The title makes it sound twee, but "On Golden Pond" slowly uncovers its rewards the deeper we get into the story. It hands H. Fonda and Hepburn subtle material with which to work. I confess I was expecting excessively sentimental and patronizing portraits of senior citizens to be laughed at and milked for fuzziness a la "Cocoon" and the oh-so-limp "Batteries Not Included", but there is some real spark and bite here, and it's only fitting given the talents involved. The presence of family seems to have a rejuvenating effect, helping to keep minds sharper than given credit for fresh for as long as possible as they make discoveries with each other. Make hay while the sun is shining, the wonderful cinematography and laid-back performances seem to be urging us.
It's nice to see all generations treated as equals and on the same playing field, for once; and just like their characters, the elder statesmen and women of the cast show they've still got the moves to make the younger end raise their game to stay level. "On Golden Pond" is a glorious celebration of what it is to have life in the palm of your hand, and how to live like you do even if the numbers are telling you otherwise.
It's nice to see all generations treated as equals and on the same playing field, for once; and just like their characters, the elder statesmen and women of the cast show they've still got the moves to make the younger end raise their game to stay level. "On Golden Pond" is a glorious celebration of what it is to have life in the palm of your hand, and how to live like you do even if the numbers are telling you otherwise.