It’s easy to picture how young Doug McKeon, just fifteen years old, might have reacted when he landed a role alongside someone like Hepburn, plus two Fondas and nearly twenty Oscar wins combined. Despite likely feeling apprehensive, he performs well as "Billy," accompanying his father (Dabney Coleman) and his new girlfriend, "Chelsea" (Jane Fonda). Chelsea is the daughter of the grumpy older "Norman" (Henry Fonda) and his wife "Ethel" (Katharine Hepburn), who own a summer house “on Golden Pond.” The connection between father and daughter seems somewhat tense; their harsh words lack warmth or tenderness. When "Chelsea" reveals plans to travel to Europe with her boyfriend, intending to leave the young man behind for a month, "Ethel" approves, and arrangements are made. Initially, the teenager acts in a fairly standard way, but after some clashes with "Norm," they discover a shared enjoyment in pursuing "Walter" on the lake. From that point forward, the plot becomes rather foreseeable, yet the rapport between Fonda and Hepburn truly stands out. These seasoned performers bring their characters to life with a certain endearing gruffness rooted in a deep affection, which they express subtly and often with sarcasm. The cinematography, along with the overall setting, enhances the story’s straightforward nature, serving as a reminder of what genuine stardom represents. The film also incorporates the somewhat less refined phrase "suck face." The musical score is a bit dull and tinkling, but that's a minor criticism of an otherwise excellent movie that even the most jaded viewer would likely find enjoyable.

Source on TMDB