Forces of Nature - A Movie Review

You never know who you will meet in life. People cross paths for a reason.

Forces of Nature is a 1999 film about a man who is feverishly traveling to make it to his wedding on time. Unfortunately, the plane loses control before takeoff. Meeting a woman, the two go through an exciting trip filled with surprises around each corner.

My first thought while watching this movie was that it felt like a remake to the classic 1988 film Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Forces of Nature combines the talents of Sandra Bullock and Ben Affleck. In this whacky, heartfelt adventure it molds a friendship as they figure out what love really is.

Sandra Bullock never fails to meet acclaim with her charismatic energy. She comes off so naturally in all of her performances. Her role as Sarah is a contrast to the strong-willed persona that she usually plays. Sarah is a rebel who struggles to meet ends with her past. Bullock standing at the top of the train happily shouting is one of my favorite scenes.

Nervous about his upcoming wedding, Ben asks everyone who he meets on their thoughts about marriage. Ben Affleck did a splendid job. I like how he was open with his emotions but struggled to come to terms with how he felt about marriage. With Sarah, Ben reflected on his relationship and other dilemmas.

People can learn from Ben and Sarah’s encounter. You never know who you will cross paths with. Whether it becomes a friendship that lasts forever or only a day, we meet people for a reason. As the movie states, the people who we meet change us forever which I agree with.

Forces of Nature succeeds at a story. In a well-crafted subplot, Bridget (Maura Tierney), Ben’s fiancee, is given a chance to develop instead of being ignored. I never like how films abandon storylines just for the sake of focusing on the main characters. We get to know Bridget’s character.

I was so happy when Steve Zahn’s name flashed on the screen. Over time I have become a fan of Zahn. He has a warm goofy sense of humor. The ensemble of Forces of Nature each has their own opinion about love. Blythe Danner and Ronny Cox were excellent as Bridget’s bickering parents. A shoutout goes to the old couple on the train for a hilarious scene.

Although it contains connections to Planes, Trains and Automobiles, the film created a different dynamic and story. More remakes need to make an effort to make their film different instead of just making it a modernized version of the original.

Bronwen Hughes did not create a cliche love story. Instead, he directed a comedy about two people struggling with dilemmas. I laughed at the jokes, specifically when the two were riding in a taxi cab. It was a refreshing film with a well-written ending. Love is a construction of definitions. It is important to understand it instead of running.

The special effects for one crucial scene symbolized a moral about the chaos of life. Even if life is like a hurricane, you cannot avoid it.

At times, the film used filler just to see what other crazy situations Ben and Sarah could get into. I will admit that their shopping scene in a K-Mart was fun. In a way, the filler scenes are a fun metaphor which asserts that nobody knows if anything is going to work out. Expect the unexpected.

I recommended that you find Forces of Nature. Bullock and Affleck were outstanding in their interactions. It is a fun adventure film about travel and unexpected friendships.