The Most Fun You Can Have Dying (2012) Reviews

• This movie is engaging.

  thewilberforces-12012-06-27

  This movie is engaging. This has something to do with the acting, something to do with the direction and a lot to do with the handling of subject matter: A man who hasn't worked out what he wants to do with his life has suddenly been given a deadline. The performances are strong and its actually about something. Its a fantasy in a lot of ways, it plays out like the full spectrum of lifetime desires, misdemeanors and heartache. Through the sequence of this film, the lead character experiences both sides of betrayal, copious amounts of sex, wild spending, debauchery, a lot of pain and a lot of love. Its gorgeously shot too, across European winter and has a soundtrack to die for. This film seems to have polarized New Zealand audiences. In my world that means its a good film.

• An awesome film

  mark-40372012-05-19

  This is an absolutely brilliant film. It has been beautifully shot in both NZ and Europe. The story is engaging and I found it to be very touching. The characters are complex and extremely well played by all of the cast. Matt Whelan and Roxane Mesquida in particular are both excellent. It is unusual these days for a film to surprise me but the story is so well directed that it really did. This film is a great example of Kiwi talent and just goes to show that New Zealander's can punch way above their weight. I wouldn't be surprised to see the film pull in a few awards before long. This is a film that makes you think and feel. The only way you could be disappointed is if you are incapable of one (or both :-) ) Go see it!

• Excellent film

  kelseyb732013-06-23

  This is an excellent film, well written and superbly acted. Matt Whelan is a revelation as the terminally ill Michael who embarks on one final hurrah. The scenery filmed is stunning and the European winter sets the scene for what is often a sad and harrowing tale. Roxane Mesquida plays the part of the mysterious Sylvia and does a fine job of slowly revealing her issues and demons to the audience. Many themes run through this film, the major being the joys of friendship. A moving film and one of the best NZ films made for a long time. It is a shame this has not been given a wider audience as the cast and crew deserve much plaudits for what is an outstanding film. My only gripe would be the title of the film which suggests a light hearted comedy piece, when the reality is the exact opposite.

• Brilliant. Loved it.

  kumquatnoir2012-09-27

  This movie is awesome. Great cast and locations. It made me cry. I don't don't know much about New Zealand, but hey - this is a special film. The sound track just works, and the guy who plays the lead is great too. The french chick in it is very sexy, and it's great that we get to see her breasts. It seems to have a lot of locations. It must have cost quite a bit. Shooting in Monaco and Venice must have been quite special. I don't want to put spoilers in so i'll refrain from saying too much about what it's about. Fundamentally it's a love story between two screwed up people - although the guy has a pretty good reason to be screwed up by all accounts. This movie very much took me on a journey and I enjoyed every minute of it.

• I should have walked out!

  nz man2012-05-17

  This was the biggest film disappointment for me in a long time. I kept waiting and waiting for the film to get better, and I wanted to walk out - after all, I was the only one in the Wellington cinema and would not have bothered anyone by leaving. The cinematography and editing was acceptable, and like another reviewer here has commented, the various (European) cities were beautiful to see. Matt Whelan's acting was good, but at times Roxane Mesquida's acting came across as stilted and amateurish. It did indeed come across as pretentious, unrealistic, disharmonious and boring. The director and script writers must have been in a black mood to produce such a miserable story. Surely the high votes for this movie must be from those involved, and they will subsequently down vote this or any other negative review. All I can say is if you do choose to see this movie and find that you don't like it, then walk out!