Never Too Late (2020 film)
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film industry |
| Founded | 2020 |
| Founder | Mark Lamprell (director) |
| Headquarters | Adelaide , Australia |
| Products | Comedy film |
| Parent | R&R Films (distributor) |
Never Too Late is a 2020 Australian comedy film helmed by director Mark Lamprell, featuring performances by James Cromwell and Jacki Weaver. The ensemble also includes Dennis Waterman, Roy Billing, Jack Thompson, and Shane Jacobson.
Plot
Set in a retirement facility named "Hogan Hills" for veterans, the story revolves around four ex-prisoners of war who were part of an elite unit known as "the Chainbreakers," having escaped from a Vietnam prison camp. Bound by the restrictions of the Mental Health Act, they are unable to leave despite unresolved matters in their lives.
Their American leader, Bronson, pretends to be unwell to remain near Norma, a widow and former Army nurse battling Alzheimer's disease. The group harbors resentment towards Bronson, holding him responsible for their earlier capture in Vietnam. Caine dreams of sailing his yacht but is confined for his own protection. Wendell, a former biker and bank robber now wheelchair-bound, has been estranged from his son Bruce since 1975 and laments missing out on attending a football match with him. Angus, once a celebrated VFL player for Collingwood and winner of the 1973 Brownlow medal, was stripped of his medal following disqualification for assaulting an opponent.
They recruit Elliot, a young orderly and son of Lin, the matron overseeing the home. Lin’s father was a prison guard executed after sparing the escapees during their imprisonment.
After multiple unsuccessful attempts, they finally break out using a hearse, collecting Bruce along the way. While Wendell and Bruce attend an Adelaide Oval match between the Adelaide Crows and Port Power, Angus retrieves his medal from its display case. They escape aboard the Glenelg tram and manage to convince law enforcement that they are innocent tourists. Bronson proposes marriage to Norma, who agrees. The group then sets sail on Caine's yacht, disappearing into the distance.
In the closing scenes, Bronson shares Lin’s father’s story and expresses gratitude; Norma returns to the home but no longer recognizes Bronson; Angus continues to wear his medal proudly; and Bruce assumes the role of Wendell’s caregiver.
Cast
- James Cromwell as Jack Bronson
- Dennis Waterman as Jeremiah Caine
- Roy Billing as James Wendell
- Shane Jacobson as Bruce Wendell
- Jack Thompson as Angus Wilson
- Jacki Weaver as Norma McCarthy
- Renee Lim as Lin (matron in charge)
- Zachary Wan as Elliot (her son, an orderly)
- Edmund Pegge as Howard
- Ling-Hsueh Tang as Kate
Production
Directed by Mark Lamprell, Never Too Late was penned by Grant Carter and Luke Preston, with production led by Antony I. Ginnane and David Lightfoot. Executive producers included Jack Christian and Kirk D'Amico. Filming occurred in Adelaide, South Australia, throughout March and April 2019. Significant sequences were captured at the Adelaide Oval, featuring numerous extras portraying fans of local AFL teams such as the Adelaide Crows.
Soundtrack
The movie’s score features original compositions by Angela Little, complemented by 1960s and 1970s era songs performed by Lior, including House of the Rising Sun, Catch the Wind, Mad World, and I Can See Clearly Now. However, these particular tracks are not part of the official soundtrack release.
Release
The movie made its debut at the Young at Heart Festival in Adelaide on 19 February 2020. Its digital launch in the United States was planned for 10 July 2020. Distribution responsibilities were managed by R&R Films.
Critical reception
Never Too Late garnered mixed feedback, achieving a 46% approval score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 24 critiques.
- "Given the cast, Lamprell might have crafted a tribute to remarkable acting careers. Instead, it ends up feeling like a disappointing underutilization of talent."
- "Predictable and sentimental. While the outcome is foreseeable, it remains enjoyable and harmless to watch how the story unfolds."