I remember it vividly. The trailer packed a certain racy punch that had been lost over the years, and something about this one screamed classic sex romp. I was turning 17, and the plan was to see The Girl Next Door in theaters that Friday night. I can recall the film immediately reminding me of 1994 classic (at my house anyway) Milk Money starring Ed Harris and Melanie Griffith. A lot like GND, the plot of Milk Money revolves around a beautiful babe from some sort of adult industry leading the way. But, this time, instead of the Dad getting in on the action, it was the kid's turn. This intrigued me, (again, I was in high-school) and when the film got pushed back to April so did my birthday plans. Sure, we celebrated in March, but we sure as hell celebrated in April as well.
After seeing Girl Next Door, I was an Emile Hirsh fan. I watched Into the Wild on repeat, I thought he was great in Milk, and I almost took up skateboarding because of his portrayal of Jay in Lords of Dogtown. To me, he was one of THE stars to watch. His choices for projects seemed so thought out, and it felt like he was picking them not only to broaden his career but to keep us, the fans, interested. I never stopped following Emile's career, and I had heard he started work on a gritty western film. Being a bit more seasoned, this choice made me curious. And with John Cusack attached to the film as well, I was excited to catch Never Grow Old when it came to my town.
Never Grow Old takes place in a once-peaceful frontier town that is now a den of vice after vicious outlaw Dutch Albert (Cusack) and his gang arrive and begin gunning down their opposition. Undertaker Patrick Tate (Hirsch) is forced to choose between the blood money he makes burying the murderers' victims and the threats he and his family face in this intense and gritty western. Sure, it seems like an odd choice for anyone to take on really, but when you've acted in nearly every genre, what is left?
We watched Never Grown Old last night, and as I mentioned to Hirsh, I loved it! Cusack was great, Hirsh was fantastic, and, I'm not just saying this, it is without of doubt one of the better films I've ever watched to prepare for an interview! So, if you're a fan of debauchery, greed, and murder then welcome to the town of Garlow.
Never Grow Old is in theaters and On Demand, today, March 15, 2019.
Jessie Hobson