By Pamela Rose Williams
Some time ago, I was offered an opportunity by Grace Hill Media to review the movie “Forever My Girl”. My daughter Hollie Rose and I enjoyed the movie together. Here is my review of the movie along with a few comments from Hollie as well.
Film Summary
“Forever My Girl” is a movie that shares the story of Liam Page (Alex Roe) who chose fame as a country music star rather than marriage to Josie (Jessica Rothe). In fact, Liam literally was a “no show” on his wedding day. Liam’s fame and fortune would have been perfect if he could only get over Josie. When news of a tragedy in his small hometown reaches Liam he is compelled to return to the people who love him more than his fans. It is in that small town of “Saint” Augustine, Louisiana that Liam realizes all that he has been missing in his life.
A Few of Our Favorite and Other Things
I found this to be a heart-warming and very “real” movie. The acting was genuine and the story line was believable. Here are some highlights of our favorite and other things:
- Though I said it about 100 times during the movie (according to Hollie), I must say it again — Billie, the seven year old girl (Abby Ryder Fortson), stole the show! She is cute as a button and so precocious that you cannot help but laugh out loud when she declares things that should be said by someone 3 or 4 times her age. Hollie said that sometimes child actors are made to look cute and it is so fake, but in this case Billie (Abby) is just naturally cute.
- Hollie pointed out the fact that after all Liam had done to his loved ones, she thought so many that he had hurt were just too light on him as he made his way back into their lives.
- I loved the scene where Liam is talking with Billie as he tucks her into bed and they have a sincere conversation about why he left her “Mama”.
- Hollie liked that as the story developed Liam was able to realize the true reason why he stayed away on his wedding day.
- I liked that this movie was relatable to all ages, no matter your position in life.
- The music was generally good. Liam (Alex Roe) has a sweet voice. Hollie and I both loved the cameo appearance by one of our favs — Travis Tritt — as Walt, an old friend of Liam’s Mom.
Notes and Cautions
Though this can be considered a family friendly movie there are a couple of elements of which to beware. The title character Liam Page is often pictured as drinking large amounts of alcohol. Also, some of the lyrics to the songs that Liam sings deal with “grown up” situations and suggested solutions to heartache that are temporal. The fact that the young girl “Billie” was born out of wedlock is a subject that is becoming more and more prevalent, even in family friendly movies.
Overall Recommendation
“Forever My Girl” will warm your heart and I believe you will be drawn to tears of sorrow, regret and even joy. I would recommend it as a Daddy/daughter or Mommy/daughter date night movie. It could open some great dialogue when you enjoy a pizza after the movie. Definitely worth the trip to see it on the big screen and when it becomes available on DVD and/or download, you should own it. Enjoy the trailer below:
Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Grace Hill Media for providing prerelease screening passes for this review. Though I did receive a screening pass for 2 people in exchange for this review and post the opinions and recommendations expressed here are my own. Read my full DISCLOSURE POLICY.
Photo credit: Roadside Attractions, LLC
