Living Proof (2008 TV Movie) User Reviews

An enjoyable and enriching experience

[Bromios · 8/10 · 3 January 2010]

A surprisingly good movie. Surprising, partly because it was Harry Connick Jnr, partly because of the low budget, partly because the subject matter could have so easily lent itself to schmaltz.

Harry Connick Jr turned it a great performance. He somehow added the right amount of nerd to give a realistic feeling performance. The director triumphed over the budget, creating a compelling movie. Particularly striking was the effective deployment of a disused cliché, the white fadeout. The treatment was sensitive, with a true feel for the complexities involved in such a life and death area.

The film is not easy to watch in places, the ending is somewhat patronizing, but overall, an enjoyable and enriching experience.

Made-for-TV and actually has substance.

[michaelRokeefe · 7/10 · 17 June 2009]

The Lifetime Network takes a true story and makes it an interesting and redeeming movie. Dr. Dennis Slamon(Harry Connick Jr.)sees his tireless struggles come to fruition. It is a milestone in his career helping develop a new experimental drug Herceptin, hopefully a productive treatment in the fight against breast cancer. Slamon thinks getting FDA approval is rough; but even rougher is facing the fact funding for the project is exhausted. The charming doc will find funds from two philanthropists and in perfecting his treatment it is discovered that Herceptin does not work on every patient. Skeptical backers and critically ill patients seem to be sandbagging his determination; but Slamon has confidence that his cancer treatment has the ability to save thousands of lives.

LIVING PROOF is filmed in the star's hometown, New Orleans and has an impressive cast that features: Angie Harmon, Regina King, Bernadette Peters, Bruce McKinnon, Paula Cale, Amanda Byrnes, John Benjamin Hickey and Amy Madigan.

some interesting supporting actresses

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 6 October 2015]

It's 1988. Dr. Dennis Slamon (Harry Connick Jr.) is researching a breast cancer gene treatment at the UCLA Medical Center. Jamie McGrath (Amanda Bynes) is an English Lit student who gets the assistant job that nobody wants. Slamon lacks the funds for research and the time for his family. Lilly Tartikoff (Angie Harmon) insists on fundraising for Slamon. As he works on the treatment, the movie also follows several women who discover they suffer from breast cancer.

This is based on the true story of the struggles to get approval for the breast cancer drug Herceptin. While it provides a few interesting insights into drug trials, the central story isn't actually that dramatic. The most compelling parts of the movie are some of the great actresses doing the cancer patients.

Not an ordinary Made-For-TV-Movie

[Pranksalot · 10/10 · 20 October 2008]

There is always a negative connotation with TV movies. And from the looks of most TV films, it is safe to assumed so. TV films tend to be films that have recycled material so many times that we can predict every scene which in the end muddled the message. But once in a while, there is a diamond underneath all these TV garbage. If we hold on to such stereotypes of TV films we will most likely missed the few good ones. I'm glad that I watched it after all. The reason I was interested in this TV movie was because of the cast, primary Amanda Bynes.

This movie will inform you of things that most of you have may have not known about Breast Cancer. Who knew that there are so many obstacles in getting a drug approved by the FDA. This movie celebrates the struggle and success of a man who was optimistically determined to get his powerful drug approved and tested. He did not do it alone; he received help from his supporting wife, his assistant, and his friends. It shows the importance of having friends and family who care and support you.

Due to such a large but impressive cast, each actresses are given small allowances of scenes. But each actress "hit out of the ball park" and put good to use with their limited scenes. My favorite cancer patient would be the Seahorse-Tea Powder lady; her last scene will make you wept twice. Amanda Bynes dramatic debut was a huge success. She does bring some of her lovable humor in at the beginning of the movie, but becomes serious towards the end of the film. She also made good use with her limited scenes. I look forward to Amanda's future darker roles. The last scene of the movie is memorable, Oscar-Worthy even.

GO watch this movie. It is worthwhile. You will be entertained, your tear ducts will overflow, you will laugh, and most importantly of all, YOU will learn. I can't get over the shock that Lifetime could come up with such a great, well-made film.

