Ways to Live Forever (2013)

Simply Perfect

A Disappointing Continuation

It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.

One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

I was invited to an advanced screening of this film and let me just say that it was a very well written and directed film. Going into the theater I was expecting a depressing movie but I was surprised to find that it carried an uplifting tone throughout the course of this young man's journey. The acting was pretty good, especially from the young kids (Robbie Kay, Alex Etel). The cinematography was done well and the music and sound design complimented the film pretty well. The film maintained a subtle comedic tone that was balanced well with the drama, giving the audience a chance to laugh and truly connect with the characters. The subject matter of cancer might question some people but the film has a powerful message that many people should enjoy.

I believe Ways to Live Forever is based off a children's book. It follows two boys, Sam and Felix, as they go through their daily lives with childhood Leukemia. I was able to watch an advance screening of the movie a few months back and I was definitely hesitant at first. I personally am involved in several cancer related organizations and being surrounded by so many people affected by this disease, I wasn't really up to see another tearjerker. But to my surprise, the movie was more uplifting than it was sad, but of course we can't stray away from there being some emotional scenes with a topic such as cancer. It definitely surpassed my expectations considering the film was more lighthearted that anticipated. I think what I like most about this movie which differentiates itself from most cancer related movies, is that is focuses more on living life to the fullest rather than dying. I appreciate the realism the movie portrays. Overall the movie was a pleasant take on such a tough subject. The acting was good, the storyline was great and I thought the soundtrack was a great fit for the movie.

When I was first offered to watch a pre-screening of this movie, I must admit I was a little hesitant to view it. Normally I stray away from any movies that have to do with cancer. However, I thankfully did decide to watch the film and I am SO glad I did. Ways to Live Forever went way above and beyond my expectations. Though this movie centers around two boys on their journey of fighting leukemia, the tone is not one of somberness but of joy. Yes, sad scenes and deep questions of life and death occur throughout the film, but after walking away from the movie, I felt, well, joyful. There is an uplifting spirit from this movie that is completely beyond my explanation; the director did a phenomenal job at engaging the audience and pulling them into these boys' lives. Some of the best child acting I've ever seen. Cinematography was beautiful. I would recommend this film to both teens and adults. If you don't have a desire in seeing it, still see it. I promise you will not be disappointed.

It was a cancer theme movie which was adopted from a children's novel. It tells about a wish list that made by two kids who are dying from Leukemia. Those kids help each others to fulfill their last wishes. Light hearted emotional tale. All the cast performed well. Few animated clips come now and then throughout the movie to explain stuffs.As a movie for under agers the illness treatment and death was kept under control. Adults may complain about few things in the movie but should remember its children friendly theme.Well made movie which shows on a different perspective of illness suffering and grief. It could be a good pick for tearjerkers but still it won't fulfill completely. Like I said a children movie about awareness of leukemia and its treatment.