For One More Day parents guide

For One More Day Parent Guide

Overall B+

Chick Benetto's (Michael Imperioli) life has hit rock bottom. He's lost his dreams of playing professional baseball, his day job, his family and even his desire to live. But just when he decides to end it all, he sees his mother (Ellen Burstyn) -- who has been dead for a number of years! Surprised and curious, Chick follows the ghostly vision and is offered opportunity to live one more day with his mom.

Release date December 4, 2007

Violence C
Sexual Content B+
Profanity B+
Substance Use C-

Why is For One More Day rated Not Rated? The MPAA rated For One More Day Not Rated

Run Time: 120 minutes

Parent Movie Review

Charley Benetto’s (Michael Imperioli) life has hit a major roadblock—and in a moment it will collide with an even larger truck as he drunkenly careens down a dark road. The trail that led him to this despairing moment makes up the balance of this film, which is pieced together through a series of disjointed flashbacks.

As a child, “Chick” (played by Vadim Imperioli) adored his baseball-worshipping father (Scott Cohen), even though the man frequently pitched harsh comments about having no sympathy for losers. Coming in from the diamond, his mother (Samantha Mathis) tried to soften the blows by providing unconditional love. The bewildered boy felt caught in the perpetual tug-of-war between their divergent personalities, until the day his parents’ relationship suddenly snapped.

Then he firmly decided to side with his Dad.

As Chick grows he continues to foster resentment against the woman whom he now also blames for not supporting his baseball dreams. Whenever he is put in a position to choose between her or his beloved sport and Dad, he always picks the latter. So it’s no wonder he opts to play ball instead of participating in the seventieth birthday celebration for his mother (now played by Ellen Burstyn). What is a little out of character is his reaction when it turns out that the special day he trades is her last in mortality.

Haunted by regret, Chick dives into the bottle, eventually estranging his own family. But he is unable to drown his sorrow after he discovers his daughter (Emily Wickersham) has gotten married without inviting him to the wedding.

Feeling like he has no reason to live, the broken soul heads into the night where the fateful accident awaits. Regaining consciousness, the bloodied-faced man wanders away from the wreckage, still determined to kill himself. But just as he pulls out the pistol he’s been keeping in his possession and points it at his head, he sees his mother coming toward him. Not understanding how this could be possible, he gives into the vision and is offered the ultimate gift: An opportunity to re-live that last day with his mother.

Based on a novel by Mitch Albom, this tale of miraculous insight and second chances is another example of the author’s seemingly insatiable curiosity about the transition dividing life from death. Like his incredibly moving Five People You Meet In Heaven from a few years earlier, this made-for-TV-movie adaptation presents its metaphysical concept without pandering to a particular belief, aside from the notion that it is shortsighted to believe life ends at the grave.

The story offers other lessons as well, which are applicable to the here and now. These include an exploration of how misconceptions can destroy lifelong relationships, the consequences of harboring childhood hurts and the healing power of love and forgiveness.

Although the movie contains depictions of alcoholism, the automobile accident (not seen in detail), a suicide attempt, a handful of minor profanities and discussions of infidelity, this quietly poignant story is worthy of an evening’s time. Likely of more interest to adults than children, For One More Day will undoubtedly leave you thinking about your own family and the things you can do to nurture cherished relationships.

Starring Michael Imperioli, Ellen Burstyn. Running time: 120 minutes. Theatrical release December 4, 2007. Updated

For One More Day
Rating & Content Info

Why is For One More Day rated Not Rated? For One More Day is rated Not Rated by the MPAA

Dealing with adult themes of infidelity, marriage breakdown, alcoholism and suicide, this film offers worthwhile observations and character development with a minimal amount of content. A reference to workplace sexual harassment and a small number of mild profanities are included. A car accident occurs with details obscured, although later we see a man with a bleeding lip and other facial abrasions. A man holds a gun to his head while contemplating suicide. A main character drinks heavily and confesses to being an alcoholic. Some secondary characters are shown drinking socially. In a 1960s flashback, a woman is seen smoking a cigarette.

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For One More Day Parents' Guide

When Chick was young, he made assumptions regarding his mother’s decision to leave his father. How can traumatic events during our childhood shape who we become as adults? What methods and tools can we use to overcome the wounds we may have endured while we were young?

Despite his criticism, Chick’s mother continues to love and sacrifice for her son. How does this realization help him to let go of the past and change his future?

Home Video

The most recent home video release of For One More Day movie is May 5, 2008. Here are some details…

DVD Release Date: 6 May 2008

Also Known as Oprah Winfrey Presents Mitch Albom’s For One More Day, this made-for-TV movie is now releasing to DVD. Audio tracks are available in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround (English), with subtitles in Spanish.

Related home video titles:

Also adapted into a made-for-TV movie, Mitch Albom’s The Five People You Meet In Heaven follows the after life encounters of an ordinary man who is allowed some extraordinary insight into the meaning and purpose of his mortal existence. In The Ultimate Gift, a pompous and privileged young man learns lessons about the truly important necessities of life from videotapes his Grandfather recorded before his death.

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