Good Bad Things

Shane D. Stanger's Good Bad Things (2024) is a touching and inspiring film about the power of love in all its forms. With an engaging tale, outstanding acting, and stunning photography, this film is a must-see for anybody who believes in the transformational power of love. Simple story follows an app developer falling in love in a gorgeous photographer... but disability of one of the partners always rases doubts... is it real love, or is it something else?

One of the most notable aspects of Good Bad Things is the wonderful chemistry between the principal performers Danny Kurtzman and particularly Jessica Parker Kennedy, who excels as Madi - both subtle and compelling, as she moves through the depths of her character's emotions with grace and honesty. Her acting adds dimension to the film, and it's impossible not to root for her character's path to happiness.

"Love is the best part of life, and all we have to do is take a leap," a sentence told by Dannu's father, resonates throughout every scene of this delightful rom-com drama!

Have watched this movie several times, both in theater and on Amazon and truly love the story, the acting and the quiet way in which Danny gets into our hearts and how his story uncovers the universality of love, self-acceptance and doubts that plague all abilities. Authentic, funny, sad and novel and a true lesson about one's own implicit biases.

Danny is a compelling presence and when you experience his life that he bravely shares in the fictional character of himself, you come away with great respect. Kudos to the friendship that gave rise to this idea and to the Director who saw it through.

I rented Good Bad Things at the suggestion of two people whose opinions I respect highly, and I'm so glad I did. The movie was wonderful because it focused on the HUMAN relationships between Danny and Madi, as well as his prior girlfriend and the others in his orbit. His disability was clearly present, and so were the ways that Jason, Madi, his dad, and others helped manage access when needed, but it was not the story's main focus. Even in the moments it was considered, they took care to ask what he wanted, be sure he was ready to move/transfer, and to let him do for himself when he didn't need/want help - they helped, but he maintained autonomy.

The scene when Danny and Jason were pitching the execs at Rubi, when he let go of the foundering slide deck & rehearsed plan and just shared his experience of finding love through the app was a highlight of the interpersonal facet to me.

As one of the recommenders suggested, the movie shows all the NUANCE of navigating this world full of other people and their perceptions and assumptions, especially about love and relationships, and representation of disability as a context, not a focus - it's a powerful perspective.

I definitely recommend Good Bad Things to anyone who wants to see a solid love story amid the full variety of people and situations in the world.

I fell in love with the characters in this movie. Strong, original storyline and loads of charismatic actors. But the difference-maker is the sensitive and patent direction. It moves with swiftness, humor, pain, and beauty, and I came to see the world very differently at movie's end. The film tracks a few casual days in an extraordinary man's life and before long I came to understand why all those around him love him so much. This movie is about love, about triumph of spirit, and about the strengths we draw from our family and friends during our darkest times. I laughed and cried. One of my most favorite movies ever. A must see!

I learned about this film via Squirmy & Grubs' YouTube channel and I believe that they helped to produce it. I agree that the acting was good and appreciate the message and portrayal of an interabled relationship that was shared. But the main character was too serious for me- he did not really smile or laugh at all in the film and I didn't know if that was just his personality or part of his disability. His disability type was not disclosed in the film. Anyway, he just seemed depressed to me, and maybe he was, but even when he was with his love interest he seemed sad. I still enjoyed the film overall but wanted to see more affect from Danny.

Seeing a person with disabilities act in a film is a big plus though. You often see professional actors without disabilities playing people with disabilities and I have mixed feelings about that. I would rather see people with disabilities acting in the film or show instead. This film could open more doors and make it easier for people with disabilities to get into the film industry. I cannot imagine how hard it must be. Anyway, I couldn't decide whether to give this a 7 or 8. Guess 7.5 if that is an option. Still recommend.