Facing the certainty of terminal illness is not easy, but it is no reason to shirk from delighting in life, or to withdraw from roving fully. Thus says this little film, which tugs at the heartstrings without being mawkish. Kate Hudson is unrelentingly authentic, seemingly make-up free, and does not encounter her decline either too prettily or too gaunt. And yes, it is foolish to think that love might rush in at one's eleventh hour, but why not hope in that? Why not, indeed?
One cannot help but take note of a splendid rendition of Just a Closer Walk With Thee (apparently with various of the Neville family at play) to set the stage for a New Orleans style second line.
But one cavil: casting African Americans as God is getting a bit shopworn. Not quite "magical Negro" territory, as Spike Lee calls such roles, but the trope does lose its enchantment if overused.
One cannot help but take note of a splendid rendition of Just a Closer Walk With Thee (apparently with various of the Neville family at play) to set the stage for a New Orleans style second line.
But one cavil: casting African Americans as God is getting a bit shopworn. Not quite "magical Negro" territory, as Spike Lee calls such roles, but the trope does lose its enchantment if overused.