You may have seen the ads for The Age of Adaline and simply dismissed the movie as being geared toward a younger audience because it stars twentysomething Blake Lively in the title role.
But Adaline has a secret. She’s been 29 years old for almost eight decades, thanks to a freak accident which left her unable to age.
So, really, this is the perfect movie for baby boomers since we are often accused of not wanting to grow up. Trust me, any desire you have to be immortal is likely to disappear the minute you hear Ellen Burstyn call Blake Lively “mama.”
Although the plot itself has a number of holes and there’s a ridiculous narration that attempts to offer a scientific explanation for Adaline’s miracle, it’s worth suspending disbelief for a couple of hours to get lost in the story and consider the pros and cons of staying young forever.
Adaline easily beats everyone at Trivial Pursuit, having personally lived through many of the events covered in the game. She doesn’t need to have a lot of photos of herself because, as she admits, “If you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all.” She has an amazing wardrobe that would now be considered the height of vintage.
But I’m being glib. There are a lot of real issues raised here, and the movie takes its subject matter very seriously.
By outliving everyone, Adaline continually experiences great loss. Putting down her beloved dog is devastating – as it’s been with every pet for almost a century. Her elderly daughter is moving far away, where a warmer climate will be kinder to her bones. Adaline understandably refuses to get too close to anyone any more because how much sorrow can a person put themselves through?
So when she meets Ellis (Michiel Huisman), a handsome, funny and intelligent philanthropist more than 70 years her junior, her first instinct is to run. But she’s tired of being alone and she slowly allows herself to start falling in love with him.
Ellis takes Adaline to meet his parents (Harrison Ford and Kathy Baker) and events take a surprising turn, which I will not ruin for you here.
I enjoyed the performances, although I’m not sure if Lively’s stiffness is intentional and meant to convey her character’s old-school mannerisms and her wariness of the endless future she sees ahead of her, or if she just feels awkward with some of the material. She gives Adaline a regal attitude which may accurately represent the time period in which she grew up but feels a little too stilted. I think if I’m lucky enough to reach 107, I will more likely be walking around in yoga pants and sneakers and swearing like a sailor.
Ultimately, that’s the point of The Age of Adaline – and why you should see it.
It reminds us that life is finite and that, in many ways, that’s what makes it meaningful. It solidly brings home the fact that we should be embracing our age, proud to show off the laugh lines and love handles earned by living a rich, full life. We should be celebrating the wisdom that comes with age, remaining true to ourselves and unconcerned about what others think of us.
And, above all, we should be counting our blessings if we are lucky enough to have someone we love to grow old with.
The Age of Adaline arrives on Digital HD August 25, On Demand September 4 and on Blu-ray Combo Pack September 8 from Lionsgate Home Entertainment.
I’m giving away copies of The Age of Adaline to three Midlife at the Oasis subscribers. (If you’re not a subscriber, first sign up for my weekly newsletter in the right sidebar of this page.) For a chance to win, simply leave a comment below. For a second chance, tweet this:
[Tweet “Get out the tissues and enter to win #TheAgeofAdaline with #BlakeLively from #MidlifeattheOasis #giveaway”]
Contest ends on September 1 at midnight Pacific time. Winner will be notified by return email. Prizes can only be sent to a U.S. mailing address.
I loved that movie. That is all. Loved it. So well done!
This sounds like a movie that my parents would enjoy! I will make sure they know about it.
I saw The Age of Adaline when it first came out.
I really enjoyed it.
Ooh, this sounds like the sort of movie I would love. I shall have to keep an eye out for it, thank you. x
This looks like a great movie. My girlfriends and I are going to go and see it.
I have not had the pleasure of seeing this movie. However, I am definitely going to add it to my list of movies to see.
I wanted to see it and missed it in the theaters. It sounds like a movie meant to make us midlifers stop and think about the passage of time and the painful loss of loved ones. Bittersweet, I’m sure.
