Love, Kennedy (2017) User Reviews

Great feel-good movie

[jaredbishop8-653-893991 · 8/10 · 27 March 2020]

I was definitely not expecting to have been affected by this movie as much as I was. Very touching and spiritual and left you with such perspective. Watched it late at night and, once it was over, I literally had to stop myself from waking my daughter up to tell her how much I love her.

I've been reading other reviews and don't understand what some people are thinking. Definitely not a 10/10.The acting isn't world class but it gets the job done and anyone who has given this movie a 4 or less is obviously a cynical, bitter person who had no business chiming in. If you watch this with an open mind, it will warm your heart.

A story of love

[jeffrsprague · 8/10 · 7 February 2019]

I have to say, I'm profoundly disappointed by the reviews that trashed this movie because the subjects of the movie were Mormon - you wouldn't even know it until the end, and even then there was nothing to be worked up about, unless you are so afraid of the Mormons that a scene of missionaries offering words of comfort to a bereaved family somehow scares you. There is not one drop of evil or ill-will in this film. Just pretend the young men in suits that only occupy a couple of minutes of the film are old men in robes, and you'll get over it.

That aside - is this a perfect movie? Nah. It's a bit forced and manipulative, but it's also a wonderful story of love. Love of family. Love of a community, and yes, love of God. It might be a bit heavy for young children, but a perhaps a good movie for them anyway. This is a true story whose sole purpose is go inspire and comfort. For a low budget, independent film, the production values and acting aren't bad either. Thank you for sharing your family with us.

Requires a box of tissues

[trinaboice · 7/10 · 17 July 2017]

Movie Title: Love, Kennedy

Grade: B

Rating: PG, 92 minutes

In a Nutshell: Based on a true story, this movie requires a box of tissues when watching. The touching film will break your heart and fill it with love at the same time. Written and directed by T.C. Christensen, it's perfect for LDS families whose faith will be strengthened, but also uplifting and inspiring for those not of the Mormon faith.

Uplifting theme: Love one another. "God has bigger plans for your family." - missionary

Things I liked: I love watching Jasen Wade in all of his movies. Partly, I think it's because I think he's handsome, but mostly because I think he does a great job evoking real emotion. His acting is believable and flows easily. 5 year old Kennedy, played by Scarlett Hazen, is absolutely adorable. Teenage Kennedy, played by Tatum Chiniquy, is so pretty with such a gorgeous smile, perfect teeth, and the long, beautiful hair I wish I had. She did a great job and glows with the beauty from within, which is even better than the outside. I was impressed when someone said something unkind about Kennedy and her father patiently explained her illness. When the person apologized, Kennedy's mom simply said, "That's OK. You didn't know." Oh, that more people were kind and forgiving like that. Kennedy's little brother's name is Beau, played by Brennin Williams. I have a son named Bo, so I immediately liked him. I loved seeing pictures and videos of the real people at the end of the movie. Keep watching during the final rolling credits. Many of the scenes were actually filmed in the Hansen family's real home, as well as other locations where Kennedy's experiences took place. I was impressed that Jason and Heather Hansen's faith never seemed to waiver. I'm sure that in real life, they often struggled with the unique challenges that their family faced, but they held tightly to each other and their faith, so they were able to bear it all so beautifully.

Things I didn't like: Viewers who aren't Mormon won't recognize LDS Primary songs or Book of Mormon stories that are referenced in the film, but they aren't crucial to understanding the story. The movie can get heavy with sad scenes, one after another. There is an attempt to include some lighter moments, but overall it's a really sad movie. · This will never be a big Hollywood blockbuster, but it's a touching story that will make you hug those around you a little tighter. It feels a little bit more like a loving eulogy than a feature film, but that doesn't mean it won't tug at your heart. It lacks tension and arc that are the time-tested formula for great films; however, this sweet tribute to a remarkable young woman and her family is respectful and inspiring.

Funny lines: "Maybe it's a part of the plan." – Heather Hansen (Heather Beers) "I'd like to see a copy of that plan!" – Jason Hansen (Jasen Wade) "She thinks she's the best cheerleader in the world." – Jason "She is!" – Heather

Interesting lines: "Get aggressive! That's how we stand up to a bully!" – Jasen "But Daddy…why not just love her?" – Kennedy "Today's going to be a great day." – Heather "It always is." – Kennedy "Can anyone tell me why Kennedy doesn't have any challenges?" – coach "Because she doesn't see them that way." – cheerleader "When you hug her, you can feel the goodness, the beauty she has inside." – coach (Wow, I'd love it if people felt that way about me when I hugged them!)

