Number Rolled: 100
Movie Name/Year: If
I Stay (2014)
Tagline: Live for
love.
Genre: Drama
Length: 106
minutes
Rating: PG-13
Production Companies:
DiNovi Pictures, MGM, New Line Cinema
Executive Producer:
Denise Di Novi, Gayle Forman, Brad Can Arragon
Director: R.J.
Cutler
Writer: Shauna
Cross, Gayle Forman
Actors: Chloe
Grace Moretz, Mireille Enos, Jamie Blackley, Joshua Leonard, Liana Liberato,
Stacy Keach, Gabrielle Rose, Jakob Davies, Ali Miner, Aisha Hinds, Lauren Lee
Smith
Mia has her whole life planned out. Even when she meets a
boy that threatens her ultimate plan, she stays on course. A sudden and tragic
car accident, however, leaves her fighting for her life.
Selina’s Point of View:
Chloe Grace Moretz (Laggies,
Kick Ass, Carrie) is an amazing actress. She transforms her roles until
they fit her. Even a depth-less character becomes something special when she
performs.
She is the reason I wanted to see this movie so badly. Sure,
the concept was intriguing… but it was Chloe that really made me want to watch.
I can’t say it was entertaining, but it wasn’t really
supposed to be. The point of the film was to trigger emotions on a deeper level
than your generic drama. Unfortunately, I didn’t really think it worked. It was
like sadness for sadness sake, very little storyline other than what you pick
up in the trailer. In fact, I feel like this is my second time watching the
film because the trailer left very little in question. I even knew the ending
within minutes of the movie’s start.
The actors did great with their parts, but great actors can’t
really help a bad adaptation. If I Stay
should have remained a book. I haven’t read it, but I’m almost positive it
would be the better platform for telling this story.
Cat’s Point of View:
I have wanted to see this film since the trailers first
aired for it. The story seemed compelling and tragic – with just enough hope.
The few moments of the teasers made me misty; I knew I was in for a
roller-coaster.
Chloƫ Grace Moretz (Let
Me In, Dark Shadows, Hugo) is a joy to watch, especially when her heart is
breaking right on the screen for you. She pulls you in with her as the girl
lost in her music, and rips your heart out with the decision she has to
face. From vigilante to victim, I have
enjoyed watching her career blossom.
The film does an excellent job of endearing this family to
you. The Halls are the kind of laid back parents that everyone wishes they had.
Their surprise, sacrifice, and support are all put together in a masterful
puzzle. Mireille Enos (World War Z,
Sabotage, The Captive) and Joshua Leonard (The Town that Dreaded Sundown, 6 Years, The Ever After) were
brilliant in their supporting roles.
I think Stacy Keach (The
Boxer, The Portal, Planes) was the tipping point for me, though. I was a
little sniffly before his key scene, but afterwards I think I was all out
bawling.
If I’m being fair, however, I have to note that the whole
movie wasn’t squeezing my heart for tears, only most of it. There were some
lighter moments within the interaction between Mia and Adam, played by Jamie
Blackley (Vinyl, The Fifth Estate,
Irrational Man), that were warm and even funny.
Fans of Stephen King’s Under
the Dome (2013-) might recognize one of the nurses in this film. Aisha
Hinds (Lost Dream, Unstoppable, Beyond
the Lights) was a pleasant surprise, here.
I loved this movie in spite of it holding a mosh pit on my
emotions. This one is probably going into my collection in the “Wall-o-Movies”
at my house. I would recommend it; and also bringing plenty of tissue when you
watch it.
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – 36%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – 62%
Netflix’s Prediction for Selina – 4.7/5
Selina’s Trust-the-Dice Score – 2.5/5
Netflix’s Prediction for Cat – 5/5
Cat’s Trust-the-Dice Score
– 5/5
P.S. This movie was based on a book, “If I Stay” by Gayle
Forman. However, there’s a second novel told from Adam’s perspective: “Where
She Went” by the same author.
Movie Trailer:
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