The Age of Adaline (Rated T)
Cast: Blake Lively, Harrison Ford, Michael Huisman
Genre: Romance Drama
Dwight's Rating: 2.5 Stars

A bowl of canned soup can often hit the spot.

Yes, there are food choices that are much more interesting -- in actual taste and in providing a true culinary experience. And yes, often with canned soup, the need to add ingredients to spice it up is great. But there are hardly any nasty surprises with this kitchen pantry staple, as you generally get what's advertised. And it usually tastes the same practically every time.

Consider "The Age of Adaline" a cinematic bowl of canned soup. This new romance drama is an innocuous and largely predictable film. But it is entertaining, though very safe and not groundbreaking in any sort of way.

After a car accident, Adaline, born at the turn of the 20th century (1908 to be exact), has miraculously remained a youthful 29 years of age, not aging a single day for nearly eight decades. To protect her secret (from evil U.S. government types), she never allows herself to get too close to anyone. But a chance encounter with a charismatic philanthropist reawakens her passion for life and romance. And when a weekend with his parents threatens to uncover the truth, Adaline makes a decision that will change her life forever.

Comparisons to another romantic fantasy drama that examines aspects of aging -- "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" -- are inevitable. But that well-regarded 2008 film is far more comprehensive and introspective in its storytelling.

"Adaline", on the other hand, doesn't delve deeply enough into the complexities of the title character living vampire-like for nearly 80 years. There are only slight references through brief flashbacks. As a result, "Adaline" seems to be missing something.

The film also misses what could have been a truly fascinating opportunity to examine a bizarre mother-daughter relationship, as Adaline, played by 27-year-old Blake Lively, looks far younger than her daughter, played by Ellen Burstyn -- the Academy, Tony and Emmy Award-winning actress, who is now 82-years old. Instead, it just skims the surface on this issue.

More attention is paid to the new romance in Adaline's life. And as romance dramas go, the story is - err - cute. But it's not as compelling as the filmmakers probably think. Things do get a little more interesting when Adaline meets her new love's parents. But even then, you get the sense that the film does not take full advantage of the story's potential.

Rather, the film's primary focus appears (perhaps unwittingly) to be as a star vehicle for Lively. Lots of time is spent showcasing Adaline as a free spirit, a truly modern woman, even if she is 107-years-old. As such, we see Adaline always impeccably dressed in every scene, like a fashion show. It allows for Lively's great beauty to be on full display. Indeed the young actress is stately and captivating on screen, with the looks of a classic screen siren.

Lively also appears to be channeling the Golden Era of Hollywood in the way she speaks as Adaline. Perhaps this is because the character is 107. But it feels slightly forced and inauthentic. There's also some weird narration near the start and end of the film; we have no idea who the narrator is. And it comes out of nowhere. Very odd!

Other than those nits -- and despite a sense of unoriginality especially, again, when compared to a "Benjamin Button", and that sense of playing it far too safe -- "The Age of Adaline" is not an unpleasant way to pass some time. And it's always nice to see Harrison Ford (who has a small but significant role) and Ellen Burstyn.

Blake Lively's career is bound to benefit most from the film, as many more people are likely to see her now as a viable leading lady.

Yes, we can wish the filmmakers had realized they had most of the fresh ingredients for their own tasty homemade soup. But this is a romance drama after all. And at this point in time, there's little that can be truly original with this genre.

Plus, if you've ever made your one soup, you know that sometimes if you get too out there with what you put in it, at some point you'll end up with something that's not soup.

o Dwight Strachan is the host/producer of " Morning Blend" on Guardian Radio. He is a television producer and writer and an avid TV history and film buff. Email dwight@nasguard.com and follow him on twitter @morningblend969.

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