Behind every great love is a great story.
I haven't
read the Nicholas Sparks novel on which this
film is based...To be honest, I attended this
film under the best of circumstances. I was with
a companion who I care deeply for...therefore, a
chick flick (as she called it) should have had
tremendous appeal. Quite simply, it didn't.
Don't get me wrong...this is not a bad
film...The script is competent, but lacking in
originality...the acting is competent, with
periods of chemistry between the two leads Ryan
Gosling and Rachel McAdams. The direction, by
Nick Cassavetes, is unimaginative and lacking in
any originality or dramatic tension. Basically,
my general feeling from this film is that it is
"fluff" rescued only by the onscreen charisma of
Gosling and McAdams along with supporting
appearances by James Garner and the wondrous
Gena Rowlands. I was unsure why Rowlands would
attach herselt to such a role until I realized
that Cassavetes is her son. Ah, that makes
sense. You'd think he'd care enough about his
own mother to give her a role of substance. This
film, while different in tone, sort of takes the
same approach as another less successful film by
Cassavettes, "John Q." Cassavetes is clearly
getting by on the family name, as incredible
actors are agreeing to be in marginal films. Of
course, having a book by Nicholas Sparks, it is
easy to see why someone would want to be in the
film. It's a wonderful idea, but I can't help
but feel like this is far too similar to other
works by Sparks brought to the screen including
"A Walk to Remember" and "Message in a Bottle."
Overall, this is still a decent date
flick...but, I can't recommend more than matinee
prices. I also greatly enjoyed an appearance by
Sam Shepard here...for me, he pushes the film up
a notch and keeps it from being just another
average film. Slightly above average but lacking
in originality and excitement, check this film
out with someone you love or just go ahead and
wait for the video.
©
Written by Richard Propes
TC Candler's Comment
N/A
Jacob
Hall's Comment
N/A
