Do you remember those summers of endless possibility, of friendships forged in the crucible of youth? "Now and Then," the 1995 coming-of-age film, masterfully captures this very essence, weaving a tapestry of nostalgia and the enduring power of female bonds.

The film, directed by Lesli Linka Glatter, takes us back to the summer of 1970, a time of bell bottoms, pop music, and the cusp of a new decade. Four young girls Teeny, Chrissy, Samantha, and Roberta navigate the complexities of adolescence, sharing secrets, confronting bullies, and experiencing the bittersweet transition from childhood to puberty. Their idyllic summer is punctuated by moments of both joy and sorrow, creating a bond that time and distance cannot diminish. Decades later, on the eve of Chrissy's baby's birth, the friends reunite, and the past resurfaces, bringing with it the memories of their shared past.

The adult actresses, while present, serve more as a frame for the story, with the main narrative focusing on the childhood experiences. While the screenplay had a few issues, the young actresses, Christina Ricci, Thora Birch, Gaby Hoffmann, and Ashleigh Aston Moore, gave outstanding performances, carrying the film with their talent and portrayal of the characters.

Here's a glimpse into the key players of "Now and Then," both then and now:

Actor	Character (Then)	Character (Now)	Age (as of 2024)	Notable Projects	Relevant Links
Christina Ricci	Roberta Martin		44	"The Addams Family" (1991), "Sleepy Hollow" (1999), "Yellowjackets" (TV series)	IMDB
Thora Birch	Teeny (Christine)		42	"American Beauty" (1999), "Ghost World" (2001), "The Last Ship" (TV series)	IMDB
Gaby Hoffmann	Samantha Albertson		42	"Sleepless in Seattle" (1993), "Volcano" (1997), "Transparent" (TV series)	IMDB
Ashleigh Aston Moore	Chrissy (Christine)	Sadly, no updated look is available.	Deceased (died in 2007, age 26)	"Now and Then"	N/A
Demi Moore		Samantha Albertson	61	"Ghost" (1990), "A Few Good Men" (1992), "Indecent Proposal" (1993)	IMDB
Melanie Griffith		Teeny (Christine)	66	"Working Girl" (1988), "Body Double" (1984), "Lolita" (1997)	IMDB
Rosie O'Donnell		Roberta Martin	62	"A League of Their Own" (1992), "Sleepless in Seattle" (1993), "The Rosie O'Donnell Show"	IMDB
Rita Wilson		Chrissy (Christine)	67	"Sleepless in Seattle" (1993), "Runaway Bride" (1999), "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" (2002)	IMDB
Hank Azaria	Bud Kent		60	"The Simpsons" (voice), "Godzilla" (1998), "Tuesdays with Morrie" (1999)	IMDB
Janeane Garofalo			60	"Reality Bites" (1994), "The Truth About Cats & Dogs" (1996), "Ratatouille" (voice)	IMDB

The film also serves as a nostalgic trip for those who experienced the 1970s, capturing the era's fashion, music, and cultural nuances. From the bell-bottoms to the iconic tunes, "Now and Then" paints a vivid picture of a bygone era, offering a poignant reminder of simpler times.

Beyond the central quartet, "Now and Then" features a strong supporting cast. Hank Azaria, Cloris Leachman, and Bonnie Hunt, along with other actors, contributed to the film's charm and provided depth to the story. The supporting cast added layers of humor, drama, and realism to the narrative, further enriching the experience of the movie.

It's important to note that the film is often compared to "Stand by Me," and similar coming-of-age narratives. The story's core revolves around the enduring power of friendship and the transformative impact of those formative years.

The film was not just a success, but also a cultural touchstone that continues to resonate with audiences. It provides a nostalgic look back at friendship and the pivotal moments of childhood, making it a timeless film to be revisited.

In addition to the main story, the article also mentions some other topics, such as the TV series, "The Rookie," which aired an episode titled "Now and Then" in its second season on May 20, 2022. However, this is unrelated to the film we are talking about and has a different cast and storyline.

There is also an upcoming Apple TV+ series titled "Now & Then". This series is a different production and is not related to the 1995 movie. It tells the story of a group of friends whose lives are changed forever after a fatal incident during their college reunion.

Overall, "Now and Then" is a heartwarming and memorable film that continues to be cherished by audiences. The story of friendship, remembrance, and the complex journey from childhood to adulthood still brings people together to reminisce. The movie's power lies in its simple yet profound portrayal of relationships and nostalgia that leaves a lasting impact on viewers.