The Good Half

The Good Half is a great film that should definitely be talked about more. It's a heart-wrenching movie about love and loss and how loved ones deal with grief after losing someone close. Nick Jonas (Renn) is phenomenal in this, he embodies his character perfectly. Brittany Snow (Leigh), Alexandra Shipp (Zoey), and Elisabeth Shue (Lily) are great in supporting roles as well. The filmmakers and actors all did a great job because this movie feels very real and authentic. Anyone who doesn't like this film or thinks it's too boring or sad, probably can't relate to it because if you've ever lost a loved one this movie captures exactly how it feels. This is definitely worth a watch. Great acting and a beautiful film!

This is a small, but touching movie about a death that does not overstay its welcome. Each person in the family grieves in their own way and even the sleazy stepfather had his moments.

I'm on the fence with Nick Jonas - I don't get his appeal, but he does a good enough job with this. However, isn't he supposed to be a singer? His karaoke was awful, but I don't know his music, so eh.

Elizabeth Shue is wonderful, as always, in the supporting role of his Mother, and so is Brittany Snow, as his sister.

A slow watch, but I can't say I was bored at all. In fact, it brought back some sad memories for me too.

Greetings again from the darkness. Losing a parent is a difficult time that most of us will deal with at some point. Sorrow and guilt and anger are typically part of the grieving process, and that's precisely what writer Brett Ryland and director Robert Schwartzmann (THE ARGUMENT, 2020) show us. For those who have been through it already, it's likely to bring back emotions that will always be there, and for those who haven't experienced this yet, it serves as a cautionary tale.

The film opens with a mother (Elisabeth Shue) trying to make peace with her angry young son (Mason Cufari). It turns out mom absent-mindedly left the boy at the store, and it takes a 'pinky promise' that "I'll never leave you again" from mom to win the boy back. Of course, as avid movie lovers, we know this means mom will in fact leave the boy again at some point.

The film then jumps ahead 15 plus years, as that young boy Renn has grown up (now played by Nick Jonas) and is on a flight from Los Angeles back home to Cleveland for his mother's funeral. While flirting over the sleeping dude in the middle seat, Renn and Zoey (Alexandra Shipp, BARBIE, 2023) bond a bit, and even exchange numbers. She's therapist in town for a conference, and he coyly avoids telling her the real reason he's home.

Once home, it's clear an agitated and barely-speaking Renn is holding back emotions, and so is his sister Leigh (Brittany Snow, PITCH PERFECT franchise). Their kinda goofy dad (Matt Walsh, "Veep") awkwardly tries to make the best of things, despite the strain between his son and daughter. Leigh is a bit miffed at Renn for leaving her alone to take care of their cancer-stricken mom, and Renn is carrying the guilt and shame of not being there, as well as the anger of having mom leave him. However, the two can share their similar feelings of disgust towards stepdad Rick (perfect villain, David Arquette), whom we also find very easy to dislike. Their casket shopping experience is a terrific scene and gives Renn a chance to open up a bit with sarcasm.

Renn escapes the pressure a couple of times by meeting Zoey for drinks ... even karaoke, where Jonas sings the Modern English classic, "I Melt with You". Jonas and Ms. Shipp have good chemistry, and that goes for Jonas and Ms. Snow, as well. In fact, Jonas delivers a strong enough performance that we feel tense when he finally unloads his pent-up emotions, and he's able to juggle the mixture of comedy and grief and family drama. Everyone grieves in their own way, and it's always painful. The film's best line, "happy or not, it's family", is one many can relate to, and there is also a bit of advice: sometimes ... take the long way.

In theaters August 16, 2024.

Why are you actually home? "My mom died."

Nick Jonas (as Renn) delivers one of the most natural, honest performances you'll ever see on film, as he returns to Cleveland to attend his mother's funeral (Lily, played by the fabulous Elizabeth Shue). Of course, the camera loves Jonas, and he's one of those actors that simply looks great on screen. Whether the camera is wide or close, he's warm, authentic and naturally charming. Then there's the superb direction from Robert Schwartzman which is also very thoughtful as he draws nuance after nuance from Jonas with subtle, quirky looks, awkward smiles, and nervous gestures). Jonas reaches acting nirvana because it never looks like he's acting.

Overall, it's often painful to watch as Jonas' character interacts with his distant father and strange step-father while missing his dead mother (through often funny flashbacks). He struggles that she left him but he also realizes he is powerless to do anything about it. But, he can hope. He wants so badly to re-live a day, an hour, even a moment with Lily. But, it's never melodramatic or overacted. Just completely natural.

Toward the end of the film, Jonas delivers a very fine monologue of just what The Good Half means to him. It's a memorable bookend to a performance that is truly perfect.

Bravo Nick.

Beautiful movie with beautiful acting. Nick surely made it all the way. It reminded me of my time when I lost my mother and i think this movie must be watched by every soul on earth to understand the feeling loosing a mother. I dont understand that why low rating, are people have become numb? Beautiful acting beautiful plot and beautiful feelings all the way. Whats wrong? This movie is filled with feelings and emotions and loosing a loved one. Should deserve an award or something. Its a movie for the people who have feelings and are alive and understand what is means to lose someone. I wish more of such movies comes in and we must care about this life which is only for once. Cheers to the team who made this movie and the idea behind this. Superb acting by all and must remember our end as well. Life is short and worth to make memories in a good way.