Review of On Golden Pond (1981) by Scott C — 26 Apr 2013

For those that know me know that this is my favorite movie. I love the soundtrack from Dave Grusin. This is my comfort food movie. Over the years I watched this when I was sad or depressed. I believe it was the crowning performances of Henry Fonda and Katherine Hepburn. For years since I saw this movie the first time I wanted a home on Lake Winnipesaukee in New England. It plays like a broadway performance, which it was (is). I love Dabney Coleman in this movie. Perfect straight guy for Henry Fonda's wry wit.

I'm not a big Jane Fonda fan, but the emotional interplay between she and her father is unmistakable. I cry every single time at the end when they break through a lifetime of cold distance. The chemistry between all these actors is perfect. Spot on. The cinematography is beautiful. This is far and away Mark Rydell's Mona Lisa. If you haven't seen this for a while, it's on iTunes for a song. It gets my highest recommendation. Two tearful thumbs up.