Always (DVD, 1999, Widescreen)

This is one of the Spielberg movies that draw quizzical looks- "Spielberg made that?" and "Wasn't that on cable last week?"- or worse- "I've never heard of "Always." Folks, it's true. This is not a popcorn movie. There are no extraterrestrials making contact, Indy doesn't make a cameo, neither Toms (Hanks and Cruise) are leading men, there are no rampaging dinosaurs, and no leg-munching sharks.

This movie DOES capture that little twirl of magic that only Steven Spielberg can infuse in his films. He does tap some big talent for the leading roles in "Always": John Goodman, whose role as the leading man's best friend is performed with humanness, soul, wit, and believability. Holly Hunter is the lead's girl; her character is passionate, comic, and expresses such sorrow and joy with the flicker of a eye and lilt in her voice. Audrey Hepburn's last acting role was in this gem of a movie. She's a modern-day Clarence from "It's a Wonderful Life" as she guides our protagonist through the most important journey of his life. Steven Spielberg brilliantly taps a talent he spotlighted (and delighted his audience) in the movies "Jaws" and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind": Richard Dreyfuss. His character is clever, sardonic, tender, light-hearted, despairing, and ultimately- as only Spielberg's protagonists can be- at peace.

The setting is fire-country, full of topography, forests, and fires. Pete (Dreyfuss) and Al (Goodman) thumb their noses at danger, perilously flying their WWII-era planes over flaming forests that as Al says can pull you down, suck you under, and explode like bombs. Dorinda (Hunter) and Pete are perfectly matched, she cools and fuels the fire within him- and he returns favor for her. Pete loves Dorinda deeply, but he struggles to express it, as if he's shielding himself from the fire in her heart. He's at odds, finding himself in a crossroads... Should he continue flying, continue fire-fighting, continue this lifestyle that consumes Dorinda with worry and fear for his life and their future? Or, is it time to hand the torch down to a new, young, and fresh flying ace and embrace a more sedate lifestyle with Dorinda?

As Pete and Al are fighting a particularly harsh inferno, disaster strikes and Al is faced with his own mortality; he is sharply aware that his life may be over in a few short seconds. Pete, ever loyal and always the hero (if not a bit flawed), saves his friend's life... but pays the ultimate price.

There is a place after mortal coils are shed, but just as smoke gets in your eyes, the path is unclear. Enter Hap (Hepburn). We're never sure if Hap is a personification of God or an angel. Spielberg never elaborates on the exact definition of just who her role is, all we can simply do as an audience is drink in the elegance, serenity, and warmth of Hepburn's beautful and fitting final role as Pete's guide after his sacrifice.

The score, like those amazing WWII planes, absolutely soars; it's some of John Williams' best. The music will weave itself into your soul. The cinematography is amazing. The acting is top-notch. "Always" will coax laughter, tears, edge-of-your-seat tension, and moments of wonder... for such a little movie, it truly encapsulates the magic that only Steven Spielberg can conjure.

If you've never seen this movie, you need to! All star cast including Holly Hunter, John Goodman, a YOUNG Marg Helgenburger, Audrey Hepburn, and the unforgettable Richard Dreyfuss.
IMDB description does not do this movie justice! The fire-fighting by airplane plot may be far-fetched from reality, but the emotional pulls are real. Dreyfuss plays Pete, a flying fire-fighter who is emotionally connected to Dorinda, played by Holly Hunter, who is looking both for signs of total commitment and THE WORDS (I love you) from Pete. After Dorinda's birthday dinner and an emotional exchange between the two about where their relationship is headed and the dangers of his work, Pete dies in the line of fire to save his friend (Goodman).
Hepburn's character, Hap, helps Pete come to terms with his death and prepares him for his next mission -- helping someone else to succeed in life. The only problem is that the new fly-boy has an interest in Pete's love Dorinda. And Pete has a harder time giving up his girl than he did giving up his life. Because he won't give up, Dorinda can't move on, until the climatic final scene.
You know with Goodman, Dreyfuss, and Hunter there will be lots of laughs, and this movie does not fail in that department, either. The dialogues are honest and do a good job of showing the inner connections between characters. Don't miss out!

The first time I viewed this movie was on someone elses recommendation. You see I've never been one to watch very many love stories but when I found out that John Goodman was one of the stars I knew that there would also be humor. The teaming of John Goodman with Richard Dreyfuss and Holly Hunter could not have been better. The humor is great and the love between the three is even better. The kicker for me is when Holly as the character Dorinda puts on the dress that Richard as the character Pete had bought her for her not quite her birthday, birthday present and dance alone in her living room to, "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes". I had just made a split from my own guy and that was our song and I cried and cried then rewound that part of the video, watched it again and cried some more. Even though I have been over him for years now that part still gets to me. "Always" is a movie I will never tire of watching and the DVD is to be enjoyed by both men and women alike and would be great addition to any collection.

Steven Spielberg's 1989 remake of the 1943 movie "A Guy named Joe". A classic romance (with action). Not your typical chick flick. A must see romance for both genders (for a change). Some complexity. A layered film. Underrated. A great date flick. Deeply touching without necessarily being an overt tear jerker. A film with heart. Spielberg in true form. Watch for detail. Dreyfuss, Hunter, and Goodman, all at their best. A wonderful cameo from Audrey Hepburn in her last film appearance! - Really. Check it out.

I know this is a remake of a much older version but I found this movie very touching, poignant,and spiritual. I loved the performances by Holly Hunter (Love Her XXX), Richard Dryfuss and Katherine Hepburn (I think her last acting role - she was Terrific).

I especially loved the scene when Holly Hunter is dancing to the Platter's rendition of Cole Porter's classic song "Smoke Gets in your Eyes" without being aware that her deceased(invisible)sweetheart is dancing with her.

I also loved the ending when Holly courageously flys off to save trapped Fire Fighters without being aware that she is being assisted (and subsequently resqued, saved)by her invisible companion.

This is one of my all time favorite movies and I have been looking for it for a long time. I only recently purchased a computer which enabled me to track it down, at long last.

I rarely watch a movie more than once but this is one I love watching again and again. I highly recommend it.

Phil K.