Okay, I'm a male and a cancer survivor. This looked like an interesting movie, albeit a "chick flick," but once I started watching I got completely hooked. Yes, the subject of cancer is again given the Hollywood-style treatment (no makeup, just a sallow look, and A FULL HEAD OF HAIR! Guess the filmmakers thought a bald actress wouldn't look so good in love scenes; also, I wish I had experienced the minor discomfort she does during chemo treatments, not to mention how energetic our heroine is when most of us feel like we're lucky to be able to just stand up). But all that aside, it was a beautiful movie message-wise, and after only seeing Kate Hudson in her first role many years ago in Cameron Crowe's "Almost Famous" (and not being that impressed by her), she has certainly matured as an actress. There were two or three scenes that really hit home to me and I could understand exactly what she was feeling at the time. I don't remember seeing this opening in theaters here in San Francisco, and if it did, it didn't play very long, which is a shame; I hope this isn't another film that's gone direct to video. "A Little Bit of Heaven" is about tying up loose ends, little by little, and realizing, finally, that life is a gift and to be celebrated in the short time we're all here. Don't deny yourself the chance to see this movie.
87 Reviews
A Nutshell Review: A Little Bit of Heaven
DICK STEEL2 October 2011
What made this film a winner, is the appearance of Peter Dinklage, who recently picked up an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Game of Thrones, and whose character provided the name of this film, which of course puns on his physical size. Playing a social escort who got his services engaged for Kate Hudson's Marley Corbett, his support role was indeed one of the highlights of the film, coming in from the blue and serving up some great lines and moments, making a much welcomed lift for the story.
Which the trailer would have told you everything you needed to know from start to end, with Marley being a successful career woman who is climbing the corporate ladder with a zilch love life, but is soon cut down unfairly to size by Fate who had dealt her the disease hand. With cancer (colon, not very often mentioned on screen) treatment she meets her doctor Julian Goldstein (Gael Garcia Bernal) from Mexico, and tossing doctor-patient relationships out of the window, they spend an incredible amount of lovely time together even if both knows about their short lived romance should she choose to reject treatment, or if the disease would get the better of her. Whoopi Goldberg plays God, who grants her three wishes, two of which were used rather carelessly, though of no fault of the bubbly one given initial skepticism.
This film was ballsy in a number of ways, chief of which is in its treatment of a story about death without shirking from the nasty details of anticipation, and the inevitable execution. Many Hollywood films tend to cop out at the very last minute, but this one tackled it with a lot of dignity, and proved that one doesn't have to always compromise to do what gets reflected in real life. That, and Kate Hudson showing a lot of nerve in many scenes almost sans makeup, looking quite ghastly and pale as the story called for it. Written by Gren Wells, it's more about how one should approach life when given a death sentence, with the romance angle taking a back seat despite marketeers' efforts to skew this into a romantic comedy.
Which is not surprising since it's a film helmed by Nicole Kassell, whose previous film was the dark and brooding The Woodsman starring Kevin Bacon. A Little Bit of Heaven does steer toward a darker feel, although with some light at the end of the tunnel through overcoming challenges in difficult family relationships, and the maintaining of both established ones with good friends, and new romantic ones formed. Kate Hudson may be typecast for roles that may involve the devil may care attitude, and this one provides that opportunity for her to show off a little bit of dramatic acting chops. Gael Garcia Bernal though was relatively bland given his Doctor role, although does get some of the best lines in flubbing many jokes when the script called for it. Both leads share a nice chemistry although most of their romancing were reduced to a montage, leaving room for more of Kate Hudson and Kathy Bates to share some mother-daughter time, and that between Hudson and Lucy Punch playing her best friend and one of many close confidantes.
And in some ways this film made me think a little bit more about mortality, if one were to be struck by a serious illness which was detected late and the treatment really being a bitch, would you want to go ahead with trying to get cured, or to live whatever is left to the fullest? My choice will likely be the latter, although why not make the best of life with each day instead?
Which the trailer would have told you everything you needed to know from start to end, with Marley being a successful career woman who is climbing the corporate ladder with a zilch love life, but is soon cut down unfairly to size by Fate who had dealt her the disease hand. With cancer (colon, not very often mentioned on screen) treatment she meets her doctor Julian Goldstein (Gael Garcia Bernal) from Mexico, and tossing doctor-patient relationships out of the window, they spend an incredible amount of lovely time together even if both knows about their short lived romance should she choose to reject treatment, or if the disease would get the better of her. Whoopi Goldberg plays God, who grants her three wishes, two of which were used rather carelessly, though of no fault of the bubbly one given initial skepticism.
This film was ballsy in a number of ways, chief of which is in its treatment of a story about death without shirking from the nasty details of anticipation, and the inevitable execution. Many Hollywood films tend to cop out at the very last minute, but this one tackled it with a lot of dignity, and proved that one doesn't have to always compromise to do what gets reflected in real life. That, and Kate Hudson showing a lot of nerve in many scenes almost sans makeup, looking quite ghastly and pale as the story called for it. Written by Gren Wells, it's more about how one should approach life when given a death sentence, with the romance angle taking a back seat despite marketeers' efforts to skew this into a romantic comedy.
Which is not surprising since it's a film helmed by Nicole Kassell, whose previous film was the dark and brooding The Woodsman starring Kevin Bacon. A Little Bit of Heaven does steer toward a darker feel, although with some light at the end of the tunnel through overcoming challenges in difficult family relationships, and the maintaining of both established ones with good friends, and new romantic ones formed. Kate Hudson may be typecast for roles that may involve the devil may care attitude, and this one provides that opportunity for her to show off a little bit of dramatic acting chops. Gael Garcia Bernal though was relatively bland given his Doctor role, although does get some of the best lines in flubbing many jokes when the script called for it. Both leads share a nice chemistry although most of their romancing were reduced to a montage, leaving room for more of Kate Hudson and Kathy Bates to share some mother-daughter time, and that between Hudson and Lucy Punch playing her best friend and one of many close confidantes.
