Mary Louise Parker is excellent. She doesn't really seem sick (she even has her hair) but it's just that her character is so strong and won't give up. And no matter what, she shows concern for others.
I didn't recognize Andy Garcia, though he looks like Mitt Romney in this. Garcia is nothing like his past roles, but he is very good here, providing the perfect balance between bitter curmudgeon and loving but sad husband.
Mandy Moore is sweet and caring, and determined to do whatever is necessary.
Riley Smith is likable as Tommy.
I didn't know Cheri Oteri but I sort of remember her from "Saturday Night Live" prime-time specials and clips. She provides most of the desperately needed humor.
Mark Jeffrey Miller also stands out and gives us a few more laughs, showing a mix of bitterness and caring as the former carnival worker.
I have only one complaint. They obviously didn't film this movie in the real towns. The movie was set in Conway and it has the Spanish moss that helps make the town so attractive. As the couple rode to Myrtle Beach, they crossed an attractive bridge which I've never seen. Conway has a real nice bridge they should have used. The Riverwalk was mentioned but I don't think the real one was shown, because I have visited it for the past six years and it didn't look quite like that. I have passed Family Kingdom amusement park in Myrtle Beach many times and may have gone there (whatever it was called then) as a child nearly fifty years ago. I don't think that was the real Family Kingdom either. And Moncks Corner is not as close to Conway as they made it look, and nowhere near a freeway.
This is a family movie, but it doesn't shy away from the reality of terminal illness.
But this is a worthy effort for the Hallmark Hall of Fame.
