Watch Forever Lulu

Forever Lulu is a romantic comedy-drama released in 2000, directed by John Kaye, and starring Melanie Griffith, Patrick Swayze, and Penelope Ann Miller. The film follows the story of Lulu McAfee, a former mental patient, who tracks down her ex-lover, Ben Clifton, in an attempt to win him back after two decades apart. Lulu McAfee is portrayed by Melanie Griffith, and she brings a refreshing and quirky take on the character that is both relatable and endearing. Lulu was once a promising artist but spiraled down to depression and manic episodes due to her bipolar disorder. Now after years of hospitalization and therapy, she is determined to make amends and pursue her desire to be with Ben. Patrick Swayze plays Ben Clifton, a famous novelist who is haunted by Lulu and her troubled past long after their break-up. He is conflicted between his feelings for Lulu and his fears that her dangerous behavior may resurface.

Penelope Ann Miller portrays Claire, Ben's new wife, who plays a role in complicating the story. She is alarmed by Lulu's sudden appearance, and she desperately tries to keep the couple apart after discovering Lulu's troubled past. Claire's character is a powerful foil for Lulu, showcasing a sensible and pragmatic married woman opposed to Lulu's passionate and impulsive behavior.

One of the most delightful aspects of Forever Lulu is the witty and inventive script. The film explores themes such as love, loss, and mental illness in a way that is both entertaining and insightful. The humor in the script never feels out of place or cheap, and the emotional scenes are executed with authenticity and honesty. The dialogue is clever and engaging and often catches the audience off-guard with funny one-liners and punchy comebacks.

The cinematography in Forever Lulu is simple but effective, reflecting the theme of simplicity and refinement that is conveyed in the movie. The movie is shot primarily in Los Angeles and San Francisco, with the filming locations adding an extra layer of authenticity and charm to the story. The music of the movie is also noteworthy, with popular tracks such as "California Dreamin'" by the Mamas and the Papas adding to the overall feel-good vibe of the film.

The chemistry between the main cast is another one of the movie's strengths, with Melanie Griffith and Patrick Swayze showcasing their talent as actors. Although this film marks the only collaboration between these iconic actors, their performances mesh together seamlessly, making the audience remember and care for their characters' story. Additionally, Penelope Ann Miller adds depth to the story with her portrayal of Claire, providing an excellent contrast to the eccentric Lulu.

Final verdict, Forever Lulu may not be a classic romantic comedy, but it is an entertaining and well-executed movie with charming characters, a thoughtful script, and exquisite acting. The story revolves around Lulu's redemption and her past, and it showcases how love can conquer mental illness stigma, and allow healing to those who are willing to make a change. The movie certainly is worth watching for those who love romantic comedies with a twist of drama.

Forever Lulu is a 2000 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.