The Island Cinephile

Forever Young: Forever Confused

Directed by Steve Miner

“You’re holding my heart.”

Claire Cooper

Forever Young is a drama written by J. J. Abrams and directed by Steve Miner, follows the life of a United States test pilot Daniel McCormick in 1939. We are introduced to his best friend and scientific genius, Harry Finley and the love of his life Helen, as we get a glimpse of his idyllic life. Daniel considers proposing to Helen but gets cold feet right before a tragic event happens which causes Helen to fall into a coma. Feeling as though he could not go on, Daniel requests Harry to cryogenically freeze him until Helen comes back. Though somehow, he was forgotten for nearly 53 years and is unfrozen by a young boy, Nat Cooper, and his friend sometime in the 1990s. 

Now, there are a few reasons why I had an issue with this movie but let me relay the good parts first. Mel Gibson does a stellar job as Daniel McCormick, and his interactions with the kids were even more enjoyable. Nat Cooper, which was portrayed by Elijah Wood, did a magnificent job of being a lovable boy with much adventure. One of the most heartwarming scenes was the airplane simulation with Daniel and Nat created in the tree house. The supporting cast did a great job with what they were given; Jamie Lee Curtis held her own. Isabel Glasser as Helen and George Wendt as Harr Finley’s were minuscle yet impactful. With beautiful shots and nostalgia in every frame, there are a few jokes to keep you entertained. Possessing a comforting quality, this film can certainly be enjoyed if you never ask any questions.  

Though, herein lies the rub; nothing seems to make sense in the end. The opening sequence portrayed as if it was set in 1939, but the production quality and costuming gave off the early 90s aesthetic. Though the film is beautifully shot and gives a nostalgic feel and quite a few jokes, it fails miserably in the plot. There were many plot lines that fizzled out without any real focus on a central motive. It also left me with a few unanswered questions. There was little clarity given to a large portion of the events which occurred. How could they forget about a man that has been cryogenically frozen on a government base? How were kids able to open a cryogenic chamber that easily? Where did Nat’s friend go in the middle of the movie? What was the reason for the relationship between Daniel and Claire? Why did Daniel think his friend was still alive after all these years? Why didn’t he think he would age after trying to cheat time? What was the message of the movie? What was the purpose of the pursuit in the final act? All these gaps in writing left more confusion than satisfaction. Most instances feel contrived just for the sake of moving the plot forward. 

Forever Young functions well enough if you dispel critical thought and take it for what it is – a fluffy, feel-good movie. 

Watch trailer for Forever Young.

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