Movie Review: Open Road Films' 'Before I Fall' - #BeforeIFall

BEFORE I FALL
In Theaters March 3rd
Cast: Zoey Deutch, Halston Sage, Logan Miller, Kian Lawley, Elena Kampouris, Cynthy Wu, Medalion Rahimi, with Diego Boneta and Jennifer Beals
Directed By: Ry Russo-Young
Screenplay By: Maria Maggenti
Based On The Novel By: Lauren Oliver
Distributor: Open Road Films

What if you had only one day to change absolutely everything? Samantha Kingston has everything: the perfect friends, the perfect guy, and a seemingly perfect future. Then, everything changes. After one fateful night, Sam wakes up with no future at all. Trapped reliving the same day over and over, she begins to question just how perfect her life really was. As she begins to untangle the mystery of a life suddenly derailed, she must also unwind the secrets of the people closest to her, and discover the power of a single day to make a difference, not just in her own life, but in the lives of those around her--before she runs out of time for good.

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I am not one of the book readers on this site.  I know I should read more, but I see movies, a lot of movies.  On February 12, I screened Before I Fall, and it was easy to see why the book was a bestseller.  The story has all the makings of a good movie.  The characters are gorgeous, the setting is beautiful and there is a lot of teenage drama.  While, this isn’t a movie that was made for me, it is one that I enjoyed viewing with my tweens.  I think it’s a good movie for families.  

 

The fresh-faced case is enjoyable. Zoey Deutch (as Samantha) leads a young cast (Halston Sage, Logan Miller, Elena Kampouris) in this coming of age story with a positive message.  Deutch is a good lead.  I am interested to see what she is going to do in the future.  She has great screen presence.  I liked Logan Miller, too.   

 

The plot is simple enough.  The story takes place on February 12th, over and over.  It explores the belief, by some,  that the younger generation lives their life as if the world was going to end tomorrow, then it asks the questions “What if it really was your last day on earth? Are you happy with your legacy?” I didn’t bother to wonder why the day was repeating.  That’s irrelevant, and it doesn’t detract from the story. Everything from teenage love to family relationships is touch upon. 

 

I appreciated the message of the film.  I am so glad that I took my kids to see it.  There are a couple of not-so-comfortable topics brought-up in the story, but this story gave my family an opportunity to discuss several subjects brought up by the film.

Not every movie is made for all audiences. Before I Fall is made for teenagers. But I appreciate that it was a movie that parents and teens can watch together.  And I didn't hate it, or roll my eyes, or fall asleep. That is saying a lot. Great film for spring break. Take some teens. Before I Fall opened this past Friday.