And in some ways this film made me think a little bit more about mortality, if one were to be struck by a serious illness which was detected late and the treatment really being a bitch, would you want to go ahead with trying to get cured, or to live whatever is left to the fullest? My choice will likely be the latter, although why not make the best of life with each day instead?
light rom-com with cancer
SnoopyStyle7 July 2015
Marley Corbett (Kate Hudson) is a strictly-single ad executive in New Orleans. She avoids any real commitments with her hookups. Her best friends are co-worker Sarah Walker (Lucy Punch), pregnant Renee Blair (Rosemarie DeWitt) and gay neighbor Peter Cooper (Romany Malco). She feels sick and goes to see Dr. Julian Goldstein (Gael García Bernal). While under, she sees God (Whoopi Goldberg) who gives her three wishes. She wishes to fly, $1 million and something for later. She has late stage colon cancer. Her parents Beverly (Kathy Bates) and Jack (Treat Williams) can't stop fighting even with their daughter sick. She wins a radio contest to learn hang gliding. Dr. Sanders (Alan Dale) tells her that chemo isn't working and she goes on a medical trial. She finally tells her boss Rob Randolf (Steven Weber) and he tells her about a million dollar payout from the life insurance. Peter sets her up with gigolo escort Vinnie (Peter Dinklage) nicknamed Little Bit of Heaven.
Is it really a bad thing to cross a cutesy rom-com with cancer? The critics seem to think so. I don't judge it like that. This is by no means perfect. Whoopi Goldberg as God is distracting as hell. Gael García Bernal is not fully committed to being a bad English speaker. He should really throw in a lot of Spanish. Kate Hudson is at home with these silly rom-coms. Her flightiness is more of a defense mechanism so I don't really take it as cutesy. The cancer stuff allows the movie to transition to heartfelt seriousness although it's very jarring sometimes. The tone is a tricky thing in this movie and it does struggle. However I don't mind treating cancer with a lighter tone.
Is it really a bad thing to cross a cutesy rom-com with cancer? The critics seem to think so. I don't judge it like that. This is by no means perfect. Whoopi Goldberg as God is distracting as hell. Gael García Bernal is not fully committed to being a bad English speaker. He should really throw in a lot of Spanish. Kate Hudson is at home with these silly rom-coms. Her flightiness is more of a defense mechanism so I don't really take it as cutesy. The cancer stuff allows the movie to transition to heartfelt seriousness although it's very jarring sometimes. The tone is a tricky thing in this movie and it does struggle. However I don't mind treating cancer with a lighter tone.
A great movie.
hello-dean0917 September 2011
I saw this week "Something Borrowed", "Bridesmaids" and "A Little Bit of Heaven", and the rate seems so opposite to what I think. Bridesmaids 7.3 and "A Little Bit of Heaven" 5.9, I just don't understand how. This movie makes you laugh and makes you cry, I had seen some really really bad comedies that makes you cry! but this one really touches your feelings. This is my first review, the only reason I wrote this is because I think people should know it. In my humble opinion, this one was so much better . Kate Hudson's acting goes beyond to what we have seen before, I think she is doing it better and better with the pass of the time. Well that's it! Just to let you know what I think.. Thanks for reading it.
An unrealistic portrayal of a cancer patient
Gordon-1126 November 2011
This film is about a young career woman who has to re-prioritise her life after finding out she has cancer.
I was hoping "A Little Bit of Heaven" would mix romantic comedy with some tear jerking drama about coping with cancer, but the film shows almost only romantic comedy. Kate Hudson acts well but her role as a woman battling with terminal cancer is so unconvincing. She even has ALL her hair even after her chemotherapy! It so irresponsible that her character blatantly disregards treatment just to get some love from her doctor. The tone of the film is just wrong, it does not acknowledge the suffering of cancer patients and the loved ones around. I find "A Little Bit of Heaven" an unrealistic portrayal of the life of a terminal cancer patient, minimising and invalidating the physical and psychological issues they face.
If "A Little Bit of Heaven" drops the cancer subplot, and just states that Marley has a serious illness that changes her attitude towards life, it would have been less offensive to cancer patients and survivors.
I was hoping "A Little Bit of Heaven" would mix romantic comedy with some tear jerking drama about coping with cancer, but the film shows almost only romantic comedy. Kate Hudson acts well but her role as a woman battling with terminal cancer is so unconvincing. She even has ALL her hair even after her chemotherapy! It so irresponsible that her character blatantly disregards treatment just to get some love from her doctor. The tone of the film is just wrong, it does not acknowledge the suffering of cancer patients and the loved ones around. I find "A Little Bit of Heaven" an unrealistic portrayal of the life of a terminal cancer patient, minimising and invalidating the physical and psychological issues they face.
If "A Little Bit of Heaven" drops the cancer subplot, and just states that Marley has a serious illness that changes her attitude towards life, it would have been less offensive to cancer patients and survivors.
A different review from a Man
duane43216 February 2012
Okay, I have read the other reviews of this movie, and I must say, I think the women are much more on base than the men. I believe the other men who have reviewed this, have some issues with what the world calls a chick flick... A Little Bit of Heaven, in my opinion as man, was actually the perfect blend of humor and drama, Kate Hudson's finest work that I have seen to date. Its a story of an individuals ups and downs of coping with death at a very young age. I felt this movie showed both the attempts to stay positive an upbeat as well as what I am sure happens, the anger to the people around you. For the reviews who gave this anything less than 6 minimum, but then rate "The Other Guys" a perfect 10, shows you they are just shallow. I am a father of 4 daughters, and can't imagine what it would of be like to go through something like this. I would recommend this movie to all, minus the men, who think they are too cool or tough to show a little emotion, as this movie in my opinion will bring tears to anyone...
