Review of On Golden Pond (1981) by Jason V — 02 Feb 2011
Yes, it is melodramatic and cheaply produced and way, way too quick to a resolution. But dammit...it's Fonda and Hepburn doing what they do best: making the audience feel for their characters. To be frank, the inclusion of Jane Fonda and her step son aren't really needed to propel the film forward.
Watching the degenerating Norman Thayer Jr. and his wife Ethel Thayer spend another summer on Golden Pond is a good enough way to spend 108 minutes. The film is all about relationships and precious little else.
No spectacular crashes, no grandiose moment where these people change the greater world. No. Rather it's the little moments, the first time we see Ethel acknowledge her husband's condition. The final scene, which is a heart breaker.
The ideas the movie represents of making peace before it's too late and letting new people into your life. I'm not about to fault the film for moving through the plot too quickly. Especially not when I was enchanted with the film and the performances of the two leads.
This review of On Golden Pond (1981) was written by Jason V on 02 Feb 2011.
On Golden Pond has generally received very positive reviews.
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