Don't Make Me Go

As "Don't Make Me Go" (2022 release; 109 min.) opens, we are in "California" and are introduced to Max Park, a single dad, and Wally, his 16 yo daughter. Max gets bad news: he is diagnosed with a fatal bone tumor. When his 20 year college reunion is coming up in New Orleans, where Wally's long absent mother will be, Max decides to take Wally on a good ol' fashioned road trip. Wally, who doesn't know about the tumor, reluctantly agrees...

Couple of comments: this is the latest film from actress-turned-director Hannah Marks ("Mark, Mary + Some Other People"), who is still not even 30 yo. Here she brings a road movie of a father struggling to connect with his 16 yo daughter, and in a race against time to right the relationship before it's too late. In and of itself, this could make for an interesting relationship drama, but alas, the script turns out to be quite weak and, worse, riddled with cliches. As a result, I failed to connect emotionally with either of the two lead characters. John Cho (as Max) and Mia Isaac (as Wally) do the best they can but it's simply not enough. Please note that the vast majority of the movie was filmed in New Zealand (Auckland, Christchurch), and indeed the exteriors are quite easy on the eye. But alas, it can't save the movie.

"Don't Make Me Go" premiered on Amazon Prime this past Friday. I had read some good things about this film, and hence was looking forward to this. Let's just say that I was quite disappointed (even though i did stick it out to the end). Of course don't take my words for it, so if you are in the mood for a rad movie featuring a father-daughter relationship 'drama', I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

Frankly speaking, I only decided to give it a chance because Mia Isaac was in it. I have recently seen her perform in 'Not Okay' and I was thoroughly impressed, for a novice, she did incredibly well and rightfully snatched all the headlines.

Thereupon all I wanted to do is to find out whether her outstanding act in 'Not Okay' was just a fluke or was it the commencement of a promising career. And after witnessing her perform in two films one after the other; I can safely say, that she is indeed a special talent. One, who would surely flourish if given proper guidance and finer scripts and directors to work with.

Coming back to the film, it's like any other road trip movie you have previously encountered. It is fraught with fun, light-hearted moments, a great lead pair dynamic, and above all, a story that is neither too fancy nor too deep but it would reverberate with a lot of people out there. It will make them introspect, and will encourage them to self-evaluate!

I have my complaints though, regarding how this story concludes itself. Man! That ending surprised me, I did not see it coming, and I am having difficulties fathoming this. Yes, it's a bit unconventional, and has a sentimental value to it, that I understand and appreciate, yet, to me, it all felt too abrupt, too mundane for my taste.

Teary movie that really throws a curve ball. Great road trip between daughter and father... except for the final drive...still waiting for him to see the meteor shower...and the frontal nudity...what's the big deal.?

Watching this just sad and sad keep going but end up some happy ending I assume. That's quite a real life situation that so many things are unpredicted and we can't control. The message of this drama is quite clear - Live at the moment and hold tight for your loved ones. U never know what will happen tomorrow. The acting skills of both father and daughter are quite good. For a teen actress, I can see her potential and hope more chance to see her act in the future. The planning not go to the way it suppose to make me impress about this movie, thought it would be some chicle ending but surprise at the end. Writer did a good job.

I'm a father of two. A 14 year old son and a 6 year old daughter who thinks she's 26 lol. I had a brain tumor when I was 25 and had to think about how my family would make it, if I didn't survive the operation.

I cant imagine being a single parent without grand parents, or an uncle to support my children.

This movie touched me. It made me feel that I'm not alone in the feelings I have for my children. Parents want to care for their kids, even if we don't know the absolute best way how.

I think it was well written, the road trip scenes were beautiful, the message was great. I loved it. We ate all doing the best we can. Hopefully, for the greater good for our children.