Screenwriter Barry Stringfellow writes a beautifully touching, and comical script in "One Last Thing". The film is special from start to finish, as powerful performances from Michael Arangano and Sunny Mabrey reach out from the screen and truly touch the hearts of viewers everywhere.What truly struck me about this film was the touching story. If you were dying and had one wish, what would it be? Well, for sixteen year old Dylan Jamieson it was his wish to spend the weekend with his favourite supermodel, Nikki Sinclaire (Sunny Mabrey). The story is based around Dylan's wish to meet Nikki, while interlaced with touching roles played by Dylan's deceased father (Ethan Hawke)and his mother (Cynthia Nixon)along with his comical best friends Ricky (Matt Bush) and Slap (Gideon Glick)who truly add a great dimension to the film! The movie is a wild and touching ride that you should surely watch, as I guarantee you will enjoy this great story by Barry Stringfellow. Featuring an excellent use of the flashback technique to add a brilliant back story the writing and acting in this movie will leave you feeling satisfied time and time again! *WARNING* May cause males to shed tears.Great Film! 2 Thumbs Up!

This film dealt with issues that people must face when fate deals a tragic illness to someone we love. It avoids mawkish sentimentality, focusing rather in presenting acceptance of inevitable loss through the warm support of family and friends. The teenage actors were very believable and delightful, skillfully handling roles that brought humor to the film. The young star was especially likable and other teens would find him easy to identify with.The writing showed insight into how difficult it is to "lighten up" when confronted with death. And if viewed as a tragi-comedy, in a kind of make believe world, the film can be viewed more lightly, as it was meant to be.

I have to admit that I approached this film with a little trepidation at the Tribeca Film Festival. One one hand, the plot sounded a little like it might come out of an afterschool special; but then again, the cast had Cynthia Nixon, Gina Gershon, Wyclef Jean, and I had heard a rumor about a certain movie star cameo. (Which I won't spoil here.) And I knew that Sunny Mabrey, the only thing I remember from XXX2, was in it. Certainly all of these names wouldn't have been attracted by something pedestrian, right? Right. The IMDb and other reviews summarize the plot, so I won't do that here. (Or rant that the film never got a chance to find a theatrical audience. Thanks, Cuban.) But what I will do is tell you that the writing and the acting elevate this film into something pretty special.It's not rare to find a funny film. It's not rare to find a sad film about death. What is rare is to find a film that is honest about its approach to death, and that manages to be both very funny and sad. And while some of the laughs certainly qualify as gallows humor, for anyone that has been through something like this, you will appreciate the filmmakers' open approach of looking at all the shades of this experience.It is a strong testament to the film (and especially the writing) that from the opening scene, you know how this movie is going to end, yet that end is still very affecting. It was definitely more than a little dusty in the theater, if you know what I mean. But the end is not cheap, or manipulative. The emotions that are generated are come by honestly, and true to the spirit of the characters.I'd especially like to mention the performances by all the actors playing the teenagers. These felt like real kids, who were both terrified by the situation, yet doing their best to get through it anyway they can. A lot of reviews have mentioned Michael Angarano, and rightfully so, but Matt Bush and Gideon Click are also excellent, and the three of them create a really strong dynamic. And there is a killer Wyclef Jean song over the end credits.I'll also add that this movie sparked more conversation between my girlfriend and I than any we've seen, and that's really saying something.So buy it, rent it, add it to your Netflix, tell a friend. This is a film that deserves your support. You won't regret giving it a chance.

"One Last Thing" is that rare thing, a small film that's big on entertainment while never compromising its intimate feel. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and then you'll laugh and cry some more. "One Last Thing" takes the story of a teenager, dying of cancer, and turn it into a celebration of life that is neither sappy, nor cliché. On the verge of accepting a charitable organization's last wish of a fishing trip with his football hero, the young Dylan throws caution to the wind and states his real wish on live TV: to spend a weekend alone with supermodel Nikki Sinclair. Michael Angarano ("Seabiscuit," "Lords Of Dogstown," "Will & Grace) as the dying Dylan, Cynthia Nixon ("Sex and The City") as his widowed mom, and hot, hot, hot newcomer Sunny Mabrey ("xXx State of the Union") as the gorgeous but troubled model, bring amazing chemistry to Barry Stringfellow's remarkable script. Deftly directed by Alex Steyermark ("Prey For Rock & Roll"), the cast is rounded out by the likes of Gina Gershon, Wyclef Jean, Johnny Messner, Coati Mundi, Michael Rispoli. And added bonus is a wonderful, uncredited turn by Ethan Hawk as Dylan's father who also died from cancer a few years before. I heard about "One Last Thing," of all places, on my classical radio station KUSC here in L.A. Evening host Jim Svedja was so impressed by it at a screening that he took time from his usual musical broadcast to rave about the flick and interview Mr. Stringfellow, Mr. Steyemark and Ms. Mabrey (tough duty I'll bet). He even offered a money back guarantee. Alas, HD-Net the company that released "One Last Thing" apparently lacked his good taste and enthusiasm. After a bare bones release, the film was quickly released on DVD via their "genius" day-date release policy. Fortunately, the DVD is widely available and the small screen doesn't diminish the big pleasure that is "One Last Thing." I don't have Mr. Svedja's deep pockets, but I guarantee you it won't disappoint you.