Much more emotional then the preview let on. Very good and very much worth seeing. I recommend this. I say B+
cosmo_tiger10 June 2012
"I have cancer...who wants desert." Marley Corbett (Hudson) is a young and fiery ad executive. She has everything going for her. Great friends and a personal life that she is OK with. After a visit to the doctor changes her life she decides that a change to her personal life is needed, fast. Without trying to give too much away I have to say the preview was misleading (to me anyway). I was expecting a comedy along the lines of "50/50". While this did have some funny moments in this it is much more of an emotional movie then I expected. I don't want you to misunderstand me on this because this was a very good movie and I enjoyed it quite a bit, but don't go in expecting to laugh as much as you did at "50/50". I would compare this more to the TV show "Big C". The movie is good and definitely worth watching but this is more of a love story then I expected as well. Not to sound morbid, but I would call "50/50" more of a guy's cancer movie while this one is more of a chick flick. Both are good but I liked "50/50" more. Overall, funny and emotional and very much worth watching. I give it a B+.
how about a little bit of research on oncology and some hope & awareness for cancer patients?
eldiez4ever9 September 2012
So anything goes in Hollywood movies to make them pretty and saleable! Granted! But how about some correct jargons and dialogue like a medical instead of "your cancer is all over your colon" ... and how about, can a patient on chemo go to a public place like a night club full of smoke? oh wait she is accompanied by her doctor who just a while ago asked her for a "drink"... a drink? really? in the middle of treatment? I donno what to say about this movie... I wish it promoted a little bit of awareness and hope for the cancer patients instead of making it look like oh so rosy and then have an ending to make it romeo-julietish! Gael Garcia is soo good in Spanish films, I don't know why he acts so weird in English movies. Casting was mismatched. There was no chemistry. Why did they cast Gael Garcia? Kate Hudson did not look like a terminal colon cancer patient. Losing so much blood (which is unavoidable in colon cancer sorry Hollywood) will make her anemic and very sickly...not so much color and energized eyes ... And why are we rooting for her? The character did not come up in anyway that likable or extraordinary, even with her constant grin. Oh and those jokes thruout the movie... !!!!! speechless
A heartfelt "dying" comedy that fails with its conventions
Shattered_Wake8 September 2011
Warning: Spoilers
'A Little Bit of Heaven,' which will be the final film released by the the now-bankrupt studio The Film Department, is really a blown opportunity. Not so much the film itself, but the title. After hearing that title and seeing the great Peter Dinklage as the #2 listed cast member, I was excited. Could a movie actually take a risk and have the main character date a little person/dwarf? Now, it wouldn't be the first time that this would have happened, though the only one that comes to memory is 'Freaks' and I don't think that casts a good light on the subject. Unfortunately, the only relation the title has to Dinklage is the nickname he was given within his profession (I won't give away what that profession is, however, for sake of not ruining the best part of the film).
The film stars Kate Hudson as Marley, a slutty marketing exec who either doesn't believe in love or just enjoys gallivanting around with random men too much. After feeling rundown after a particularly intense night of said gallivanting, Marley heads to the doctor to get herself checked out. After a few tests come back with bad results, she finds out that she's suffering from colorectal cancer and has only a short while to live. This news is first broken to her by none other than God. . . played by Whoopi Goldberg. . . in an anaesthesia-induced hallucination. Her future is then confirmed by awkward, but apparently handsome, oncologist Julian (Gael García Bernal), who convinces her to sign up for a dangerous experimental treatment for no other reason than to have the film make her look more tired and give her a few more days to fall in love. Also joining Marley's side in her time of need is her best friend Sarah (Lucy Punch) and her combative parents (Kathy Bates & Treat Williams).
Instead of straying from the conformity of modern romance stories, 'A Little Bit of Heaven' grabs right onto them and holds on for dear life. It takes almost all of the elements of past "dying comedies" (like Queen Latifah's 'Last Holiday' and Angelina Jolie's 'Life or Something Like It') and stuffs them into the film, including a funny "risk-taking" scene (hang gliding here), laughing off the condition as "not so bad," and falling in love with the doctor. It doesn't bother to add much of anything new, except the use of Whoopi Goldberg as God, though there have been funnier choices to play a deity (Alannis Morisette in 'Dogma' comes to mind). After Judd Apatow released 'Funny People,' even if it wasn't universally loved, I had hoped that this small subgenre of comedy would get a push in the right direction. Unfortunately, it looks as if it's going to continue to cling onto the same conventions for a bit longer. The film does contain some heartfelt moments that may jerk some tears from the ducts of our more emotional audience members, but after the emotional manipulation ends, there isn't much else. That being said, it's not really a poorly written film. It's just not a bravely written one and that will leave it to be nothing more than a forgettable entry in the filmographies for the otherwise talented cast.
Final Verdict: 6/10.
-AP3-
The film stars Kate Hudson as Marley, a slutty marketing exec who either doesn't believe in love or just enjoys gallivanting around with random men too much. After feeling rundown after a particularly intense night of said gallivanting, Marley heads to the doctor to get herself checked out. After a few tests come back with bad results, she finds out that she's suffering from colorectal cancer and has only a short while to live. This news is first broken to her by none other than God. . . played by Whoopi Goldberg. . . in an anaesthesia-induced hallucination. Her future is then confirmed by awkward, but apparently handsome, oncologist Julian (Gael García Bernal), who convinces her to sign up for a dangerous experimental treatment for no other reason than to have the film make her look more tired and give her a few more days to fall in love. Also joining Marley's side in her time of need is her best friend Sarah (Lucy Punch) and her combative parents (Kathy Bates & Treat Williams).
