On Golden Pond

Rated: PG

Movie Release Date: December 4, 1981

DVD Release Date: December 16, 2003

Plot 411: An old fuddy duddy and his wife spend the summer at their lakeside home and must confront the strained relationship with their daughter when she, her new boyfriend and his son arrive.

Review: The intro to this film is mostly scenes out of National Geographic, but don't let that deter you from watching it. Once all the idyllic nature shots end, we are introduced to Norman and Ethel Thayer. He is a grumpy old badger and she is his cheerful, loving wife. Initially I didn't like him too much ("I mean seriously, what is this dude's problem," I thought.), but he completely grew on me. He's like your mean old uncle on your dad's side of the family who is always blustering about one thing or another. I thought that Henry Fonda and Katherine Hepburn did a superb job. I also found myself wondering what it was like for Jane Fonda to work so closely with her dad on such a touching (and touchy) subject: mortality.

Watch It: If you want to see a classic film by classy actors and enjoy great cinematography.

Skip It: If your idea of a wilderness is a patch of grass big enough for your teacup chihuahua to take a leak on or if old people and/or death creep you out.

Trailer: