Review by John Delia
A sweet romantic film involving an aging couple, The Tomorrow Man takes a look at hope, salvation and love. The movie has a lot of heart, some comedic overtones and provides a canvas for two aging actors that make the screen sizzle with delight. Aimed at our seniors, women of all ages and those who need a refresher on life. If you are in this group it’s one you won’t want to miss.
A pretentious old codger, Ed Hemsler (John Lithgow) feels he’s ready for what he thinks is a disaster about to happen. Filling a secret room with enough food, fuel and other survival needs, makes him feel safe for whatever the future may bring. His son Brian (Derek Cecil) thinks his dad may be getting senile, but also feels no need to stop the man from doing what makes him happy.
A little predisposed with life, but still going strong, Ronnie Meisner (Blythe Danner) has been collecting things that remind her of days gone by. She’s a very caring woman, but still needs some romance put back into to her humdrum life. Not having relatives close by and loneliness setting in, she spends her time shopping at Dan’s Grocery Store for items she may already have too many.
The two meet in the aisle of Dan’s one day and Ed is smitten by the captivating women. Being forward, he finds out her name and asks her out to a local restaurant. They hit it off and things seem to meld into an agreeable dating relationship. That is until the two get a bit serious and look deeper into their budding relationship.
Director and writer Noble Jones’s first attempt at a full length feature is a winner. He frames it especially for those who are in the twilight of their lives, romantics, dreamers and lovers of a good drama. And it is a very good film that touches your heart and begs for a happy ending. The film brings up the point that there’s always someone out there with whom one can work on new relationship turning solitude into a loving friendship.
The acting here is commendable and sincere with the sensitive subject of aging and companionship. John Lithgow and Blythe Danner are perfect for the roles. Their chemistry packs a romantic punch and they are instantly likable as Ed and Ronnie. If opposites attract, then their characters are the perfect example. Each with previous baggage and coping with a failed relationship or a lost loved one, their loneliness can be felt and the blossoming love admired.
However, it seems that writer Noble Jones had a finale in mind that surely indicated he either did not know how to finish off his film or was making a statement. Both of which does leave viewers in a bit of a quandary on whether to accept the fact that things don’t last forever or all good things must come to an end. I chose to ignore it.
The Tomorrow Man has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for brief strong language and some suggestive material. Mature children may be able to accept the storyline depending on their ability to cope with the possibility of “grandma†and “grandpa†still being romantically active, others may just get a bit bored.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A very good film that inspires the desire for aging companionship. (4 out of 5 Stars)
Additional Film Information:
Cast: John Lithgow, Blythe Danner, Derek Cecil, Katie Aselton, Sophie Thatcher, Eve Harlow
Directed and written by: Noble Jones
Genre: Drama, Romance
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for brief strong language and some suggestive material
Running Time: 1 hr. 35 min.
Opening Date: May 31, 2019
Distributed by: Bleecker Street
Released in: Standard Color