See it at the Movies

THE AGE OF ADELINE

with Joyce & Don Fowler
Posted 4/30/15

* * * ½ Joyce

* * * Don

(Ageless romance)

One of the rare movies produced lately that is not “based on a true story.”

In fact, “The Age of Adeline” is so far out it was hard for …

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See it at the Movies

THE AGE OF ADELINE

Posted

* * * ½ Joyce

* * * Don

(Ageless romance)

One of the rare movies produced lately that is not “based on a true story.”

In fact, “The Age of Adeline” is so far out it was hard for me to buy into it. On the other hand, Joyce had no problem. (“The ‘Furious’ and ‘Star Wars’ series are outrageous, but you buy into them.” She had a point.)

Adeline (Blake Lively) died in a car accident at age 29. Through a series of pseudo-scientific phenomena, explained in a voiceover by a narrator who sounds very knowledgeable, we learn that she has recovered and will never age. Her husband dies and she raises a daughter who, over the years, grows older than her.

We catch up with her after years of running from the feds who want to study her. She has assumed the name of Jenny, survived on good investments, and now works for the San Francisco archives. Her daughter is now old enough to be her grandmother. She has kept contact with her, the only person who knows her situation.

Adeline/Jenny has never stayed in one place too long and, with one exception, has avoided getting romantically involved until a handsome young philanthropist (Michiel Huisman) makes a serious play for her. Slowly, she falls for him.

Ellis brings Jenny home to meet the parents (Harrison Ford and Kathy Baker). This is where the clever twist enters the story and things get very interesting. We won’t even hint at what happens next, but you are sure to be surprised and on the edge of your seat to see how the writers will resolve the situation.

I thought it was a bit hokey, but Joyce convinced me to “go with it.” One thing is for sure: “The Age of Adeline” is unique. We’ve never been taken there before. And the acting is first rate. Ellen Burstyn as the daughter who out-ages her mother is terrific, and Harrison Ford is so convincing as Ellis’ father.

If you want something different in the romance genre, this is the movie to see. Rated PG-13, with little to worry about. An adult romance without an adults-only rating.

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