Inspirational True Story

[hlallo · 5 August 2009]

This is the true story of the first Doctor to find a treatment for breast cancer that did not involve killing cells in the body (radiation/ chemo). This determined physician - Dr. Dennis J. Slamon - and his vision for a new treatment and those who believed and supported him in his work is so movingly told. The producing team (Chicago, Hairspray) including Renee Zellweger, and the incredible cast of actors, and wonderfully directed - you know this film was a true labor of love. It shows in every minute of the film. I missed this on TV and just happened upon this at the Blockbuster and I was blown away it is the best movie I have seen this year. Like others I wept at times with sorrow and other times with joy. Thank you to all that made the showing of this story possible.

OK, but...

[natalie-646-989150 · 5/10 · 27 January 2010]

The movie was worth watching and was consciousness-raising in ways. Its depiction of the steps involved in FDA approval of drugs was informative. But the unrealistic parts of the movie made me wonder whether other parts of it were in fact accurate. For example, the cleavage shown on women said to be stage-four breast-cancer victims was laughable. And the scenes involving people undergoing chemotherapy or who had recently undergone chemotherapy were also suspect. Their full heads of hair did not appear to be wigs. My overall impression was that whoever was in charge of the details of the filming knew very little about breast cancer.

FIGHTING CANCER IS NOT IS NOT AT ALL EASY!

[Tony-Kiss-Castillo · 9/10 · 3 February 2024]

FILE THIS ONE UNDER.... "TRUTH IS OFTEN STRANGER THEN FICTION"!

BUT BEFORE DIVING IN: Let us FOCUS on the Title's Content & Context:

It's usually best to try to be somewhat objective when writing a review. This simply wasn't possible in the case of "Living Proof". It's hard to be objective about death. My mother-in-law succumbed to Lung Cancer on February 24, almost 6 months ago to the day of posting this review. "MUST SEE" is a phrase you won't find in ANY of my 50 reviews...until today.

For those of us who have had someone dear struck down by cancer, this is one film you owe it to yourself to see. As is frequently the case with true stories, the old "Truth IS Stranger than Fiction" adage inescapably comes to mind after viewing. With health care a hot-button issue that has figured prominently in the news, almost on a daily basis, in recent months, "Living Proof" should appeal to anyone and everyone who has an interest in this pivotal issue. The central thread of the story focuses on Dr. Dennis Slamon's heroic and arduous 12 year marathon research campaign to acquire FDA approval for his tumor-shrinking drug, Hercepton. Dr. Slamon, almost single-handedly, eventually triumphs over a seemingly endless and insurmountable array of bureaucratic and administrative hurdles. Both Living Proof's true story itself and the ensemble acting merit 10*!

Considering it's made for TV origin, it is rather unusual to see three name actresses appear in the same film. Regina King, Swoosie Kurtz and Bernadette Peters all turn in Emmy nomination caliber performances. Harry Connick Jr., who portrays Dr. Slamon, does a commendable job, albeit not quite at the level of the 3 aforementioned actors.

The following is an unresearched comment: Owing to the subject matter of this movie, I don't think it's much of a leap to assume that for many of the actors and crew involved, Living Proof was a labor of love. Of course, it is difficult to watch at times, because watching people who are inconsolable, begging for medication that is their only viable hope for staying alive, isn't easy. It brought me to tears several times. The maudlin music was unoriginal and too prominent at times, for example.

9********* STARS.

too churchy

[sergelamarche · 5/10 · 16 June 2020]

Very good true story but the treatment of the religious type is too pronounced. The music is terrible.

Inspired true story of a doctor who wouldn't take 'no' for the answer.

[TxMike · 6 June 2009]

This is a "made for TV" movie and it looks like it for the most part. It doesn't have the same production values as the big Hollywood movies. But that doesn't detract at all from the inspiring story it tells. I was able to see it on DVD.

