Review - Matt Mungle - @themungle
We have all fantasized about what it would be like to live forever. To never age. To be the same spry, tight skinned creature that we saw in the mirror of our youth. But what is the downside to all of that. Is it worth the price of seeing our loved ones come and go? To never have the chance to grow old with someone? In THE AGE OF ADELINE we see such a struggle play out before us.
Adeline Bowman (Blake Lively) has lived a full life. Several of them to be exact. Born at the turn of the 20th century she has watched wars come and go, technology advance, and all those she once loved surrender to the call of age. Through it all Adeline stays the same vibrant 20 year old she was when a terrible accident rendered her immortal. We aren't taking immortal like the superheros that plague the big screen. But rather her body had a reaction that froze her as she is. When she meets Ellis (Michiel Huisman) she has to decide if it is worth the risk to share her secret and her heart or to run as always.
This is a very sweet film that surprisingly has quite a bit of backbone. What you would expect to be dripping with soppy, cinematic syrup is actually a story of a strong woman who is taking her condition in stride. She is well educated, a lover of history, and at the same time able to embrace the modern. She doesn't fawn all over Ellis like you would predict but instead keep her emotions at bay. Over the centuries she has built up a wall to protect not only herself but those who would want a relationship. What you get is a well written story full of whimsical humor, sensual romance, and a depth of drama.
Lively is a beautiful woman but balances that with a sophistication that would be expected from a woman who was born in a more cultured era. She carries herself in a manner that is fitting for the character and that is what attracts Ellis to start with. Huisman is carefree and willing to put p with all of Adeline's stiff arming. He sees a prize that is worth fighting for.
There are plenty of twists in the story and even thought the premise could be a regurgitated mess it is actually fresh and entertaining. Once you think you have Adeline figured out she makes surprising choices. This keeps you guessing throughout. You want her to find love but understand her dilemma. This adds an emotional, heart stirring facet to the film.
THE AGE OF ADELINE is rated PG-13 for a suggestive comment. This is a fairly clean film. It is void of anything crude or offensive and is a wonderful love story of human emotion. Nicely written, solidly acted, and emotionally stirring. A perfect date night film or girls night out. I give it 4 out of 5 New Years Resolutions. Mainly for the fact that is was nothing like I expected but a pleasant surprise.
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