Review of Always (1989) by Robert S — 17 Oct 2008

Always is a film that burns as hot as a wildfire and high as an old converted bomber. Richard Dreyfus, smooth a bastard as ever, plays Pete, a hot-dog fire-pilot who risks his life for show every day. When his best friend, the affable but tough as nails John Goodman as Al Yackey, gets in a tough spot, he risks it again for a reason, and ends up losing it.

Before he can pass on, though, he has to give two things to Ted Baker, a young hot dog with dreams of being a fire pilot: his skills, and his girl, the lovely Holly Hunter. Powerfully acted, smartly written and directed like a firecracker from the iconic opening shot of Pete bailing out two fishermen on an otherwise peaceful lake, to the flaming hot nailbiter ending, Always is a ride to be had time and time again.