Tips for parents: This movie is 98% sad, so be prepared. Your teenage daughters will bawl their eyes out. Your sons will make up some excuse to leave the room. To learn more about Batten Disease, go to www.bdsra.org If you want to cry some more, check out the book based on the true story Kennedy's Hugs No profanity or objectionable material at all. Thank you! There is, of course, a lot of discussion of death.

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice

I love my friend Kennedy

[applesauce-58589 · 10/10 · 13 April 2020]

I loved this movie so much. It was as realistic and true to how it happened as possible and those bashing it need to know the family before they have a say in how it happened. royjsampilo: I'm sorry that their true story isn't Hollywood Plastic enough for you. Bookwormsrus: Basically, you're saying that you would have liked the movie more if the casting was false to make them black, right? That's what it sounds like. iamoliviacole: The family helped with the casting. The movie is how it happened. When you can say that you went to school in Plain City Utah at Fremont High School than you can say that the movie was unrealistic and "BAD" as you put it.

Stop bashing on a true story about someone you don't know. Not everything has to be Hollywood Plastic.

Very good portrayal of a heart-wrenching true story

[paul-80913 · 10/10 · 26 November 2018]

Seems like most those who gave the film one star were only here to bash The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. How sad. While the film will certainly be well received and more clearly understood by members of the church, the love, kindness and generosity of spirit shown throughout the film appeals to any decent audience. By their fruits ye shall know them, right?

All the acting was very solid and believable. Tatum Chiniquy certainly had a challenging part to play but did so with warmth and dignity. Jasen Wade was excellent as always.

Probably an 8 star movie but I will give it 10 to make up for those who can't give an unbiased review.

Not just a movie created by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

[Crystal_Hansen · 25 January 2019]

This review contains spoilers. some not necessarily related to this particular movie.

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, as we prefer our original title to the offensive nickname "Mormons." I have had many people tell me they hated the film because of the "Mormon"-ness of it. I politely correct them by saying, "I understand you only know me as a Mormon, but I prefer being called a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. That is the name of my religion." I also have to shoot down people of the opinion that as a church we do not tolerate those of other religious beliefs. On the contrary. We are encouraged by our prophet, or the leader of our church, to explore other religions and even attend their meetings. We want to know what parts of the gospel other religions know and what versions they believe in. I'm not saying that just because we are not of the same faith I can't talk to your or be your friend. I have many friends that are not members and I love them just the same. We are all children of the same God and he loves us no matter what our faith is or what we believe. That'll never change.

Enough about my church, let's talk about the movie.

The family in the movie is a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints family. do some research on the real family and you'll figure this out.

Take away all the religious references and this movie is about a girl with a terminal illness. It's called Battens disease and it's always fatal. It deteriorates the nervous system slowly and there isn't much you can do when the nervous system is deteriorating. Anyone who knows what Battens disease is knows that Kennedy will eventually die. That's just how life goes. You live. You die. We will all eventually die. Being angry because the protagonist dies isn't a reason to hate a movie. Saving Private Ryan, The Great Gatsby, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, to name a few. Movies kill the protagonist all the time.

The amount of religious content pertaining to one religion isn't a reason to hate a movie, either. There are tons of movies out there created by one religious group. Not all of them are as obvious as others, but they are out there. Many movies are religion based and people don't hate them. But there are so many people out there that will hate a movie just because the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints made it. Really? You can't just accept that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints makes good movies too?

All hate aside, I loved the movie. You'll definitely need at least one box of tissues, maybe more, to get through it. Don't just focus on the religious basis of the film. You are more likely not to give this movie a chance if you focus solely on the religion that created it. It's based on a true story people. Get over the religion that doesn't happen to be your own.

One of the better films from the Christian inspirational genre

[Otto_Telic · 6/10 · 24 November 2020]

Quality and acting is on par with other movies from the Christian inspirational genre. The actors have something deeper vested in the story, which makes their acting more believable ironically than higher budget productions. I must admit I have *never* liked Christian inspirational movies and i rarely write reviews, but this film so successfully told its story, it was worth commenting on. This team knocked one out of the ballpark. Sometimes too cute, yet touching and thought-provoking. A beautiful tribute to Kennedy's legacy.