Instead of straying from the conformity of modern romance stories, 'A Little Bit of Heaven' grabs right onto them and holds on for dear life. It takes almost all of the elements of past "dying comedies" (like Queen Latifah's 'Last Holiday' and Angelina Jolie's 'Life or Something Like It') and stuffs them into the film, including a funny "risk-taking" scene (hang gliding here), laughing off the condition as "not so bad," and falling in love with the doctor. It doesn't bother to add much of anything new, except the use of Whoopi Goldberg as God, though there have been funnier choices to play a deity (Alannis Morisette in 'Dogma' comes to mind). After Judd Apatow released 'Funny People,' even if it wasn't universally loved, I had hoped that this small subgenre of comedy would get a push in the right direction. Unfortunately, it looks as if it's going to continue to cling onto the same conventions for a bit longer. The film does contain some heartfelt moments that may jerk some tears from the ducts of our more emotional audience members, but after the emotional manipulation ends, there isn't much else. That being said, it's not really a poorly written film. It's just not a bravely written one and that will leave it to be nothing more than a forgettable entry in the filmographies for the otherwise talented cast.
Final Verdict: 6/10.
-AP3-
A Little Bit of Nausea...
Howlin Wolf30 April 2012
Warning: Spoilers
The script was all over the place. There were parts I liked, but they seemed to come from several different movies, and didn't fit into this one. Peter Dinklage's gigolo and Whoopi Goldberg's turn as "God" belong in a flighty movie, not in a film that's trying to be a serious look at how people cope with cancer.
The patient/doctor dynamic, was insultingly trivialised, too. I can accept that two people who fall in love might break the rules, but I would've thought there would've been a whole lot more soul searching going on. He turns her down initially, but then soon relents and says yes, with no real plausible explanation for the change of heart. Seems to me you might be a lot more cautious if agreeing to a date meant your career was on the line. His colleagues try to warn him off, but mostly the movie treats the relationship like it's a happy, frothy joke, when in reality it represents a serious ethical breach that deserves to be treated like a big deal, if it goes ahead.
The whole movie was like this, veering wildly between lighthearted and dramatic, without the characters being able to make the shifts feel convincing.
At one point another character says to Marley something like: "Why do you always have to treat everything like a joke?!" I feel the same way about Kate Hudson. "Raising Helen" was another movie with an ostensibly serious subject, but somehow it ended up as an inconsequential, disposable timewaster - just like this. Like mother like daughter, I guess; always trying to make light of things, instead of tackling the serious stuff.
The patient/doctor dynamic, was insultingly trivialised, too. I can accept that two people who fall in love might break the rules, but I would've thought there would've been a whole lot more soul searching going on. He turns her down initially, but then soon relents and says yes, with no real plausible explanation for the change of heart. Seems to me you might be a lot more cautious if agreeing to a date meant your career was on the line. His colleagues try to warn him off, but mostly the movie treats the relationship like it's a happy, frothy joke, when in reality it represents a serious ethical breach that deserves to be treated like a big deal, if it goes ahead.
The whole movie was like this, veering wildly between lighthearted and dramatic, without the characters being able to make the shifts feel convincing.
At one point another character says to Marley something like: "Why do you always have to treat everything like a joke?!" I feel the same way about Kate Hudson. "Raising Helen" was another movie with an ostensibly serious subject, but somehow it ended up as an inconsequential, disposable timewaster - just like this. Like mother like daughter, I guess; always trying to make light of things, instead of tackling the serious stuff.
Romance, comedy and tears all in one film!
katieburrans13 February 2013
A Little Bit of Heaven. It's got romance, comedy and tears. This film gives you mixed emotions all the way through. With the amazing actors, Kate Hudson and Gael García Bernal ,who play the main characters, they do an amazing job at portraying how live is like with a terminal illness. It really does touch your heart. This film shows you that whatever happens in life you have to live it to the full and you don't take live for granted. I have recommended this film to my friends and family who have also said the film was emotional and funny. I recommend this to all of you reading this currently and I have rated this 10 out of 10. You will LOVE it.
looks like a salad, weighs you like big mac
TheMediumC26 October 2013
In genre it also says "comedy"... well don't fall for that. It is very very dramatic. Like drama-wise; it's much more 'philadelphia' than 'the bucket list' and it should have been more like the second one. It's dark and the jokes or the dancing in the end doesn't make it any more bearable. Kate Hudson and Gael Garcia Bernal are not so bad but the thing is even though Hudson's character is dying, you wait for her to start making a list like how to loose a guy when you're dying because how is her acting here any different than that movie? Bernal is different however romance genre is not a very good fit to him yet, for me his acting is too stable.
I don't say the movie is bad, but it doesn't match to its poster, its colors, its actors... in the end: when this movie ends you feel you have been cheated. Because a movie is a whole with all its elements together (music, cinematography, casting, writing, etc.) and with the first look, you feel like you are going to eat a salad, and when you finished; nope! you just ate whole big mac with extra cheese.. that's just not you ordered! And believe me, once you ate it, you don't feel any good.
I don't say the movie is bad, but it doesn't match to its poster, its colors, its actors... in the end: when this movie ends you feel you have been cheated. Because a movie is a whole with all its elements together (music, cinematography, casting, writing, etc.) and with the first look, you feel like you are going to eat a salad, and when you finished; nope! you just ate whole big mac with extra cheese.. that's just not you ordered! And believe me, once you ate it, you don't feel any good.
