The Age of Adaline (B+ or 3/4 stars)
'The Age of Adaline' (directed by Lee Toland Krieger) is an enchanting romantic fantasy about a woman who has essentially been 29 for the last 80 yrs. That's right ... how could that be? Well, the concept is fascinating. As the narration tell us: in 1937, at age 29, Adaline Bowman (Blake Lively), a grief-stricken widow - and mother of 1 daughter - tragically drowned in a freak car accident, after which she was struck by lightning. That incident ignited a bizarre scientific phenomenon which will not be discovered until 2035. So ... she was jolted back to life, only to find that she was blessed/cursed by eternal youth {Forever 29}. Adaline understands all-too-well that her never-changing looks causes complications. By the '50s, when the FBI get suspicious, she knows she must change her name & residence every 10 yrs., keeping everyone in her life at an emotional distance; except her now-elderly daughter (the great Ellen Burstyn) who serves as her only trusting confidante.
Then the romantic subplot kicks into gear. Beautiful yet lonely Adaline, now going by the name Jenny, works in the San Francisco library, where she catches the eye of Ellis Jones (Dutch Game of Thrones hunk, Michiel Huisman), a wealthy philanthropist. Frustrated by his failed attempts to court her, she eventually gives-in, halts her plans to move to Oregon, & even agrees to visit his parents' country home for the celebration of their 40th anniversary. But as soon as they show up, Ellis' astronomer father, William (a genial Harrison Ford) says, "Adaline!?" They were a hot item in the late '60s; much to the chagrin of William's dutiful wife Kathy, (a warm Kathy Baker). 'Jenny' explains that Adaline was her 'mom'. But William remembers Adaline wayyy too well to be fooled for long. Melodrama ensues.
What a lovely, lovely movie this is. Now, is it perfect? No. Are the scientific logistics sound? Nah. Can everything be explained? Nope. But it doesn't matter, here. Implausible as it is, the proceedings are sensitively directed by Lee Toland Krieger. I loved the nostalgic, otherworldly mood that envelops the film. The odd romance/aging premise is intriguing; blending elements from such works as Frankenstein, Dorian Gray, The Twilight Zone, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, & The Time Traveler's Wife. The performances are SO warm. The visuals are truly poetic (camerawork, sets, vintage costumes). And you just feel GOOD leaving the theater. To me, flaws and all, if a film accomplishes that feel-goodness ... then you can't completely knock it. The 1st hour is special because it weaves a convincing tale; as we learn just how lonely & isolated Adaline is; unable to hold relationships or settle down.
Blake Lively is the main reason this movie works; giving a thoughtful, complex performance that exudes a palpable sense of melancholy. She's a radiant actress, but underplays enigmatic Adaline with a calm sense of 'cool'. Watching everyone grow old & die, or unintentionally hurting those she cares about because she can't be honest about herself is a crippling thing. The poor woman yearns for connection, wants to take a chance on love, but is understandably scared of the repercussions. I enjoyed Michiel Huisman's puppy dog love for Adaline; the two actors share genial chemistry. And Harrison Ford is excellent as the befuddled, bewildered William. The relationship btwn. Adaline & him is compelling. And I felt both his pain & confusion in reassessing his life (and RIGHT on the eve of the 40th anniversary with his current wife). Overall, 'The Age of Adaline' is a bittersweet fantasy about eternal youth & surprising romance. I loved it, and my appreciation of it grown in subsequent viewings.
Then the romantic subplot kicks into gear. Beautiful yet lonely Adaline, now going by the name Jenny, works in the San Francisco library, where she catches the eye of Ellis Jones (Dutch Game of Thrones hunk, Michiel Huisman), a wealthy philanthropist. Frustrated by his failed attempts to court her, she eventually gives-in, halts her plans to move to Oregon, & even agrees to visit his parents' country home for the celebration of their 40th anniversary. But as soon as they show up, Ellis' astronomer father, William (a genial Harrison Ford) says, "Adaline!?" They were a hot item in the late '60s; much to the chagrin of William's dutiful wife Kathy, (a warm Kathy Baker). 'Jenny' explains that Adaline was her 'mom'. But William remembers Adaline wayyy too well to be fooled for long. Melodrama ensues.
What a lovely, lovely movie this is. Now, is it perfect? No. Are the scientific logistics sound? Nah. Can everything be explained? Nope. But it doesn't matter, here. Implausible as it is, the proceedings are sensitively directed by Lee Toland Krieger. I loved the nostalgic, otherworldly mood that envelops the film. The odd romance/aging premise is intriguing; blending elements from such works as Frankenstein, Dorian Gray, The Twilight Zone, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, & The Time Traveler's Wife. The performances are SO warm. The visuals are truly poetic (camerawork, sets, vintage costumes). And you just feel GOOD leaving the theater. To me, flaws and all, if a film accomplishes that feel-goodness ... then you can't completely knock it. The 1st hour is special because it weaves a convincing tale; as we learn just how lonely & isolated Adaline is; unable to hold relationships or settle down.
Blake Lively is the main reason this movie works; giving a thoughtful, complex performance that exudes a palpable sense of melancholy. She's a radiant actress, but underplays enigmatic Adaline with a calm sense of 'cool'. Watching everyone grow old & die, or unintentionally hurting those she cares about because she can't be honest about herself is a crippling thing. The poor woman yearns for connection, wants to take a chance on love, but is understandably scared of the repercussions. I enjoyed Michiel Huisman's puppy dog love for Adaline; the two actors share genial chemistry. And Harrison Ford is excellent as the befuddled, bewildered William. The relationship btwn. Adaline & him is compelling. And I felt both his pain & confusion in reassessing his life (and RIGHT on the eve of the 40th anniversary with his current wife). Overall, 'The Age of Adaline' is a bittersweet fantasy about eternal youth & surprising romance. I loved it, and my appreciation of it grown in subsequent viewings.