Getting Grace

There was a lot of laughter in the theater, and a lot of tears shed. Really delightful show despite the heartbreaking subject. The entire cast was excellent but I think Madelyn was spectacular and will go far.

The one word I think of when I describe this movie to friends is authentic. From watching the trailer I had a pretty good idea of what to expect. But when watching the movie and seeing the story unfold I was immediately taken with all of the main characters. The title character, Grace (an outstanding performance by newcomer Madelyn Dundon), is a pebble in a lake and the ripples of her life touch those around her. It's not too often that you see a funeral director in a film that is not a cliche, but Daniel Roebuck (who, impressively, wore 3 hats here, co-writer, star and director) gives an honest and believable portrayal of the funeral director that makes the interaction with Grace real which sets up some funny but also very tender moments. Overall, the movie is sweet, sensitive but also very funny and that speaks to the care that went in to the script that kept the story grounded in real life which, day to day, under normal circumstances, sees joy and laughter turn to tears and sorry. Some movies about a tragic death may be hard to watch, but Getting Grace is handled so beautifully, that to me, it is a movie I can't wait to share with friends. The take aways from this movie are very uplifting.

Such a uniquly catured story and well written! Comedic and heartwarming! The actors and actresses are Oscar worthy too!! No really!! This is a film you will see and never forget! Has left a special place in my heart! A must see again and again!

I was lucky to be at one of the sneak peaks last night and what a BRILLIANT film this is! I know that to say "I laughed and I cried" is pretty cliche, but it was never quite so true before. This is truly a joyful comedy. Yes, Grace is a teen-aged girl dying of cancer, but the movie is so much more about how she touches the lives of those around them and teaches them to live life to its fullest. She asks all the tough questions and drags people into doing what makes them happy. Daniel Roebuck really kills it as the funeral director Bill in the story, and the fact that he also wrote, directed and produced this film is truly impressive. Madelyn Dundon is a newcomer to film and you would never know it if it weren't in the credits. She is subtle and authentic and truly delightful to watch. I am not a "laugh out loud" person yet I guffawed several times. And then suddenly, I'm crying and you are SO in love with Grace and ALL the characters who are going to miss her that by the end you can't stand to see her go. Ultimately, this is uplifting and glorious, but to say you experience all the feels is an understatement. Highly, highly, highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys life and all it brings.

I attended a screening of "Getting Grace" last night in Santa Monica. When I hear "faith based" movie, I get leery. They are usually under funded, poorly made, poorly acted and get too "preachy." This isn't that AT ALL. Getting Grace wasn't shoved in my face, it was grounded in a reality that both spoke to me and touched my heart. Having watched a loved one deal with the most horrible aspects of cancer (on more than one occasion) among the OTHER tragedies that happen within the film I've had first hand experience with, Getting Grace deals with them on a level that hasn't been seen often in either faith based or general movies. It gets real. Sure, there's humor... good humor. Nothing too blue or adult but, fun and at times mature humor that seems to have been sucked out of most movies lately. We get drama... of course we do. Our main character has cancer, the kind you don't get better from. There's other tragic issues dealt with in the movie but, they aren't overbearing. They are told with a "this is what life is" tone that, again, isn't heavy handed. Bad things happen and everyone deals with tragedy differently. The blend of comedy and drama (and dramedy... a fantastic blend of drama and comedy at the same time which is hard to pull off but, filmmaker Danny Roebuck, does it with a charm) is spot on... Sometimes we have to laugh at the worst situations because, it's better than crying. Newcomer Madelyn Dundon's performance is on another level. Her subtle yet realistic portrayal of Grace is so natural and so brilliant, I'm surprised she isn't accepting awards yet. Daniel Roebuck gives his undertaker character, that Grace befriends, a tragically, quiet Buster Keaton like edge. He is a sad man of very few words but, his eyes express the sorrow he has held inside for a long time.Roebuck doesn't need to say much but says a thousand words with his expressions. Dana Ashbrook is terrific as the author who can bend spoons and helps some of the non-believers understand the faith that Grace seeks herself. Duane Whitaker's minister character adds some great comic moments but, also raises questions about the true theme of the movie... finding faith and searching your soul for answers. Harri James gives an incredible performance as the mother of a very sick little girl. Her anger, frustration and overbearing protection, as she watches her little girl suffer is wonderfully detailed and layered. All in all, the movie was cast VERY well and the acting and attention to detail is top notch. Being an actor for many years, Daniel Roebuck knows how to direct performances. It doesn't hurt that he backed himself with a technical team that made the film visually beautiful and interesting to watch. Roebuck has a bright future as a director.

In the crazy world we live in now, filled with tragedy and uncertainty (to say the least), Getting Grace is a delightfully entertaining, funny, tragic, heartbreaking, heartwarming piece of filmmaking art... the type of "slice of life" film that everyone should get a HUGE piece of and savor its flavors and nuances... and save yourself room for seconds. No explosions, alien invasions or CGI dinosaurs needed, It's nice to see a film that doesn't rely on anything but good story telling and great filmmaking and acting. We need more of these types of movies. SEE. THIS. FILM.