Forever Young

1992

Director: Steve Miner

Distributor: Warner Brothers / Icon Entertainment

Key Elements: Story – Characters – Concept – Message - Music

My Review:

Sci Fi romances are an unusual genre of film. This is probably because they’re hard to make without being completely campy and contrived. The only ones I can think of that actually pull it off are Eternal Sunshine of the spotless mind and this one.

A 1940’s test pilot is planning to propose to his girlfriend. But before he can work up the nerve, she gets in a traffic accident. He believes she is dead. In despair, he signs up for his friend’s military cryogenic freezing experiment. He is supposed to be frozen for only a year. Unfortunately, soon after he is frozen, the friend dies and he is forgotten, put into storage.

Years later, two boys accidentally unfreeze him. As he stumbles to consciousness, he realizes that he is in a different time and he cannot find anyone familiar with the experiment. He accepts the hospitality of a boy and his mother. While trying to find out what happened to his friend, he discovers that the woman he loved and believed to be dead is actually alive. But the effects of the freezing are taking a toll on his body. Will he survive long enough to make it to his love?

Ok… it SOUNDS corny. But somehow, the execution works.

You really believe this man is hurting, that he really loves his girl. And you come to like him as you watch the way he carries himself. His old school style and manners stun every woman he talks to. And his old school left hook stuns any guy who doesn’t treat women right.

Also, the kid is hilarious adding an element of childlike wonder to the otherwise over the top premise.

This movie has heart all over it. Whether it’s the main characters undying love, or the kid serenading his schoolyard sweetheart, the message is that if you love them, you should tell them, because you might not get another chance. Great watch.

clip:




Quotes:

• You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy, when skies are gray. You'll never know dear, how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away.
  - Is this some kind of prank?
  No, sir. No, sir this is very serious. My name is Nat Cooper and I'm in love with your daughter.
  - Nat... go home.