Never Too Late (2020) Review

RATING: 4/10

AUSSIE comedies have risen to prominence over the past few months since Covid-19 forced the indefinite postponements of blockbuster features.

One national film that has benefited from the lack of cinematic releases is Never Too Late, a charming comedy which highlights the tragedies and triumphs that come with old age.

Vietnam War veterans Jack (Cromwell); Jeremiah (Waterman); James (Billing) and Angus (Thompson) are fed up with their monotonous lives at a retirement home, and they decide to do something about it when they concoct a plan to escape the village with the help of their new 11-year-old friend and son of the retirement home’s owner, Elliott (Wan).

Despite not being a ground-breaking or complicated structure, the over-arching plot of Never Too Late kept me thoroughly entertained throughout the near two-hour runtime thanks to its consistent energy and underlining themes of brotherhood and love.

The leading four have fantastic chemistry with one another, proving that acting can persevere no matter how old you may get.

Jack’s relationship with Jacki Weaver’s character, Norma, is the centrepiece of the film and acts as our protagonist’s goal to achieve before Norma’s impending dementia sets in. Other character motivations include Jeremiah’s goal to set sail before he passes and James’ of wanting to reconnect with his estranged son.

Although Never Too Late features plenty of heart that hit me a bit too hard, I found the music utilised was too egregious for my tastes.

Songs such as House of the Rising Sun are phenomenal when used sparingly, but when every second scene features licensed music, the ever-lasting impact of them feel redundant and unimportant, particularly during highly emotional scenes.

There are plenty of sappy moments to be found in Never Too Late and the film never goes out of its way to be anything more than a transcending cinematic masterpiece, opting for a peaceful and heart-warming conclusion to a predictable story.

And you know what? I could not have asked for anything more.

Mark Lamprell’s Never Too Late keeps things simple as all of the film’s plotlines are wrapped up with a nice little bow by the end, making audiences, and myself, very pleased with the final moments which encapsules humanity in its finest form.

If you need a flick with good old-fashioned Australian comedy, Never Too Late is an easy recommendation thanks to its charming performances and genuinely funny humour.