Touching drama, not what you expect - take tissues
amz_666_4 February 2011
Warning: Spoilers
After seeing two of this weeks other not-so-happy releases 'Rabbit Hole' and 'Brighton Rock' back-to-back I was looking forward to a bit-of-fluff rom-com but bloody hell that is not what I got. I don't know if it's because of the overly happy looking marketing or the lack of overall promotion but the people behind 'A Little Bit of Heaven' have kept it quiet for a reason, granted it's pretty funny but really depressing. Tears started falling about 20mins in and didn't stop until after I got home. I complained the other day that Kate Hudson never seems to do anything with substance these days I take it all back now. Her heartfelt and convincing portrayal of Marley Corbett a young 30- something with a successful career, great mates and who seems to have it all figured out certainly has substance. Marley admits she can be a bit of a slut, she's aware that she lives more like a 20-something and she doesn't care. Until one day it all falls apart – she's told she's got cancer of the colon (there are a few unnecessary medical scenes involving a colonoscopy. and those who have needle phobia – take a scarf to hide behind) and that it's not curable. After a quick visit upstairs to see God , (this time not Alanis Morissette or Morgan Freeman but instead we have Whoopi Goldberg taking on the job) Marley suddenly realises that she needs to change her priorities and as could only happen in movie world or in an episode of ER, in walks a dashing Dr (Bernal), a man who couldn't tell a joke if his mother's life depended on it who finds Marley's overwhelming but fun personality intoxicating and infectious. Not the usual boy meets girl story but it works – sorta and so a romance blossoms despite the fact that she's a dying woman. A tad sick? Yes but go with it. The rest of the film is Marley rapidly changing and getting more ill, now it's not as depressing as 'My Sister's Keeper' but it's not far off. When Queen Latifah took a stab at playing a woman with the big c she went on an extravagant holiday and it was all pretty annoying. Kate's film is more honest and as we watch her friends and family rally round her (even ordering her a mini-hooker in the form of Peter Dinklage to lift her spirits)) and help as you would expect in normal life you actually care about her awful situation. The casting at first seems odd, Gael García Bernal already proved that he doesn't act romance well in 'Letters to Juliet' so why try again here? Kathy Bates is great as always and Lucy Punch as the mad-cap friend (no change there then) is a nice compliment to Hudson.
It's a thoughtful and thought provoking film, anyone with a heart will leave the cinema wanting to tell their friends that they love them. Just take tissues.
It's a thoughtful and thought provoking film, anyone with a heart will leave the cinema wanting to tell their friends that they love them. Just take tissues.
A bit pointless
phd_travel9 April 2012
Warning: Spoilers
This movie shows a cancer patient with a feisty upbeat attitude enjoying life to the full till her death.
There are some things not quite right about the movie. First of all they keep saying how good looking Gael Bernal is but he really isn't. In fact he is kind of gnome like.
Kate Hudson hasn't had the best roles in the past and this is no exception. She doesn't evoke much sympathy for the character and her relationship with her parents is not convincing.
In the end it felt a bit pointless. A not very well written story that lacks humor or involvement.
There are some things not quite right about the movie. First of all they keep saying how good looking Gael Bernal is but he really isn't. In fact he is kind of gnome like.
Kate Hudson hasn't had the best roles in the past and this is no exception. She doesn't evoke much sympathy for the character and her relationship with her parents is not convincing.
In the end it felt a bit pointless. A not very well written story that lacks humor or involvement.
Nice to see New Orleans featured in this love story, putting the F-U-N back into 'funeral'.
TxMike5 July 2012
Warning: Spoilers
We saw this on DVD, and being former New Orleans residents enjoyed seeing some of the familiar sights there. The movie is moderately entertaining, not great. It is always nice to see Kate Hudson.
Kate Hudson is Marley Corbett working in advertising in New Orleans. She lives in a small apartment not too far from Jackson Square and rides her bike to work. She loves a good relationship and especially the sex that goes with it, but has no intention of committing to one person. When she starts to lose some weight and experience a few symptoms she gets examined and it is found she has colon cancer, and it has spread enough it may not be treatable.
In a stroke of good fortune for her, the handsome young doctor is Gael García Bernal as Julian Goldstein, a Jewish doctor from Mexico. As he treats her, they go out, "not on a date", but soon they both fall for each other. But what is the future of falling in love when time is so short? That concept is examined here.
Kathy Bates is always good and here she is Beverly Corbett, Marley's mom. Lucy Punch is good as her best friend Sarah Walker. As well as Rosemarie DeWitt as Renee Blair .
Whoopi Goldberg is an interesting character, as God. But to clarify, the movie is not depicting her as God, but when Marley is unconscious during her procedure and has an "encounter" with God, it is her own projection that makes him/her appear to be Whoopi. Marley is granted three wishes, one to fly, another for $1Million, and she is not sure about the other. Eventually it becomes to fall in love for real, and all her wishes come true.
Peter Dinklage has a very curious role, as Vinnie, apparently sent to Marley's place by a friend, as a kind of "entertainment." They end up playing cards. The parts for his stature are few, but Dinklage is really a fine, natural actor, it is always a pleasure to see him even in such a small role (no pun intended)!
Kate Hudson is Marley Corbett working in advertising in New Orleans. She lives in a small apartment not too far from Jackson Square and rides her bike to work. She loves a good relationship and especially the sex that goes with it, but has no intention of committing to one person. When she starts to lose some weight and experience a few symptoms she gets examined and it is found she has colon cancer, and it has spread enough it may not be treatable.
In a stroke of good fortune for her, the handsome young doctor is Gael García Bernal as Julian Goldstein, a Jewish doctor from Mexico. As he treats her, they go out, "not on a date", but soon they both fall for each other. But what is the future of falling in love when time is so short? That concept is examined here.
Kathy Bates is always good and here she is Beverly Corbett, Marley's mom. Lucy Punch is good as her best friend Sarah Walker. As well as Rosemarie DeWitt as Renee Blair .
Whoopi Goldberg is an interesting character, as God. But to clarify, the movie is not depicting her as God, but when Marley is unconscious during her procedure and has an "encounter" with God, it is her own projection that makes him/her appear to be Whoopi. Marley is granted three wishes, one to fly, another for $1Million, and she is not sure about the other. Eventually it becomes to fall in love for real, and all her wishes come true.
Peter Dinklage has a very curious role, as Vinnie, apparently sent to Marley's place by a friend, as a kind of "entertainment." They end up playing cards. The parts for his stature are few, but Dinklage is really a fine, natural actor, it is always a pleasure to see him even in such a small role (no pun intended)!
it hit me so hard
ops-5253527 June 2019
This is a smilesad movie, made for the britle among us. the first time i saw it i did not wakeup for the message, but the 2nd time i viewed it, at nightshift early in the morning at work, it hit me so by surprise, and got hit by the extreme sadness, and the tears could not stop, to my female workmate great surprise. i do now caracterize it as a classic love and death movie, and maybe kate hudson best appearance on the silver screen.
if you havent seen this film yet, be sure to have your hankies around,because the grumpy old man can guaratee a some kind of teardripping experience anyhow. highly recommended
if you havent seen this film yet, be sure to have your hankies around,because the grumpy old man can guaratee a some kind of teardripping experience anyhow. highly recommended
7
Edvis-199726 February 2021
It's really nice and warm movie. Maybe the main problem is actor. She's really talented but she fits better in comedies and I see it's difficult for her to be serious. The plot was good,I liked idea, maybe it's not unique but something that audience can relate to. I can't understand metascore 14 and Tomatometer 4%. You can say, oh,this movie is bad but it's impossible to give such low scores, that's just disappointing from critics. Movie is good, totally worth watching, don't let haters to misslead you.
I Demand My Time Back, like Now.
vabullard11 March 2013
Warning: Spoilers
"I am a "young" white female. My father hasn't been the best father. My mom is a complete and total basket case so I have the right to insult them and behave like a 14 year old boy because I am dying. This message is o.k. because I am a "young" white female."
I wasn't allowed to shout in my summary but that summary was supposed to be all caps with an exclamation mark at the end. I don't review many movies but this one is so bad that I just have to say something in defense of women and children whose parents aren't "perfect", by the way, who IS perfect?
This character should REALLY get over herself. She is insensitive, mean spirited and stupid. She lacks any valid emotions. Everything she says and does is completely narcissistic and I want my time back. Seriously.
By the way, I am a female too. This is not a "chick flick" this is a butchering of the true spirit of femininity. Girls are soft, we want to be loved, we want to be treated well by the men in our lives and if we don't get those things that we want we are disappointed but at the end of the day we conduct ourselves as real women do: with dignity. We don't go around starting relationships that we know we can't finish and we don't create emotional wounds in others that will never be resolved (she is dying!).
Why would she lower herself to treating her parents like crap when they are clearly not well equipped? This is beneath any human being. It is better for the mental health of the woman and for the cohesiveness of the family to be graceful and do your best to help your idiot parents. Instead of condescending upon her mom and dad she should have done a better job of having some positive quality time spent with them before death.
She is dying! Doesn't she want to leave things on a positive note? Doesn't she want her parents to think that they aren't so bad? It isn't like they can have any MORE spoiled, entitled children to screw up. There are tactful ways of going about conveying to your parents that they suck and this character has absolutely no empathy toward the parents and for that and many other reasons I hate this movie. This movie teaches us nothing and is a complete waste of time, film and money.
My recommendation: Do not watch this piece of garbage.
I wasn't allowed to shout in my summary but that summary was supposed to be all caps with an exclamation mark at the end. I don't review many movies but this one is so bad that I just have to say something in defense of women and children whose parents aren't "perfect", by the way, who IS perfect?
This character should REALLY get over herself. She is insensitive, mean spirited and stupid. She lacks any valid emotions. Everything she says and does is completely narcissistic and I want my time back. Seriously.
By the way, I am a female too. This is not a "chick flick" this is a butchering of the true spirit of femininity. Girls are soft, we want to be loved, we want to be treated well by the men in our lives and if we don't get those things that we want we are disappointed but at the end of the day we conduct ourselves as real women do: with dignity. We don't go around starting relationships that we know we can't finish and we don't create emotional wounds in others that will never be resolved (she is dying!).
Why would she lower herself to treating her parents like crap when they are clearly not well equipped? This is beneath any human being. It is better for the mental health of the woman and for the cohesiveness of the family to be graceful and do your best to help your idiot parents. Instead of condescending upon her mom and dad she should have done a better job of having some positive quality time spent with them before death.
She is dying! Doesn't she want to leave things on a positive note? Doesn't she want her parents to think that they aren't so bad? It isn't like they can have any MORE spoiled, entitled children to screw up. There are tactful ways of going about conveying to your parents that they suck and this character has absolutely no empathy toward the parents and for that and many other reasons I hate this movie. This movie teaches us nothing and is a complete waste of time, film and money.
My recommendation: Do not watch this piece of garbage.
Cute, sometimes funny, sometimes sad
vchimpanzee13 November 2022
Last week I saw the Weird Al movie and I want to compare this to that. No, I'm not saying this is Oscar-worthy or hilarious. I'm saying it seems about as realistic as the story of the parody master's life.
And that's fine. Al's real life might not have been that much fun, and I wouldn't have wanted to see a cancer patient's suffering realistically. And so what if a doctor and a patient have a relationship that shouldn't be ethical? Very little of this movie seems like it is really showing someone dying, but if you are willing to accept that it likely will happen, unless there is a miracle, why not just pretend? Actually, my aunt had radiation and chemo for breast cancer and didn't have all that much difficulty or lose her hair.
Kate Hudson does a great job and nearly always has a positive attitude and a smile, despite everything. She's often funny and just plain silly. That's what I really want to see. Sure, I want the miracle cure, but even if it doesn't happen, she doesn't have to be sad all the time and make us sad. And regardless of how bad things get, she is always pretty. Again, things don't actually get bad most of the time. With no obvious symptoms or problems most of the time, we just have to take the doctors' word for it.
And there are plenty of big names who have been honored with awards. Also some very good actors I never heard of.
Peter Dinklage gives his usual fine performance, this time in a comedy role. I suppose he was a prostitute. But he showed a level of intelligence that made him better than that.
Kathy Bates played a different kind of role and did it very well. She lacks confidence and isn't very likable BUT SHE'S TRYING.
I've seen Treat Williams a lot. He's the typical distant father who tries to throw money at the problem and doesn't want to actually do anything.
Whoopi Goldberg does a good job as God, and pretty much what one would expect from her.
