Forever Young (1992 film)
Forever Young is a 1992 American romantic fantasy drama film directed by Steve Miner and starring Mel Gibson, Jamie Lee Curtis, Elijah Wood, and Isabel Glasser. The film tells the story of a United States Army Air Forces test pilot who volunteers for a cryogenics experiment in 1939 and awakens 53 years later in 1992.
Plot:
In 1939, Captain Daniel McCormick (Gibson), a cocky and talented test pilot, is deeply in love with Helen (Glasser). He plans to propose, but Helen is tragically hit by a car and falls into a coma. Devastated and unable to cope with the situation, Daniel volunteers for a secret experiment being conducted by his friend, scientist Harry Finley (George Wendt). Daniel will be placed in a hibernation chamber for one year. However, due to an accident, Daniel is forgotten and remains frozen for 53 years, awakening in 1992. He is found by a young boy named Nat Cooper (Wood) and his single mother, Claire (Curtis). As Daniel adjusts to the drastically changed world, he grapples with the loss of Helen and attempts to find Harry, all while dealing with the increasingly rapid deterioration of his physical condition due to the flawed cryogenic process. Nat and Claire help Daniel on his quest and slowly begin to form a bond with him. He must find a way to reverse the effects of the experiment before it's too late and also discover what happened to Helen.
Cast:
- Mel Gibson as Captain Daniel McCormick
- Jamie Lee Curtis as Claire Cooper
- Elijah Wood as Nat Cooper
- Isabel Glasser as Helen
- George Wendt as Harry Finley
- Richard Donner as Man at Theatre (uncredited)
- David Marshall Grant as Lt. Col. Wilcox
Reception:
Forever Young received mixed reviews upon its release. While praised for its performances and romantic elements, it was criticized for its predictable plot and sentimentality. Despite the mixed critical response, the film was a box office success.
Themes:
The film explores themes of love, loss, time, and the enduring power of human connection. It examines the challenges of adapting to a drastically changed world and the search for meaning and purpose in life after experiencing a profound loss.
Soundtrack:
The film's score was composed by Jerry Goldsmith. The soundtrack also features songs by various artists, including the title track "Forever Young" performed by Alphaville.