Harry Connick Jr. is Denny Slamon, UCLA physician and researcher. The movie begins in the 1980s and continues for about 10 years. During this time he is working to develop a drug that will stop the growth of certain types of breast cancer cells present in roughly 25 to 30% of breast cancer cases. This would work differently from the harsh drugs of chemotherapy and result in none of the undesirable side effects.

To progress beyond lab research with mice cells and into clinical trials required the drug company Genentec to sponsor his work for eventual FDA approval. They were reluctant because cancer research was view with great skepticism, and their business interests seemed to outweigh their interest in developing a new treatment which could save many thousands of lives a year.

The movie has an all-star cast, and Connick Jr is outstanding in the lead role. A fine story with a happy ending.

very powerful

[loribee59 · 10/10 · 20 October 2008]

Growing up, I've watched many disease-of-the-month movies in late '70's and through the 80's. One can get jaded about how those movies make it so schmaltzy about how brave and courageous people are when they're staring at death in the face.

This movie is different...it's so frustrating to watch, but at the same time, it's hard to pull away when each time the trial drug enters a successful phase, roadblocks to the next phase gets thrown up and it's nerve-wracking to see if it will be successful the next phase up. I remember feeling like I just want to reach into the TV and slap the drug's nay-sayers~ that's just how good the movie is. It gets me so very much involved with the movie.

I also remembered feeling so angry towards the FDA being so strict with their guidelines, that the doctor had no choice but to turn down some of the women, that in essence, sealed their doom. I can't imagine how horrible he felt...and how many times he had to say "I'm sorry" to each woman. I felt like crying along with him when he cried with frustration twice in the movie.

I must warn that there is one quote made by the actress Regina King towards the end of the movie that in my opinion-- was so powerful, about how hard it is to wait for people who aren't ready for her when she's dying~ death waits for no one. How scary it is to hear that. I had tears just hearing her speech. Her quote will stick in my mind for a very long time.

If anyone missed this movie, I'd make sure they don't the next time...whether it airs on TV again or when the DVD comes out.

Women from all over.

[bamcubz · 10/10 · 20 October 2008]

I cried, but then again I cry at these types of stories anyhow. I cried not only for the Doctor and his family, for the women and their families and for myself. Like so many of these women, you don't ever expect to be the one that is told - "You have breast cancer", well I wasn't exactly told that, but they did tell me we see something on your films and want to do another. So for 2 weeks I waited to take that second test and then another week for the results. These were the longest weeks of my life. Everything stopped. I just waited until they called me at work. Not knowing what they were going to say, I was sitting with my head down and didn't say a word. Once they told me, I thanked them, hung up and sat there for a moment. I stood and turned to the ladies in my office with a cracking voice said... "everything is fine" and then burst into tears. Tears of relief, tears of joy, tears that I would continue my life as normal. They gathered round and hugged me, not realizing the weight I was carrying on my shoulders these past weeks. You never know until its you. I know some what these women have got through but not everything and I have to respect them for putting up a fight, for being brave and having the courage to go on. For their families to be supportive, understanding, and most of all loving and just being there for them. The Doctor for never giving up and knowing all along it would work, for his family sacrifice of 12 years of their lives while he worked on this.... the cure for Breast Cancer.

Brilliant

[debbie-entwistle · 10/10 · 23 February 2023]

I'm a her2 breast cancer lady, I was nervous about watching this seeing as I'm in treatment currently. But I'm glad I did. If it weren't for this man I'd be facing certain death. I know that sounds morbid but it really is the truth, he has saved so many women. I thought the storytelling of this film was great, Harry connic Jr played the lead role brilliantly. The actress who played his wife was great too. So many big names in this film, which I'm glad about as it's such an important topic. It just goes to show how important perseverance is, and this doctor had it in spades. I feel very lucky after watching this, I've had 2 herceptin so far, when I have my third (of 18) I'll try not to let it annoy me that it hurts!!