Great Story but BAD acting

[iamoliviacole · 1/10 · 30 December 2019]

Someone wanted me to see this because I had a loved one with a similar situation. I was happy to have a "good" movie without all the nonsense in main stream media. They really wanted me to see it so I tried. I couldnt get passed the acting of "Kennedy" Tatum Chiniquy . She went from an adult woman acting like a 2 year old to mentally retarded back to an infant and overly patronizing to the character. It was horrible. Tried 3 times but I'm surprised anyone says its good. I found a great youtube video documentary by the family and that is so much better. I wish christian based movies would be more careful on picking actors to woo the mainstream pubilc. Its like they picked t his woman because shes attractive but doesnt have an ounce of acting skills. Sorry, its not because its mormon, its because the main character's actor insults the audience's intelligence.

Best movie I've watched all 2018

[yazzyybooyp · 10/10 · 25 August 2018]

I've never watched something so heart warming i found this movie at the perfect time. Cried the whole movie

Just bad..

[erica-50521 · 1/10 · 7 December 2020]

Tragic story, I get that...really I do. The acting is horrible, every single actor is bad. The entire cast and the extras. The voice over is droll, and makes it more unbearable.

Family movie night!

[beam125 · 10/10 · 18 May 2018]

Helps you understand the important things in life and to always be positive even when bad things happen.

Promises An Uplifting Conclusion But Fails To Deliver

[dave-39285 · 3/10 · 1 February 2018]

Since I am still recovering from minor surgery and restricted to home, I have been watching a lot of movies. I selected this one based on the 85% rating from the audience and did no further checking before buying.

For the first 50 minutes it was fun and sad and sometimes funny; but little by little the emphasis on the wonderful benefits of Mormonism began to overwhelm the story. There are no nasty kids in Utah; and only one snide adult who immediately apologized so we didn't really get a chance to hate her. Otherwise every one and every thing was wonderful.

The "miracle" hinted throughout the film came in the form of a lapsed member of the church being brought back to the fold by visiting LDS missionaries and the spirit of Kennedy - good for them, of course, but not something I could relate to.

Post viewing research has encouraged me to avoid any other films directed by T. C. Christensen.

A Film to love and cherish now on DVD & Blu-ray

[blue-7 · 10/10 · 5 June 2017]

Once in a great while a film comes along that you want to share with all of your loved ones. LOVE, KENNEDY is one such film. I had the opportunity to see it at the advance screening and was deeply touched by this true story of a young woman's battle with a rare terminal disease. Because of her and her family's belief system they are able keep their faith and have a positive influence on hundreds of people who come to know and love Kennedy and her great strength. Director T.C. Christensen is attracted to true stories of people of faith meeting challenges of life. His 17 MIRACLES, EPHRAIM'S RESCUE and THE COKEVILLE MIRACLE were three such stories. LOVE, KENNEDY is the latest and one that will touch the hearts of families. If you have the opportunity of seeing this in a limited run theatrical screening please do so. If not, then watch for it to show up on streaming services or on Blu-ray/DVD in the Fall of 2017. After seeing the film I purchased the book KENNEDY'S HUGS and couldn't put it down. This along with the film has made for a very uplifting experience. The film will be released on DVD and Blu-ray on Sept. 26, 2017. Now everyone in search of something uplifting will have the opportunity to experience this very special film.

Beautiful Story

[rfbean-36859 · 10/10 · 23 September 2019]

I was blown away by the love in this story. It helped me to want to be a better person and serve others. I want to be more like Kennedy. She loved fearlessly.

I believe!

[onetreefrog · 12 August 2021]

I seen the commercial on the TV and I really really wanted to watch that movie. I when I finally found it and watched it it threw me completely offguard. I love the story about this little girl true story by the way. I would definitely recommend it And I would recommend a box of tissues or two. Thank you to the Hansen family For such a loving and giving story my heart goes out to you amen.

Mormon movie

[hollyhulsey1 · 5/10 · 25 July 2018]

Tricky, they sneak it's a Mormon family in there. Being a Christian I think this being a Mormon movie should be in the description...misleading others away from the truth of Jesus Christ. All Christian movies don't sneak it in to be misleading, you know it's faith based.

A true movie about a young lady who loved and inspired more lives than just her own.

