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Sundance Review: The Good Life

by Alex Billington
January 23, 2007

US Release Date: Sundance Film Fest 2007
Genre: Drama
Running Time: 106 minutes
Directed by: Stephen Berra
on IMDb
9.5/10

With one of the best opening scenes out of any film at Sundance, The Good Life sets an intense mood right at the beginning to lead you through this dramatic story of young Jason's life and troubles. The film is set in a football-fueled town but without a moment of football and made for people who hate football. It surrounds a brief amount of time where Jason (Mark Webber) struggles to fit in and deals with his own family, relationship, and physical issues. This film is my current top pick from Sundance - a remarkable creation.

The Good Life

Jason is very outstandingly defined and perfectly portrayed (by Webber) - he never strikes even a faint smile the entire film, except for one brief moment. In the story in The Good Life these two mentally flawed individuals eventually come together - Jason and Frances (Zooey Deschanel). In addition, one of the most heartfelt performances that even made me cry was from the unforgettable Harry Dean Stanton as Gus, the owner of a cinema that plays only classics because he believes they deserve to be remembered. Even this subtle appreciation for cinematic history, including clips from some true classics, adds another little nuisance that helps build up The Good Life into the phenomenal film that it is.

The Good Life is on the level of Donnie Darko, a profound, immense, and phenomenal small town story and amazing movie, and I say that from the bottom of my heart - it's just that damn good. It may change your life, it may not, but it will at least be an unforgettable experience.

The Good Life

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Related categories: Movie Reviews, Sundance 07

Zach

Whoa, Steve Berra directed this? Weird. I remember him from old skate videos.
Flint

A carefully crafted movie that leaves a lasting impression and provokes thoughts long after you have left the theatre.
bryan

This movie IS INTENSE! Look out Hollywood, WELCOME to STEVE BERRA!!! Great job on the casting. I cannot wait to see this film again in the theaters and have my friends see it!!
sylvia

An amazing experience. I still am analyzing each scene in my head even days after seeing the film. We can all learn something from all the characters in this film. So different from anything I have ever seen. I hope everyone gets a chance to see this film in theaters. All the actors were incredible!!
Bill

Hands down the best film I've seen at Sundance in years. Berra manages to get every ounce of acting ability from his actors.
Tess

How can you reach the producers of The Good Life?
Frank Jones

The producer is a guy named Lance Sloane. he has a company called farfalla films. I'm sure it's just lancesloane@farfallafilms.com. I don't know. Worth a try.
http://www.firstshowing.net Alex Billington

If Steve or Mark or anyone from it reads these comments again, definitely send me an e-mail! Thanks guys!
billy

the most awsome movie that will leve you wanting more and it's essence is engrainned in your skull and you just can't stop thinking about it so much longer than you've seen it! It's crazy! hands down best performance and would not be the same with out steve berra one of the greatest people to pull this movie through and capture the best of the movie, plus he did the best job writing. insane job! it's pimpin!
Louise

Will this film ever be on general release? I REALLY WANT TO SEE IT! Argh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
pau

this film is great i love it. but i was searching information, pictures and quotes of the film in internet and i cant find anything (in spanish, thats my lenguage)! I dont know why.