Getting Grace

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.

Getting Grace: you get her or you may not but this movie hopes that you do. From the first moment I met them I liked the characters, Grace and her Mom and I became joyously lost to this story. I say joyously even though cancer is the catalyst for all that is to be. This film is not about cancer, it's about spirit, love and hope. Getting Grace is about a young lady with cancer who in seeking to find answers to what the world and her mom will be like without her manages to touch the many lives she meets along the way leaving their lives a bit better for knowing her and each other. She discovers on her journey that her quirky self will be missed and loved and that her life does matter. It's sweet, sad at times and uplifting. She (Grace) asks questions we think but do not say aloud sometimes. She is brave and hesitant hoping for the best and she is strong and honest, she brings out the best in those whose lives touch hers. It has some great milk out your nose laughs and it may make you cry a little, but you will enjoy the journey.

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.

This was a beautiful film. FUNNY, HOPEFUL, WELL ACTED, LOVELY SCRIPT! I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end. The acting was excellent and it offered a great message of hope and love. There is a line in the movie about some people getting Grace, and others never will. This one line was so powerful, and if I was to choose one message from the film, this may be the one. The characters were raw, and real, and believable, as they portrayed what is certainly part of real life. The story takes you on highs and lows, with drama and a wonderful sense of humor throughout. I can easily, and highly recommend this film to my family and friends, it is just a must see! The Director and all the actors did a wonderful job - thank you for your message of hope!

I had the pleasure of not just seeing Getting Grace at the Northeast Film Festival in New Jersey in September 2017, but also meeting the cast and watching their discussion panel.

Let me start by saying this is not my typical kind of movie (no explosions) but I was riveted from the start. Above all else it is a story of the human condition, including everything that makes us who we are: love, sadness, illness, laughter, anger, friendship, painful truths and wishful thinking.

These aren't characters, they're real people that the audience develops feelings for. I'm thankful to have been able to meet the cast - their discussion revealed that their portrayals weren't just great acting, they put their heart and souls into this film and it shows.