The Age of Adeline
Released: April 24, 2015
Rated: PG-13
Starring: Blake Lively, Michiel Huisman, Harrison Ford, Ellen Burstyn
Runtime: 113 minutes
What would you do if you could live forever? The Age of Adaline ponders this question, telling the story of Adaline Bowman who is born in the early 1900’s, but after her 29th birthday, a freak accident causes her body to stop aging, thus making her for all intents and purposes, immortal. She spends the next eight decades running from place to place, changing identities, never letting anyone get too close. But that all changes when a certain someone steps into her life.
Cinematography 5/5
First off, the cinematography by David Lanzenberg is an absolute treat for the eyes. The colors of the costumes and scenery were rich, deep hues. This was complemented by steady camerawork. Transitions between the past and the present were flawless, with the colors of the costumes and scenery muted, to fit the earlier times. Adaline is a gorgeous movie.
Writing 3/5
The story has fairy tale, parable-like qualities to it, but this is supplanted by the over-explained, science fiction reasons for Adaline’s condition. There’s quite a bit it asks you to accept. The plot at times is a little contrived with the typical romantic schmaltz. A plot twist occurs that should have happened earlier to allow more time to expand on it and the characters involved. Despite its problems, there are still things to enjoy about this story and it’s overall ideas of love and life.
Acting 5/5
Blake Lively does an excellent job as the titular character, presenting the wit and wisdom of someone who’s lived over 80 years. The chemistry between Lively and Michiel Huisman as Ellis Jones, her love interest, fits the bill for a romance movie such as this. Harrison Ford and Ellen Burstyn ( of 1973’s The Excorcist fame) give great performances as a supporting cast, helping to ground the story as people who have experienced the natural flow of time and life.
Overall
The Age of Adaline is a passable movie. It’s not terrible, but it’s not amazing. It makes for a good date movie, with plenty of romance and magical realism to fill two hours.
3/5
TL;DR
+Superb acting all around
+Gorgeous cinematography
+Passable parable of life and love
-Main gimmick of the movie is overexplained
-Typical soap opera contrivances