This is a classic 80's action/humor/romance movie centered around aerial firefighting. Thankfully this film was shot before the CGI era, so the aircraft flight scenes are all live action. The storyline is a bit corny, and the hair/clothes are dated, but the acting is great. In my opinion this is one of the best John Goodman movies. I think it really captured his range as an actor. Richard Dreyfus also had a strong showing in this film, and the on camera chemistry between the two seemed genuine. My only criticism of the film was the technical inaccuracies involving the aircraft. As is often mentioned, the A-26 would have no problem climbing after dropping it's load. In fact, with the inertia it gained after diving heavy, NOT climbing after dropping the load would have been difficult. All-in-all though I thought it was a great movie, definitely a must watch from the Dirty Dancing era.

Disclaimer: At time of writing this is the only review I have done where I did not see the original version prior to watching the remake. However, given the extraordinary pedigree (in no particular order, Spielberg behind the camera, and Hepburn, Dreyfuss, Goodman and Hunter in front) I decided to grab the old typewriter (keyboard) and dive in anyway. First the direction. Spielberg would rather have a root canal than leave behind to posterity any scene that is not perfectly lit and shot. So that's a non-issue. Hepburn? OMG what can I add that has not been said by the other reviewers? One of kind star presence. Five minutes of screen time with this lady is equal to two hours with any so-called modern actress. As for Dreyfuss, Hunter and Goodman what I really like about them is that not only do they do what is required, but they are relatively underexposed for the talent they deliver, and Spielberg kept each on a tight leash. (To see what happens when you don't keep these guys on a tight leash, watch Dreyfuss in Duddy Kravitz, Hunter in Saving Grace, and Goodman in just about anything he has ever done). As for final impact, I will say that the story is perhaps not for everyone and does take some time to build. But the payoff is there, and the reality of life and death is not going to change much over your lifetime, so, when you are ready to face either or both, this film will still be available for your viewing pleasure.

This is one of my all time favorite movies, reinforcing the maxim that everything starts with a good story. "Always" has all the best elements working together. It is a great story, with superb casting, top-shelf acting, and it touches the heart. It combines humor, heartache, adventure, tragedy, relationships, love, life and death into classic entertainment for young and old. Way to go, Mr. Spielberg. Having said that, don't be surprised that the original screenplay which "Always" is based upon was a World War II story written in 1943 by Dalton Trumbo, entitled "A Guy Named Joe," starring Spencer Tracy. Spielberg did a masterful job of adapting "Always" with characters bearing the same names as those in "A Guy Named Joe," the real-world depictions of World War II-era aircraft for wildfire suppression bombers, and references to water bomber bases resembling WWII bomber bases. Watch "A Guy Named Joe" and then watch "Always" to best appreciate the combined genius of Dalton Trumbo and Steven Spielberg.

AlwaysThe worst thing about dying on a plane is that your last meal is an infinitesimal amount of complimentary pretzels and your choice of coffee, tea or juice.Unfortunately, the fire-bomber pilot in this drama didn't have enough time to decide his beverage before crashing.While on his last dump of fire retardant, pilot Pete's (Richard Dreyfuss) plane explodes mid-air.Waking in the company of heavenly hairdresser (Audrey Hepburn), Pete is told of his afterlife's purpose: to inspire a new pilot (Brad Johnson).But when the rookie takes a shine to his widow (Holly Hunter), Pete persuades the newbie to volunteer for a dangerous mission in hopes he fails.While Steven Spielberg's remake of A Guy Named Joe, lacks the director's grandiose style, it does contain heaps of his schmaltziness.Besides, when you die in a plane crash you don't go to heaven, you go into the survivors' intestinal tracks. (Yellow Light)vidiotreviews.blogspot.ca