Her name is Grace, a sickly misfit teen who brings life back into a crotchety funeral director. Easily my favorite so far this year, this an independent film showing now that won't get the attention it deserves. Description is difficult, which points to it's originality. The first half is hilarious. The second is half heart rending. I was dubious how comedy could be found in a subject matter like this, but the movie somehow strikes its' humorous tone without being irreverent or inappropriate. The comedy is derived from the pesky antics, sarcastic quips, and quirky personality of the title character, a natural comedienne. Her contagious charm and inner strength touches the lives of those around her, including her own struggling mother, charismatic celebrity charlatan, and fellow child patients. Each was missing something in their life, yet also had something to offer. They just needed something, or someone, to bring it out. I didn't want to leave these characters behind as I left the theater. Instead, I wanted to invite them for coffee. Tears will flow at the end, both of joy and sorrow. (The depicted plight of cancer victims makes for sensitive viewing. Some characters make it through, others do not.) Grace reminds us that good and bad can be found at every turn, so while bad things can happen to good people, grace can be found.

Low-budget films have their limits. They cannot afford the finest acting ensembles. Shoot schedules are short, meaning quick setups and bare-bones cinematography. Smart and talented filmmakers create greatness within these limits. "Getting Grace" is the farthest thing from low-budget-movie greatness I have seen in a long time.I will admit that Grace is a somewhat charming young woman, but I quickly grew tired of her non-stop exuberance and cartoon voices. The real issue with this film is that it has the most lousy writing. Characters' word choices don't make sense, and none of the jokes are funny. Beyond writing, several technical aspects were executed so lazily-notably the editing and music score (if I see one more "slide" scene transition or hear one more stringed instrument play a pizzacato walkup that ends with the strike of a triangle, I will shove one of Bobby's bent spoons down my throat).I don't want critic or audience reviews to be the end-all reason I see or don't see a movie. However, I do feel decieved that when I screened "Getting Grace," 27 out of 31 Audience reviews were 10-star reviews. Critic's reviews were also hidden from Rotten Tomatoes. I am no cynic, but I am honest. The quality of this production is inexcusably terrible. I can only conspire that the A+ ratings were left by the filmmakers themselves. I would have liked a fair warning that "Getting Grace" was one to skip.

Director/star Daniel Roebuck does the impossible here--making a genuinely funny, deeply touching movie where cancer and death are important elements. I thought I wouldn't like this movie, but I loved it. May be the best movie I have ever seen. Lots and lots of interesting elements--a cast of average-looking people, not Hollywood idols; a genuine rather than contrived feel; important themes dealt with sensitively; unconventional cinematography and an unusual, Northeast Steel City setting. I can't recommend this more highly.If this appeals to you go see it; if it doesn't appeal to you go see it anyway, you won't be sorry.

A feel good movie about cancer? Yes. Sensitively directed by veteran actor Daniel Roebuck and superbly acted by his talented cast, Getting Grace took me on a surprising ride. One moment I was welling up with tears; the next moment, I was laughing out loud. To see how Grace's courage positively transforms the lives of those she loves is inspiring to behold. Strongly recommend!