Forces of Nature
Official Dreamworks & Amblin Entertainment Site

Starring: Sandra Bullock, Ben Affleck, Maura Tierney,
Blythe Danner, Ronny Cox, Steve Zahn
Category: Romantic-Comedy
Rating: PG-13
Released: 1999
Available for rental.

Forces of Nature is aptly named. From temptation to a hurricane, forces of nature permeate this film. There are signs everywhere - but beware how you read them. Either "this wasn't meant to be" or "nothing worth having is ever easy", it's up to you how you take Forces of Nature.

Sandra Bullock plays Sarah, as free a spirit as you'd ever meet. Or maybe not. Sarah's got a past - who doesn't? But her past is as complicated as her personality isn't. It's most often the deepest people who can seem the most easygoing, and Sarah is another example of this life paradox.


Ben Affleck plays Ben, a conservative dresser about to get married. This guy could be poster boy for the United States Postal Service. "Neither wind, nor rain, nor hail, nor fire..." Nor hurricane. The problem is all the people around him. Everyone Ben meets piles on another doubt about what he should - or should not - be doing.


Steve Zahn (You've Got Mail) plays Alan, the best man and, "wink, wink." a very understanding one at that. The bride-to-be, Bridget, is played by Maura Tierney. She has doubts too, but not like Ben's. Bridget's mom, Virginia Cahill, is played by Blythe Danner. Ronny Cox plays Bridget's dad, Hadley Cahill. The Cahill's Savannah, Georgia, home is actually The Castle in Beaufort, South Carolina. But the majority of filming was done in Savannah and at South-of-the-Border (a lively stop on I-95, just south of the NC-SC border).


Forces of Nature is from the producers of such films as Grosse Pointe Blank and Twister. Comparing it with Twister, the comparative pace becomes obvious. You're never allowed to relax. And Forces of Nature is as clever as GPB, but a whole lot more real - and realistic.


Forces of Nature reminded me of My Best Friend's Wedding, but with true emotion, rather than true comedy. This film is more tense, less fun, but more watchable. Forces of Nature is rated PG-13 for adult themes.

Thumb's Up!