I was dying, dying to see this movie, it has the exact ingredients that make it my perfect movie. I knew there was no way my hubby would go to see it with me so I said “I’ll read the book.” Then I found out there is no book! Which was amazing. So I have been desperately waiting for its home release – cannot wait!
Funny when a movie doesn’t have a book first these days.
I hadn’t planned on seeing it, but I have to admit that your review has totally changed my mind. So, a copy to watch in the comfort of my home would be greatly appreciated :). I’ll even pop some popcorn.
I have not heard of this movie but it looks good. I need to check it out.
I have not seen it yet.. I think I would like it!
Blake lively is one of my favourite actress!
Can not wait to see her in this movie.
I have heard great things about this film.
I’m so glad you wrote this. While Blake is one of the few actresses I really like, I was definitely on the fence about this movie even after seeing the previews in the theater. I’m really excited about seeing it now after reading this!
I love Blake Lovely. She is a super talented girl. I will for sure have to check this out it looks great!
I’ve been wanting to see this movie since it came out but have just been too busy! I’ll have to be sure to check it out soon. It sounds amazing!
I have not seen this movie yet – hubby refused to go with me – but I am so waiting for the DVD release!!
It really is an interesting concept. I saw it a few weeks ago and hopefully my daughter sees it soon so we can discuss it.
I had wanted to see it. I do think she’s lovely and I was curious how this movie would be. Thanks!
Looks fantastic!
I am not familiar with this movie. It definitely sounds like one I need to add to my movie bucket list.
Sounds like a great movie! Always looking for something new to watch
Oh I want this movie for myself. I love it.
The Age of Adaline sounds like a story i would like. I will have to pick up a copy and watch it on movie night.
Laughlines and love handles — that certainly describes the well earned portions of my life! I love that you pulled out those thoughts to hold on to.
I wanna see this movie. No doubt though, I don’t ever want to live forever!
It was a great movie and a great indicator of “true love never dies.” I would love to win this giveaway.
Ooooh I want to see this movie. Looks like my type of flick!
I saw the trailer for Age of Adaline in the movie theater. It definitely piqued my interest. Sounds like a great one for Netflix.
I have been wanting to see this movie for forever. I cannot wait until it comes out on one of the movie apps on my smart tv so that I can watch it.
Must see movie for me! I know I will be watching it with friends. Hubby is not interested in movies like this, and I understand. Oh well, it will be a girl’s movie night for me!
I’ve heard about this movie, but I was not able to see it. I will have to wait for the BluRay copy of this film.
Never heard of that movie but I will rent it now that i read this review.
I hadn’t even heard of this movie. It sounds interesting, like something I may like, but not a full on date night movie with the hubby.
I think this sounds like interesting subject matter, albeit kind of fantastical. I’m sure it would be tough to provide the audience with believable background on how this “accident’ could occur and cause someone to be immortal. Regardless, I’m grateful to not expect to live forever. I could never handle all the hearbreaking loss.
How neat. This movie looks like it will be super interesting to watch.
I had forgotten about this move and yet wanted to see it. I will have to make a note so we can rent it when it is available. Living with three boys I need a good mom movie every now and then.
This sounds like a great movie. I will have to watch it with a few girlfriends.
That’s a nice perk for subscribers. Woot! Thanks for sharing and for offering the giveaway too.
I love your reviews, you make me smart when talking to my film student son. He, of course, knows everything…I love your reviews, You have saved me from some bad movies and sent me to some good ones!
The movie was super cheesy, but overall the concept was very interesting and Harrison Ford really gave it some depth. Blake Lively, wow, what a beauty! I remember her from The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movie when she was a teenager!
Oh, after reading your review I want to go and see the movie now!! I am fan of love stories like this! Thanks for the honest review!
Can’t wait to see the movie! Happy to send out the tweet to share your post. Recently learned about your blog through Suzanne through Tam. Looks interesting. Have a great retreat!
I SO wanted to see this in the theaters, but it disappeared locally so quickly I never did. I want to win this, plain and simple. I’m a long-time subscriber and I tweeted. Pick me, pick me! 😀
Nice enjoyable movie.
