EXCLUSIVE: Music Box Films has acquired North American distribution rights to director Shane D. Stanger’s Good Bad Things, starring Jessica Parker Kennedy (The Flash), Brett Dier (Jane The Virgin) and Danny Kurtzman.
The film, which will be released on digital platforms on February 4, 2025, was programmed in the Slamdance Unstoppable section, the showcase of films made by filmmakers with visible and non-visible disabilities.
Good Bad Things was awarded both the Slamdance Unstoppable Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award and screened as the closing night film of the ReelAbilities film festival.
Co-written by lifelong friends Shane D. Stanger and Danny Kurtzman, the romantic comedy is about a young man with a physical disability, learning to be vulnerable by exploring new connections on a dating app, a story loosely inspired by co-writer and star Kurtzman’s life, living with muscular dystrophy.
The film was released theatrically in partnership with Suncatcher Productions, screening at 50+ AMC Theatres in August. Following the VOD release, Music Box Films will also create physical assets to be released in 2025.
Good Bad Things sees Kurtzman star as Danny, a young entrepreneur with muscular dystrophy who is disillusioned by failed relationships. When Danny and his best friend Jason (Brett Dier) plan to pitch their agency to a dating app, Danny decides to step out of his comfort zone and explore the world of online dating, in part for research. An unexpected match with Madi (Jessica Parker Kennedy), an enigmatic photographer, challenges him to be vulnerable and sparks a journey of self-acceptance and discovery.
Pic was executive-produced by Steve Way. The sale of the film was negotiated by Brian Andreotti of Music Box Films and Annalisa Shoemaker (Suncatcher Productions) and Glen Reynolds (Circus Road) on behalf of the filmmakers.
Kurtzman was recently honored with the Christopher Reeve Acting Award at the 2024 Media Access Awards.
“We are thrilled to be bringing our film out to the world with Music Box Films,” stated Director Shane D. Stanger. “Their strong track record with award-winning independent films, paired with a boutique approach to marketing make them the ideal fit. Good Bad Things has proven to mean something to a lot of people through universal themes of love, friendship, and self-acceptance, and we’re honored to share it with audiences across the United States.”
“We are incredibly proud to release Good Bad Things, a film that boldly explores the challenges and complexities of dating and relationships, especially for people with physical disabilities,” stated Music Box Films. “Shane and Danny’s vulnerable storytelling, blending raw emotion with dark humor, offers a unique and honest perspective that spotlights a community craving more representation on screen – it’s a privilege to share it with a wider audience.”