Right up there with The Room and Troll 2

[williambendavis-933-218958 · 28 January 2015]

Oh Living Proof. How horrendously terrible you are, although, I still enjoyed watching you immensely. This is one of the best unintentional comedies I think I've ever seen. I mean it's up there with The Room and Troll 2. Now, I am going to rate this movie objectively. I'm not giving it a 6/10 simply because it made me laugh, oh no. I'll tell you right now, this movie is getting a 1/10, no question about it. Just keep that in mind. Okay, where to start with the problems in this movie? It's actually extremely difficult since literally everything is wrong with this movie. Hmm… lets start with acting, why not? To say it is not good would be an understatement. Our man guy Dr. Slamon (not salmon thank you very much) is played by someone who has probably never acted in anything before ever. Judging from this performance anyway. The only character traits he seems to have is getting hilariously angry at people and running in slow motion (seriously, I'm not kidding. I think there is a total of like 5 minutes of running. It's worse than a Tom Cruise movie.) Now to be perfectly honest, I don't remember a single side character's name. All I do remember is, they all sucked at acting and Amanda Bynes played one of the characters (who also really can't act). Moving on to writing! The writing is both the best thing about this movie and the worst. Best, because it's really funny, but worst, because from a film making perspective, it is some of the most clunkiest, most awkward writing I've ever heard. None of it sounds slightly realistic. It sounds like something that belongs on Days of Our Lives or something of the sort. I can properly describe it, you really need to hear it yourself. The pacing is all over the place as well. Maybe like 4 or 5 times, the movie will jump forward to a year later. Now, I realize this is about hopefully getting a cancer drug approved, which takes many years, but that doesn't excuse lazy pacing. Simply jumping forward in time just doesn't work. If you haven't realized by this point, these filmmakers had no clue what they were doing, even if they had good intentions. Those things are like the main problems, but trust me, there are countless miscellaneous problems that didn't really fit any of these main categories. For example, whenever they cut to another scene, they'll use a blank, white screen to transition, and it looks so cheap. Stuff like that. Now, you may say "oh, this is obviously a joke." "They knew exactly what they were doing when they made this." And I'm calling them out on their crap. They were serious about this movie. You can tell. There are several, serious toned emotional scenes where you are actually supposed to care about the situations unfolding on screen. They even have a "this film is dedicated to Dr. Slamon" (the real life guy) at the end. They clearly thought it was good enough for them to dedicate it to this guy. I sincerely hope he hasn't seen, or heard of it. It would be a shame for his legacy to have been told is this garbage pile of a movie. That about covers this movie really. Now, this movie is awful. 1/10, like I said. But, I still highly recommend you watch this movie. It's just too freaking enjoyable to miss. It is not quality film making, but you don't watch it for that. You watch it for the same reasons you watch The Room, or Troll 2, or Birdemic, or any other "so bad it's good" movie. Too die laughing. Have fun! (Also take a shot every time his drug might not make it to the next stage or whatever. You'll be dead in like 30 minutes.)

Based on a True Story of One Doctor Who Saved Thousands of Lives

[gihalah · 10/10 · 10 May 2022]

This is a wonderful movie that is based on the true story of one doctor, who refused to give up. He battled a greedy drug company for over a decade and made it through FDA clinical trials to get a groundbreaking drug approved that changed cancer treatment as we know it. This man is a national treasure.

Melodrama of a real event

[mmunier · 16 January 2019]

Not being a woman perhaps some of it may have escaped me. Having seen this on TV at lunch time I was a little prejudiced with the association of midday movies which often are just that... However the topic interested me especially since our daughter is in research so I am a little familiar with the difficulty researchers encounter that often is not related to the value of their work. Instead it seems to be more generated with political and administrative agenda. Or simply something to do with the flavour of the year.... However the fact it was inspired directly by a very courageous effort to help those caught in a final page of their lives was worth the watching. . I don't seem to see negative reviews about this movie. However despite my interest in wanting to see it through I did found it quite melodramatic. I do understand for those affected it is a highly emotional situation. As such the little humour added here and there is also a real way to help to cope..