the age of adaline
2015 review number 63:
The Age of Adaline: (Drama/Romance): 70 out of 100: This is a different type of romance where one of the protagonists cannot stay in love or wishes to avoid seeking love because she doesn't age. If you can accept this preposterous scenario then you are bound to enjoy "The Age of Adaline".
Adaline Bowman (Blake Lively) was born in 1907. After a freak accident, she is unable to grow old. Because of this, she moves to a different location nearly every decade so she cannot be recognised. One downside to this type of lifestyle is that she doesn't wish to become attached to one person because she won't be able to grow old with him. An encounter with philanthropist Ellis Jones (Michiel Huisman) reignites her passion for life and romance. A weekend away at his parents' home (Harrison Ford and Kathy Baker) could reveal the truth.
The premise is ridiculous and the narration is rather silly but there's something about the story that makes it a guilty pleasure. For the movie to succeed you need an attractive actress and Blake Lively shines in her role. She is a ravishing beauty in this movie and looks like a star from the 1940s. Huisman is a relative unknown but is convincing as a romantic lead. Ellen Burstyn plays Adaline's daughter and even at the age of 82, this Oscar winner is still acting brilliantly. Ford has a minor role and isn't as grumpy as he has been in recent movies. He doesn't have the lead roles as he used to and is showing skill in minor character roles as he ages.
The use of San Francisco as the main location enhances the look of the film. It is as beautiful as Blake Lively is in the movie. The sets are also well-presented to illustrate the changes over time. The music score also impresses with its lush melodies to accompany the romantic scenes.
The narration is probably there to set up the story as some sort of fairy tale. It doesn't really work because it explains everything to the audience including why Adaline is unable to grow old. Nothing is left to the imagination when everything has been blatantly pointed out. It would have been interesting to see this movie without the narration.
"The Age of Adaline" is a bit uneven at times but that doesn't spoil it from being an enjoyable romantic drama. If you can accept the premise of someone not aging then you will enjoy it more than someone who treats these romantic dramas with seriousness.
Starring Blake Lively, Michiel Huisman, Ellen Burstyn and Harrison Ford
(112 minutes)
Parental advice: Adult themes
Additional scene during or after credits: No
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UzSekc0LoQ (Movie trailer)
(Reviewed on Friday 24th April, 2015)
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