by Michelle Thornton
Editorial Director
Meet Ben, a bachelor only two days away from wedding Bridget, the girl he thought was the only one for him.
Meet Ben’s grandfather, the man who had a heart attack at Ben’s bachelor party because he was too excited over the balloon-popping, bull-taming exotic dancer.
While Ben’s grandfather lay in the intensive care unit, he tells Ben (Ben Affleck, “Armageddon”) that no matter how much he loves Bridget (Maura Tierney, “NewsRadio”) he should never tie himself down. His reason: people change and nothing, not even love, is certain.
It is also because of grandpa’s hospitalization that Ben is behind schedule and must fly and meet Bridget in Savannah, Ga. for their wedding.
Meet Ben’s best friend and best man, Alan (Steve Zahn, “Out of Sight”). It is because he forgets the couple’s rings and has to return home, that leaves Ben flying solo and headed for trouble.
Now meet Sarah (Sandra Bullock, “Speed”). She is trouble, the true force of nature in “Forces of Nature” (rated PG-13). She enters Ben’s life-rather, she is thrown into it-when their plane skids off the runway.
The two complete strangers, like it or not (and at points they do not like it), find themselves unlikely travel partners as they try to deliver Ben to his bride on time. At other points, their attraction is stronger than ever.
Many complications arise in the form of several disastrous travel mishaps, a few unforeseen weather conditions and an unpredicted sexual attraction for both Ben and Bridget.
Meet Steve, (David Strickland, “Suddenly Susan”) Bridget’s friend from Savannah, who is madly in love with her. Bridget, confused and troubled over her missing in action husband-to-be, turns to Steve, who gladly is there to hold her hand, and a whole lot more.
This is the recipe for trouble and a good romantic comedy.
The chemistry between Affleck and Bullock is undeniable and sizzling. Both portray their characters with energy and zest; Ben as a semi-stuffy suit sort of guy and Sarah is the wild, carefree, and uninhibited woman.
Sarah’s character is contagious and begins to rub off on Ben, and vice versa. His character becomes much more likeable and relaxed, and it is revealed that Sarah has more adult responsibilities than she let on to, adding a bit more conflict and a small dose of drama.
Ben’s grandfather’s advice is a strong recurring theme throughout “Forces of Nature.” Travelers the couple encounters on their wayward journey seem to second grandpa’s words, telling horror stories of cheating and divorce. To add to Ben’s doubts and distress, the weather seems to be a sign from above, a cosmic hand that seems to be guiding him away from his bride-to-be.
The soundtrack for this movie is a little bit of a surprise when one reads the roster of artists: U2, Propellerheads, Chris Tart and Tricky. Not at all the mushy, soft love songs one would expect, rather upbeat and spunky is what one gets. The remake U2 did of “Everlasting Love” is awesome, and Chris Tart’s remake of “Love the One You’re With” is outstanding as well.
But more than wedding jitters and cold feet, this movie’s underlying message is how by chance, or maybe fate, a person can cross another’s path and leave a deep impression or a natural disaster.
“Forces of Nature” is a cute date movie, but by no means an Oscar contender. It might leave the one remembering the hurricane that tore through their life or cherishing the choice that they made. All and all, it was worthwhile.
