Here's another tear jerking film, so for those out there, grab those Kleenex. I do like these films, where we know how it will inevitably end. Some films like this one, do it discreetly, and that's how I prefer em' to be honest. A great example here, was The Fourth Wish. I watched this movie for the first time the other night, after it's twenty two year release, and was pleasantly gratified. I enjoyed it more than I thought, like it was just one of those movies that had me. It really helps when you have Keaton, an actor who can bring so much to a role, as the dying one, who documents his life, as well as playing Dad, via video camera, as wife, is expecting, and he can pass this on, to the newborn. Keaton's Bob Jones, is not the most likable character, either, who actually changed his family name, and moved to L.A. Again, here's a firmly held cancer themed film, that avoids all that soppiness, and goes for real heart of the story. Again, this beautifully acted tale, shows us, how life is precious, and what life people can just throw away, if considering suicide, as this is a real cynical guy, who really wants to live, even going back and angrily confronting his Beverly Hill's doctor, when he shoots down his hope. His practice is on one of those Palm Lined streets, where there's a nice overhead establishing shot here. This sunny day shot really works, cause it works against the victim, cause for most victims, sunny days ahead, are the last thing they're seeing. It reminds me of people close to me, who were going through this, on these wonderfully warm, blue sky days that were numbered. I really wanted too, to see how Keaton, and Kidman would play off each other. I really liked her character, much more. The roller coaster shot with Keaton, confronting his old fear, was too, wonderfully filmed. Again, like other films, this one teaches us, life is precious, and you must live it to the full again. Again, there are, clichéd themes, like forgiveness and regret, and it was heroic, Keaton righted his wrongs for those years, like mostly with his father. Also, it shows us that dreams can come true, as well as an old wish, which provided the one scene, I could not get out my head. No, I didn't cry for this one, but that still doesn't mean, I didn't find it sad, cause I did, and memorable.

I rank this low because, like most older folks I've lived through several painful losses. I didn't like it, wasn't entertained by it and can't understand why anyone would like to be depressed by a movie. Seems like it would take a form of morbid 'danse macabre' curiosity - but then again, to each their own. On the other hand, I have enjoyed several movies with the underlying theme of death at their essence like Ghost.The idea of leaving behind a video tape to teach a son about life and about yourself has some story quality but doesn't overcome the darkness of the movie.I have no complaints about the acting or production qualities and normally enjoy movies with these two leads. Keaton plays his character well and Kidman is as always, beautiful and easy to watch.

My daughter gave me the DVD a few years ago. It took me a while before I got around to watching it, because I had never heard of it. It was like being hit by a truck. I don't think I've ever watched another movie that makes me sob out loud, or had a bigger lump in my throat. It is one of the most heartbreaking films I have ever seen. Just watched it again tonight, and fell apart. I can only watch it maybe once a year, because it devastates me so much. I cannot understand how Michael Keaton's performance was overlooked. He tore my heart out. Needless to say, I cherish this movie. I'm glad my daughter gave it to me, because I think she probably couldn't bear the anguish and pain of watching it more than once. Regardless of the way it affects me, I will keep it in my DVD/video library. I admire Michael Keaton's performance in this movie. He was so very believable. It's a keeper.

"My Life" is a unique movie in that its loaded with clichés, but it also has a message that is very powerful and poignant.It is a shameless tearjerker, and you will want to keep the Kleenex box handy for this one, however the message of the importance of family relationships is clear, and one that is often ignored by Hollywood.Our family connections are so important in the big scheme of things. These are the relationships that will help us get through the tough times - such as illness or the death of a loved one. Sometimes these relationships get strained - through pride, or an unwillingness to forgive. This is real life.This film correctly shows that this can happen, but when push comes to shove, everybody makes an effort to heal all the past wounds. It also shows that we aren't perfect. In this film we see that both Bob and his parents made mistakes, but instead of dwelling in the pit of anguish that this kind of unresolved pain can cause when a loved one dies - it shows the joy that something as simple as forgiveness and love can provide.