FEEL GOOD FILM FOR THIS VIRUS WEEK.
This is an unashamed tear jerking love story and it’s the best one since Love Story. At the end, plan to wipe your eyes and smile. Mel Gibson carries off his role as 1939 pilot Daniel McCormick with innocence and a dash of romantic World War II hero.
Back in 1929 Daniel McCormick loves his job flying B-25s for the newly formed Air Corps. He is also in love with his childhood sweetheart Helen (Isabel Glasser – Pure Country). When Helen is placed in a life-threatening coma Daniel volunteers for a cryogenic experiment conducted by his best friend scientist, Harry Finley (George Wendt – Cheers). The project goes wrong and Daniel remains frozen in the capsule for 53 years. He is freed accidentally by a young boy, Nat (Elijah Wood – Paradise) who hides Daniel in a tree house. Claire (Jamie Lee Curtis). Nat’s mother, invites him into the house (most women would) and begins to fall in love with him.
The relationship between Nat and Daniel grows as Daniel learns of the changes over 53 years and he teaches Nat how to pilot a B-25. Together they trace the old scientist friend and arrive at his daughter’s doorstep with the military in hot pursuit. Everyone in this film is decent, even the military officer who chases Daniel. It’s no surprise when Daniel learn Helen never died and remains alive in a house by the lighthouse where they played as kids. How he attempts to get to her is an adventure for both Daniel and Nat and what he finds would even warm the heart of the Grinch. This is great old time movie making with a perfect cast, and characters you will not be able to forget.