I would love to win. We have celebrated 50 years of marriage this year.
I’m an email subscriber. This movie looks really interesting.
Looks like an interesting movie.
I haven’t seen the movie but it certainly sounds interesting. I would love to win a copy.
Kids and I saw this when it came out. We all loved it and hope to have this copy
Great movie would love to get a copy for home.
I would love to win this movie!
I don’t generally like romantic movies. I didn’t like Titanic, that says it all. This movie was one of the few exceptions. I think this is a very intelligent and compelling movie. I would love to have this in my collection.
Would love to own this DVD in my collection… really great movie….
This is an excellent movie. I saw it and would love to see it again.
I wasn’t sure about this movie until I read your review. Now I know I have to see it. I like the point of life being finite. I love movies that you can enjoy but make you think about the subject matter for a long, long time afterwards. I am an email subscriber.
Good movie and Ellen Burstyn is amazing
I haven’t seen the movie but I’m old enough to envy someone who can stay 29 forever. Thans for having the giveaway.
This sounds like a fascinating movie.
Would love to see this movie!
Mancrush on Michiel Huisman.
This sounds like a movie I would really like!
I saw the previews and thought it sounded good, but now I’m convinced.
I want to see this movie.
Thanks for letting us know it really is good.
Loved the movie. Great review too!
Keep it up!
This movie looks really good. I can’t wait to see it.
I didn’t get to see this film. Nice to see Blake Lively get a chance to show her talent.
I posted your tweet too: https://twitter.com/AnnaZed/status/635137952138424320
“Forever” is a long time! Good movie though.
Haven’t seen it yet but I have a fondness for quirky movies. 🙂
I have been wanting to see this movie. Looks like a good one.
looks like a great movie for girls night out
Sounds like my kind of movie! I’d love to see it.
I am looking forward to seeing this movie.
I have been wanting to see this movie for so long now!! I adore Blake lively and would love to win this to watch with my family!!!
I would love to win this movie!
This movie sounds really interesting. Now I want to know what sort of freak accident caused that ability to stay young!
Been wanting to see it.
I never saw a trailer for this, but I am definitely intrugued! I’m excited to see how this plays.
I haven’t seen this yet, but it looks like it should be good.
I saw this movie in theaters and loved it! I hope I win. Thanks for the chance! 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂
I’ve got my tissues ready! 🙂
i havent seen this movie yet
I have not seen this yet but it looks really interesting and I would love to see it!!
I also posted the tweet https://twitter.com/SamiiAlexxis/status/637692575541952512
i LOVED the movie & I’m obsessed with Blake Lively. Would love to add this to my gossip girl collection
I adore Blake Lively. I actually have yet to see the movie!
I’d love to watch this!
I like the premise, and her wardrobe really does look stunning.
The movie looks good.
Mancrush on Michael Huisman.
I would love to watch The Age of Adaline and see how Adaline handles never aging.
oh wow I SOO want to see this movie!!
KC
kacor7@hotmail.com
I tweeted:
https://twitter.com/thrincor/status/638523806798204928
KC
kacor7@hotmail.com
This sounds like a such a fascinating movie. It really makes you think about what life would be like if you never aged.
my wife loves Blake and wants to see this
This would be great
I thought that The Age of Adaline was a great movie and an excellent DVD. Thanks for giving us all a chance to win such an outstanding movie.
saw it, loved it, and would love to share it with my daughters.
It sounds like a great movie. Thanks.
I’d love to see this, I am a fan of Blake Lively.
I would love to see this movie.
Oh how I loved this movie!!! My mom and I weeped. Would love to win!
Oh how I loved this movie!!! My mom and I weeped. Would love to win!
I really want to see this movie, thanks for the opportunity!
I haven’t seen the movie but would really like to see it!
This sounds like an interesting movie!
I signed up for your newsletter and tweeted the requested message on Twitter at https://twitter.com/likwan/status/638953797230854144.
I loved this movie, perfect casting. Great story I hope I win I really would like to see it again.