[mike_jacobson_link-53214 · 10/10 · 15 October 2017]

!Warning: This review has spoilers but most of them don't go into much detail!

Love, Kennedy touched me deeply. From beginning to end this movie has been a wonderful journey! There are a few intense scenes but the laughter, tears, inspiration and love from this movie far outweigh them. I never knew Kennedy Hansen personally but I felt like she was paid homage too very well.

I like how the miracles that happened during and after Kennedy's life were represented. I also like how this movie shows that one person can be a miracle to others even when that person and others know that their life will end soon.

I love how this movie helps to reassure and remind me that I am not the only person that has experienced a visit from a loved one after they have passed away.

This is my favorite T.C. Christensen movie now!

I believe God had a hand in helping make this movie a reality 😀.

Uh...did you people see the same movie as I did?

[TheDome81 · 2/10 · 2 December 2023]

Wow, this movie was a real stinker. I know it's based on a true story. Several reviewers mentioned that it wasn't revealed until the end of the film that it was about a Mormon family. So I figured that would be just an afterthought. Wrong-oh! Abut 30 minutes in they go to church and I knew I was into a preachy, holy-roller movie. That when I gave up.

I never should have gone past the five-minute mark. The writing is absolutely dreadful. Just so amateurish it isn't funny. Then there's the acting. Dreadful. Every one of the so-called actors is terrible. And as if that wasn't bad enough, the narrator drones on and on like a zombie.

If you want to watch a lame, preachy movie, give this one a shot. I just couldn't handle more than 30 minutes of the pain. Ugh!

God is God

[mfivejude-1 · 10/10 · 30 January 2019]

I feel so sad that so many could only see thie movie through the prism of "anti-Mormon..as a catholic, I loved the whole premise. The acting was superb especially from the young and older kennedy./ I totally believed her character with that beautiful smile and her portrayal of blindness. what a shame that people still want to pidgeon hole God or His son. even the native in the bush that has never heard the word is loved and counted."born again,born better? I'll take the God that knows just how many hairs are on my head!

Another over the top Christian movie

[mmiv-1 · 3/10 · 22 February 2024]

Why do they have to make these movies that portray religion in such a ridiculous way. "Jesus will fix my eyes when I get to heaven"? Non religious people can't watch it or they'll gag from the ridiculousness. There's a way you can make movie with this plot and not make it super religious. The whole Christian part totally ruins and takes away from the movie. They only focus on the great and never the horrific tales that Christianity has done over and over. It's pretty ridiculous and you could easily redo this movie and not include all the crazy religion that they put into this movie. Maybe it would have done better.

Emotionally Overwhelming

[mistyshomeservices · 10/10 · 25 August 2020]

I have watched this movie a dozen times. I share it with everyone I know and encourage them to watch it as well. I just can't seem to get enough of it. No matter how many times I watch it, it always feels like the first time. Kennedy's story touched me in ways I can't even begin to describe. I hope others choose to watch this movie with an open mind because I think they may just find themselves grateful they did. Thank you Kennedy, not just for living like Christ, but for encouraging us all to do the same. We love you Kennedy! GO WOLVES!

Beautiful movie

[msofih · 10/10 · 20 February 2021]

Excellent movie. Teach us how beautiful life is. Kennedy is an angel in earth.

Unexpected

[www_dot_tmcc · 9/10 · 12 January 2021]

Let's be honest. The acting and script leave much to be desired. Except for the girl who plays Kennedy, she's really believable as a blind girl. The movie has the feel of a low-budget movie put together by Kennedy's friends and family to remember her. But there's something fresh and realistic about it, and it's a beautiful movie, regardless. Kennedy is portrayed as a real 15-year-old girl. She's spiritual, but also a funny, boy-crazy, annoying big sister who could easily be your daughter or niece, and in that, it's beautiful. If the family ever reads this, I'd like to say thank you for sharing your daughter's story.

What a movie from Start to Finish

[moviefreak1112004 · 10/10 · 5 October 2020]

Wow I love this movie I recommend this movie to anyone that love spiritual movies and that is base on a true story it will require a tissue God truly touches these directors who makes these movies.

Great Movie

[jasminekorus-52617 · 9/10 · 4 July 2020]

Very touching movie. Stumbled upon it one afternoon and the whole movie is very realistic, it speaks the trauma that a family can go through with an ill child. Highly recommended.