do their missions, and missionaries spread their message late in the movie, but it is never stated that Jason is part of that faith. But Jason's faith is strong, whatever it is. There is no secret about why Jason feels the way he does. And he receives divine messages from time to time.
The faith message in this movie is strong and some might object to being preached to. Still, those already in the faith will see a powerful message and a wonderful example. Some who aren't might be inspired.
We do get to laugh from time to time. For example, Kennedy's behavior annoys her brother Beau, but I am referring to perfectly normal teenage girl behavior and a perfectly normal reaction from her brother.
But just be prepared. If you stay away from "This Is Us" because of what you've heard about tears, be warned this is far worse.
There are several styles of music, including at the dance. Later, there is a hymn I like performed in the way I like. Other than that, I don't share Kennedy's musical taste. The credits specifically told us what she liked, and I did not. I suppose that's not important. And there is the obligatory "praise and worship" song which doesn't have explicitly have Christian lyrics. I just can't stand that style. For some, in could be inspiring.
It's certainly worth seeing.
