seeingbystarlight Always has a lot of special things about it, a few of which I'm going to name in this review.It is these details (subtle as they are) which make it the gem that it is (although I don't think the fact that this is a classic is recognized by very many people).A softer, more lighter version of Ghost, as well as a remake of a 1943 movie called A Guy Named Joe, Always is set in the world of firefighting, and daredevil pilots.Peter Sandich, a.k.a Pete St. Pete (Richard Dreyfuss), and his best friend Al Yackey, a.k.a Al The Pal (John Goodman), have been flying together for years putting out fires in the forests of Colorado.The only rift between them has been Pete's dangerous flying which also causes problems between him, and his girl Dorinda (Holly Hunter) who knows his number's up.When the movie opens, Pete barely makes it back to the base on an empty fuel tank, stating sarcastically that he's been "a little rusty on panic."Dorinda is furious; Al tries to persuade him that maybe it's time to quit, and get a job doing something safe like helping pilots get their license in a place called Flat Rock.In what will turn out to be their last night together, Pete gets Dorinda's birthday wrong, and throws her a party, in what is really one of the nicest scenes I've ever noticed in a movie.A young pilot named Ted Baker (Brad Johnson) just happens to be present, and falls in love with Dorinda even though she's with someone else.The next day, after being persuaded by Dorinda to take the job in Flat Rock, Pete dies saving Al's life.He then encounters an angel named Hap (Audrey Hepburn), who informs him that he is in fact dead, and that six months have gone by since his passing.Dorinda isn't over it. Al isn't over it. And it's up to Pete to help them find closure, as well as give inspiration to a pilot, just as he was given inspiration.The pilot chosen to be his protege is none other than Ted Baker, still hopelessly in love with Dorinda even though he only saw her the one time.This makes things very difficult for Pete who can't bear to see her fall in love with someone else.Always is an extremely well done movie. It's classy, it's funny, it's heartfelt, and sad.It's a worthy Swan Song to Audrey Hepburn who is, in a sense, the movie's crowning glory, as the quiet and graceful angel Hap.It's fitting that her last role should be as an angel.Another thing that's great is the chemistry between Holly Hunter, and Richard Dreyfuss which shines throughout the entire movie.Also, the presence of John Goodman, who gives the movie it's humour, and levity.And Brad Johnson whom I've never seen in anything else, and was excellent.I have great respect for Stephen Spielberg for directing this movie, and admire the script which he co-wrote.One of the best things about this movie was how it depicted the afterlife.None of these ridiculous dress-ups, and special effects disasters.They kept it simple, honest, and to the point.A really wonderful love story. Far better than the original could've ever beenOriginally, Review #89

Franco Zefferer After seeing a movie with Marg Helgenberger made in the 90's "Death Dreams" with Christopher Reeve, I felt the need to look for other Marg Helgenberger performances besides her famous turn in CSI - To my surprise, not many, except "Death Dreams" where she gives a performance that goes straight to something truly personal. She is amazing, amazing! That's how I got to Always. The only Spielberg film I hadn't seen. The film is a sort of remake of "A Guy Named Joe" charming with a lovely central performance by Holly Hunter but where is Marg? She's way back in the background. Beautiful and real but way too far away in the background. The most memorable memorable moment, at least for a film buff - is the last film appearance by Audrey Hepburn, as an angel.

jdonalds-5 Every time I see the title Always in our DVD case I'm tempted to pull it out and watch it again, for perhaps the 10th time. This isn't normally something I's want to watch because it shows the lead character influencing and being around in spirit after his death. But there's something about this project that give is a warm part in my mind.I guess it's primarily the love story between Pete and Dorinda. But it's so much more than that. It's the light-heartedness, the humor, the tragedy, and filled with characters I'd be glad to call my friends.Personally I've never found that Spielberg knows how to portray love, but this film was an exception. He got it right. There is a depth to this story that lingers.I wouldn't have rated this 8/10 years ago, but it is that sense that it keeps drawing me back that makes me admit that I like it that much. I like Dryfus but he seems to be an actor without much breadth. However this may be his best movie.Holly Hunter is not only easy on the eyes but the way she speaks, with that slightly off normal voice, is very endearing. She is a terrific actress.Goodman doesn't seem like an actor, which is meant as a huge complement. He fills each part so well it doesn't seem like he's acting. Perfect.

Alec Gomez It has been a while since I have seen this 'Always.' The years, I should say, have done this film justice.A noted cinephile, I know when to eat my words, and this is one is for the books. Sincere. Honest. Touching. Obviously sparked with a late-eighties, Spielbergian hyper-real, cinematic extensions and flair, these elements do not bog the film downs as, say, with '1941' or 'The Color Purple.' And why should we expect modern filmmakers to be like those of the forties or fifties? Modern filmmakers are just that -- modern.Holly Hunter is a walking dream and she has talent in droves. I have long had a crush on her and her funny mouth. She is simply enchanting and steals the show. Goodman, for once, is kept under control. Dreyfuss, with the thankless role of revisiting his past and commenting on the future, is the weakest link but only just. Sumptuously photographed by deftly edited, this story of unrequited love is as universal as mothers and babies. If it doesn't bring tears to your eyes, shame on you. The best advice to view this film is to forget it is a Spielberg film. Enjoy it for the love story that it is and sink into its voluptuous and charged charm.We should all hope we become angels in the mist, able to return to Earth to right all the wrongs of the world.This may be one Spielberg's most romantic films, next to A.I., which is a supremely magnificent film and, also, equally dismissed when it first arrived on the scene.I urge all to give this film a second chance.