The Age of Adaline

We have seen romances like this before where a woman is on the run and/or trying to hide who she really is. The difference between those films and "The Age of Adaline" is that this is a fantasy. The fantasy angle is played down however and the romance is the focus of the film. That will work for some members of the audience but maybe not for others. The acting though is well done.

This movie is basically a romance that is trying not to be a fantasy but is. It does a good job all things considered. Because of the trailers, I am betting that many moviegoers were expecting more of the fantasy angle. They probably were expecting a Benjamin Button experience where you get to see many decades. The narration at the start even gives off that impression but the movie behaves differently, as if it is just like any other romance where the relationship hinges on a secret. Speaking of the narration, it was the one part of the movie that really didn't work. For a movie playing down its fantasy premise, the narration had the opposite effect. On the other hand, you couldn't explain the plot of "The Age of Adaline" without narration. I like the scene where William confronts Adaline. William isn't requesting the truth because he loves her more than his wife. He just wants to understand and also wants to protect his son's feelings. This is one rare instance where the father knows exactly what the son is feeling.

The acting saves this movie. I am glad that Natalie Portman passed on the title role because she is too famous. The chemistry between both Blake Lively and Michiel Huisman works pretty well but there is also great chemistry between Lively and Harrison Ford. Ford appears to supply his voice for his character's younger self but I don't know if that was the best thing.

I don't believe people will regret seeing this show. "The Age of Adaline" will appeal to romance fans but maybe not to fantasy fans. The performances are noteworthy thankfully.

3.5 Stars