If I Stay (2014) Review

Title: If I Stay
Genre: Drama, Suspense/Thriller
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour, 46 minutes
Release Date: August 22, 2014
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Directed by: R.J. Cutler
Screenplay by: Shauna Cross
Produced by: Alison Greenspan, Denise DiNovi, Brad van Arragon (executive producer)

Based on the novel by: Gayle Forman

Official Site: ifistaymovie.com

About the Film:

Mia Hall (Chloë Grace Moretz) thought the hardest decision she would ever face would be whether to pursue her musical dreams at Juilliard or follow a different path to be with the love of her life, Adam (Jamie Blackley). But what should have been a carefree family drive changes everything in an instant, and now her own life hangs in the balance. Caught between life and death for one revealing day, Mia has only one decision left, which will not only decide her future but her ultimate fate.

Cast:

Chloë Grace Moretz as Mia Hall

Jamie Blackley as Adam

Mireille Enos as Kat Hall

Joshua Leonard as Denny Hall

Liana Liberato as Kim

Jakob Davies as Teddy Hall

Stacy Keach as Gramps

Gabrielle Rose as Gran

 

Find the full cast & crew on IMDB

Review:

Note: This review contains NO spoilers

Yet again...another YA novel has been adapted for the big screen. This time, it's a teen drama...the second of two that has been released this year, The Fault in Our Stars being the first. This film based on Gayle Forman's novel of the same title centers on the life and loves of a musically gifted young woman portrayed by Chloë Grace Moretz.

Although I haven't read the book...yet! I found the movie to be touching and realistic in regards to the coming of age of any young person having to make life decisions that will have a direct impact in their future. But, this time, for Mia Hall, the one major decision she has to make is life or death. Plus, her decision will not only impact her fate, but also impact the lives of the people who loves her. The film takes the audience on a journey of flashbacks of Mia's life while she lays comatose while her "spirit" self contemplates all that has happened before and up to the accident.

I found the cast, especially Chloë Grace Moretz and Jamie Blackley, to be convincing and true bringing the characters of the story to life. The soundtrack itself was fitting and beautiful to tell this tale. I found tears falling from my eyes during different parts of the movie...yes, I was close to bawling my eyes out...haha! Although it does romanticize teen relationships, it still keeps it real in regards to the coming of age of teens when it comes to make life and future decisions.

Although Hollywood has glamorized the real issues of growing up for teens in life and love, If I Stay is definitely a heartwarming, coming-of-age teen drama that many teens will be able to relate to...in various aspects of growing up. I feel that... this film can definitely be enjoyed by teens, as well as adults, in the sense that the characters are realistic and relatable.

If I Stay is definitely filled with a lot of feels... A tear-jerker, I would say.

My rating: