Good Bad Things

Shane D. Stanger's Good Bad Things (2024) is a touching and inspiring film about the power of love in all its forms. With an engaging tale, outstanding acting, and stunning photography, this film is a must-see for anybody who believes in the transformational power of love. Simple story follows an app developer falling in love in a gorgeous photographer... but disability of one of the partners always rases doubts... is it real love, or is it something else?

One of the most notable aspects of Good Bad Things is the wonderful chemistry between the principal performers Danny Kurtzman and particularly Jessica Parker Kennedy, who excels as Madi - both subtle and compelling, as she moves through the depths of her character's emotions with grace and honesty. Her acting adds dimension to the film, and it's impossible not to root for her character's path to happiness.

"Love is the best part of life, and all we have to do is take a leap," a sentence told by Dannu's father, resonates throughout every scene of this delightful rom-com drama!

I really like the history, and I love the bromance between the protagonists. You can feel how much they care for each other. The rapport is mutual. And sometimes a movie only concentrates on romantic love. That's not bad, but Good Bad Things give us many types of love. I also like the father-son dynamic. It was like when they insist on an up-tight haircut but you want to be wild with a messy rock and roll hairstyle but at some point you found the middle ground and understand that is just love although sometimes we don't know how to show it. I also like the autonomy, the awkwardness, the doubts, and silliness that were intertwined with the music, the pace of the history and the scenery.

I just watched good bad things last weekend and I must say that the movie is beautifully acted and beautifully shot and even though there are problems in my opinion with the real portrayal of disability in the film, I would have loved to see more negotiation of the main characters care between the two main characters who were lovers. The emotions were real and raw and hit all in the right places for me I also like the fact that the main character was portrayed as a successful entrepreneur and even though this isn't the reality for most disabled people who live on social assistance of some kind it gives me the hope for the future that one day the world will see us this way.

Have watched this movie several times, both in theater and on Amazon and truly love the story, the acting and the quiet way in which Danny gets into our hearts and how his story uncovers the universality of love, self-acceptance and doubts that plague all abilities. Authentic, funny, sad and novel and a true lesson about one's own implicit biases.

Danny is a compelling presence and when you experience his life that he bravely shares in the fictional character of himself, you come away with great respect. Kudos to the friendship that gave rise to this idea and to the Director who saw it through.

I learned about this film via Squirmy & Grubs' YouTube channel and I believe that they helped to produce it. I agree that the acting was good and appreciate the message and portrayal of an interabled relationship that was shared. But the main character was too serious for me- he did not really smile or laugh at all in the film and I didn't know if that was just his personality or part of his disability. His disability type was not disclosed in the film. Anyway, he just seemed depressed to me, and maybe he was, but even when he was with his love interest he seemed sad. I still enjoyed the film overall but wanted to see more affect from Danny.

Seeing a person with disabilities act in a film is a big plus though. You often see professional actors without disabilities playing people with disabilities and I have mixed feelings about that. I would rather see people with disabilities acting in the film or show instead. This film could open more doors and make it easier for people with disabilities to get into the film industry. I cannot imagine how hard it must be. Anyway, I couldn't decide whether to give this a 7 or 8. Guess 7.5 if that is an option. Still recommend.