Always

Directed by Steven Spielberg, Always follows hotshot aerial firefighter Pete Sandich (Richard Dreyfuss) as he’s killed in an accident and subsequently sent back to earth as the guardian angel of a fledgling pilot (Brad Johnson’s Ted) – with complications ensuing after Ted begins falling for Pete’s grieving girlfriend (Holly Hunter’s Dorinda). Filmmaker Spielberg, working from Jerry Belson and Diane Thomas’ screenplay, delivers a deliberate yet progressively absorbing drama that benefits from its irresistibly old-fashioned sensibilities and raft of above-average performances, with, in terms of the latter, Dreyfuss’ completely captivating (and often unreasonably charming) turn here playing an integral role in elevating the proceedings through its sporadic lulls. (And it doesn’t hurt, either, that Dreyfuss has been surrounded by a fantastic roster of periphery players, including a typically terrific Hunter and a scene-stealing John Goodman.) The relaxed narrative’s decidedly sentimental elements are able, as a result, to pack a far more emotional punch than one might’ve anticipated, as Spielberg blankets the picture with a whole host of endearing, engaging sequences and set-pieces that pave the way for an entirely satisfying climactic stretch – which does, in the end, cement Always‘ place as a top-tier effort that seems to have unfairly fallen through the cracks.

***1/2 out of ****