Alan Dale has relatively few lines but does a good job. As the oncologist, he shows the professionalism and confidence that made him the one who could solve nearly any problem on the reboot of "Dynasty".
Now for people I'm not familiar with. Lucy Punch is quite pretty and bubbly. Never heard of her, but she reminds me of Molly Ringwald. She and Hudson are so good together.
Romany Malco is good as the gay neighbor. I didn't pick up on this at first and didn't recognize him later in the department store scene. Straight women and gay men (I am neither) will also like his first appearance with almost nothing on and all those muscles.
I don't know which one of the Bass sisters, but it was so cute when the little girl is given a compliment, and instead of "Thank you" says "And I'm smart."
I didn't care for most of the music. I also didn't know this was New Orleans until the end. Why could we not have heard more of that kind of jazz? My guess is the music was what Kate Hudson likes, or what fans of this movie would like. But I like real music. And New Orleans jazz is real music.
There is a happy ending but I won't explain what that means.
Family friendly? A lot of words got bleeped (the sound went out) but somehow I got the impression whoever did that was being overly cautious. And sometimes the silence and the blurry mouth lasted a long time. In the version I saw, no body parts are seen but just enough is showing and it is implied a man and a woman did you know what. I won't say who they were.
I suppose this was worth seeing. If you just want cute, that's enough.
And that's fine. Al's real life might not have been that much fun, and I wouldn't have wanted to see a cancer patient's suffering realistically. And so what if a doctor and a patient have a relationship that shouldn't be ethical? Very little of this movie seems like it is really showing someone dying, but if you are willing to accept that it likely will happen, unless there is a miracle, why not just pretend? Actually, my aunt had radiation and chemo for breast cancer and didn't have all that much difficulty or lose her hair.
Kate Hudson does a great job and nearly always has a positive attitude and a smile, despite everything. She's often funny and just plain silly. That's what I really want to see. Sure, I want the miracle cure, but even if it doesn't happen, she doesn't have to be sad all the time and make us sad. And regardless of how bad things get, she is always pretty. Again, things don't actually get bad most of the time. With no obvious symptoms or problems most of the time, we just have to take the doctors' word for it.
And there are plenty of big names who have been honored with awards. Also some very good actors I never heard of.
Peter Dinklage gives his usual fine performance, this time in a comedy role. I suppose he was a prostitute. But he showed a level of intelligence that made him better than that.
Kathy Bates played a different kind of role and did it very well. She lacks confidence and isn't very likable BUT SHE'S TRYING.
I've seen Treat Williams a lot. He's the typical distant father who tries to throw money at the problem and doesn't want to actually do anything.
Whoopi Goldberg does a good job as God, and pretty much what one would expect from her.
Alan Dale has relatively few lines but does a good job. As the oncologist, he shows the professionalism and confidence that made him the one who could solve nearly any problem on the reboot of "Dynasty".
Now for people I'm not familiar with. Lucy Punch is quite pretty and bubbly. Never heard of her, but she reminds me of Molly Ringwald. She and Hudson are so good together.
Romany Malco is good as the gay neighbor. I didn't pick up on this at first and didn't recognize him later in the department store scene. Straight women and gay men (I am neither) will also like his first appearance with almost nothing on and all those muscles.
I don't know which one of the Bass sisters, but it was so cute when the little girl is given a compliment, and instead of "Thank you" says "And I'm smart."
I didn't care for most of the music. I also didn't know this was New Orleans until the end. Why could we not have heard more of that kind of jazz? My guess is the music was what Kate Hudson likes, or what fans of this movie would like. But I like real music. And New Orleans jazz is real music.
There is a happy ending but I won't explain what that means.
Family friendly? A lot of words got bleeped (the sound went out) but somehow I got the impression whoever did that was being overly cautious. And sometimes the silence and the blurry mouth lasted a long time. In the version I saw, no body parts are seen but just enough is showing and it is implied a man and a woman did you know what. I won't say who they were.
I suppose this was worth seeing. If you just want cute, that's enough.
Better than expected based on reviews
davispittman8 April 2016
A little bit of heaven is cute and well acted. The cast here really is pretty great, Kate Hudson is awesome in the lead role, Kathy bates is good here, Whoopi Goldberg is good to see, and hey even Pater Dinklage was enjoyable in his small cameo. This movie, in my opinion, is pretty well written, well acted, and the premise is smart and hasn't really been done exactly like this before. The chemistry between the cast members is electric, especially the romantic connection between the lead lovebirds. I'm not quite sure why this movie got crapped on and hated by so many, it was cute, sad and heart felt at the same time, and well done. I enjoyed a little bit of heaven, and I think you will too, and that is why it scores a big 8/10 on my movie rating scale. Go and have an enjoyable but also sad time with this one! Also,yes, this movie is definitely sad, but there's also a happy element to it.
Terribly Awful Movie
ness9788 December 2012
I will be totally honest but maybe sound a bit harsh(not intended), but this has to be the worst I have cancer movies I have ever seen with the worst acting as well, Kate Hudson plays a good b**** and should stick to that role like the movie she has done Bride Wars.She did not make me feel sorry for her in this movie and this movie did not make me get teary as other " cancer" movies have. I think producers should stay away from the whole cancer movies scene as it has been done way too many times now and is getting old and people don't want to watch someone dying and in pain from cancer on a movie as I am sure nowadays they have known someone with this awful disease or whom have died, last thing we need to see is more of these movies so if you big shot producers cannot come up with something new other then the same thing then simply don't make more of the same garbage. If your a person who wants to see a movie like this then try watching, My Sisters Keeper,A Walk to Remember, or November Christmas.
Very bad acting!
marcus_ferm27 October 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I'm sure this was one of the worst acting performance I seen in a very very long time. It is supposed to be a tragical story but Kate Hudson plays her role like it is a comedy, absolutely nothing about this movie is reliable. Actors smiles and acts in a way that only makes the movie really bad and annoying, Gael García Bernal is also totally bad in his role, it's like a joke to put him in the role as a doctor, nothing is credible in his acting. He could play a part as a busker or mental ill patient instead, it would suit better. People who rate this movie high is terribly confused or lacks a credible view of reality, because the movie has quite a sad end (that actors make laughable for not saying pathetic) it's NOT a reason for giving higher rates. Some actors (Bates, Dinklage, Goldberg, Dale, Weber) play good but it's not enough for give the movie even 3/10. If you want to waste a bit of time for something that is totally ridiculous, then go ahead and watch this movie!
Irritatingly inaccurate!
megan-robinson8413 June 2014
Warning: Spoilers
As a cancer survivor, I must say that this is one of the worst films that I have watched! The lead character goes through chemo like it's a minor cold, has a full head of hair throughout the whole film, and is incredibly active despite that fact that she is supposed to be dying of colon cancer.
The lack of information regarding basic oncology is an insult to those who have had to go through various rounds of cancer treatments. It also shows how the research for the film was either totally inadequate or non existent.
And just when they couldn't do any worse... she falls in love/lust with her doctor. And that has broken how many ethic codes? Pah! Cancer is no fairytale, so films that sugar coat it (like this one) really annoy me and belittle the long and painful journeys that cancer patients have fought for years.
The lack of information regarding basic oncology is an insult to those who have had to go through various rounds of cancer treatments. It also shows how the research for the film was either totally inadequate or non existent.
And just when they couldn't do any worse... she falls in love/lust with her doctor. And that has broken how many ethic codes? Pah! Cancer is no fairytale, so films that sugar coat it (like this one) really annoy me and belittle the long and painful journeys that cancer patients have fought for years.
Below average
ShaktiRathor18 November 2011
Well,to start with..i should tell u that i am a big Kate Hudson fan. I loved her performance,her acting in the movie. Now,if u take Kate Hudson out of this movie...only crap is left Very below average performance by her doctor and friend's characters The direction becomes horrible in the climax as thr movie becomes very slow in the later half. The element of romance is absent in the story,this is one of the biggest reason i am disappointed with the movie. It cud hv been way way better.not worth a watch. N even if u do(as a Kate Hudson fan) Dnt xpect anything for this movie. The mother's character too is very shallow and doesn't contain what i xpected. Finally i would just say that it was a pathetic attempt at creating emotional depth in audience mind.failure i wud say!
Truly Amazing!
SpiritedAngel20 August 2012
I watch a lot of different films, some great and some not so great. Out of all the films I have watched so far, this one made me feel most for the characters, which doesn't usually happen with me. It had me laughing me ass off, so much so that I actually woke up my sister in the next room :/ and towards the end, right when Marley gives her Mum the photo of them both, I could not have stopped crying if I tried. By the end, I was a blubbering mess. I'm kinda glad I didn't see this in cinema, walking round with a tomato-red face is not a good look.
My favourite laugh out loud moment of this film - although there are many to choose from - would have to be the entire scene with Vinnie. Peter Dinklage has the ability to make me laugh in any film he is in, I think he is wonderful, but the whole scene with Vinnie and Marley faking sex to ... well I don't know what the aim of that was, to gross Peter out for 'hiring' Vinnie in the first place, or to simply make him laugh, but that whole scene had me laughing so much I almost peed. Probably a little bit too much information there, but it's the truth.
Kate Hudson is brilliant, but I think this may be her best role yet. She is one of my favourite comedic actresses and she is so believable in every role she takes on, I want to meet her and give her a great big hug and tell her how amazing she is and that she should keep doing what she is doing because it definitely works.
I have been kinda putting off watching this film to be honest. My friend kept telling me I should watch it because she thinks Gael García Bernal is hot, and I have to agree now that I have seen this, but it felt too real for me. At the time, my Mum had just been sent for tests for colon cancer. And I didn't want to watch this and be thinking 'is this how it's going to happen to her? Will Mum go through this too?' On a positive note, she doesn't have colon cancer, so that's one less thing to worry about, but I still can't help thinking that this is happening to someone else's Mum or Dad, or their brother or sister, or auntie, best friend - you get the point I'm trying to make. I think we definitely take things for granted in life - mostly the fact that we're still alive. People complain about stupid things that go wrong, things that don't really matter - it's not often you find films that offer a wakeup call, or films that make you feel something real for the characters.
One of my favourite, or maybe even my actual favourite film of 2011, and I hope to see more films like this in the future.
My favourite laugh out loud moment of this film - although there are many to choose from - would have to be the entire scene with Vinnie. Peter Dinklage has the ability to make me laugh in any film he is in, I think he is wonderful, but the whole scene with Vinnie and Marley faking sex to ... well I don't know what the aim of that was, to gross Peter out for 'hiring' Vinnie in the first place, or to simply make him laugh, but that whole scene had me laughing so much I almost peed. Probably a little bit too much information there, but it's the truth.
Kate Hudson is brilliant, but I think this may be her best role yet. She is one of my favourite comedic actresses and she is so believable in every role she takes on, I want to meet her and give her a great big hug and tell her how amazing she is and that she should keep doing what she is doing because it definitely works.
I have been kinda putting off watching this film to be honest. My friend kept telling me I should watch it because she thinks Gael García Bernal is hot, and I have to agree now that I have seen this, but it felt too real for me. At the time, my Mum had just been sent for tests for colon cancer. And I didn't want to watch this and be thinking 'is this how it's going to happen to her? Will Mum go through this too?' On a positive note, she doesn't have colon cancer, so that's one less thing to worry about, but I still can't help thinking that this is happening to someone else's Mum or Dad, or their brother or sister, or auntie, best friend - you get the point I'm trying to make. I think we definitely take things for granted in life - mostly the fact that we're still alive. People complain about stupid things that go wrong, things that don't really matter - it's not often you find films that offer a wakeup call, or films that make you feel something real for the characters.
One of my favourite, or maybe even my actual favourite film of 2011, and I hope to see more films like this in the future.
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