- Film Review
- Reviewed By Karen Krizanovich
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2 out of 5
Despite his terrific cast and solid production values, writer/director Ol Parker fumbles the potential of Jenny Downham's young-adult novel Before I Die in this overlong, meandering mush of a movie. Dakota Fanning's cut-glass accent never slips as the American plays the glazed-over English teenager who's dying from leukemia but chooses to do so on her own terms. Paddy Considine and Jeremy Irvine (War Horse) turn in solid performances as her concerned father and her fledgling boyfriend, but their scenes are sandwiched between a seemingly endless succession of clichéd moments. This mopey soap may find an audience with young teens and fans of weepies, but everyone else may be find it all a bit cringe-making.
Plot Summary
A 17-year-old girl is diagnosed with terminal leukaemia, and decides to make the most of the few months she has left, working her way through a list of life-changing experiences that most people have during their teenage years. Meanwhile, her parents and brother each try to cope with the impending loss in their own way. Drama, starring Dakota Fanning, Olivia Williams and Paddy Considine.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Tessa Scott
- Dakota Fanning
- Adam
- Jeremy Irvine
- Father
- Paddy Considine
- Zoey
- Kaya Scodelario
- Mother
- Olivia Williams
- Richard
- Patrick Baladi
- Tommy
- Franz Drameh
- Phillippa
- Rakie Ayola
- Scott
- Joe Cole
- Cal
- Edgar Canham
- Dr Ryan
- Julian Wadham
Crew
- Director
- Ol Parker
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