This film was a surprise hit of last summer. This lovely old-fashioned romance deserves it. Based on a Nicholas Sparks novel, the film chronicles the summer romance of young lumberyard worker Noah (Ryan Gosling, MURDER BY NUMBERS) and pampered vacationer Allie (Rachel McAdams, MEAN GIRLS). This story is being told, however, by Duke (James Garner, VICTOR/VICTORIA) to Mrs. Calhoun (Gena Rowlands, A WOMAN UNDER THE INFLUENCE), a woman in a nursing home suffering from dementia.
Of course, Allie’s snobby parents John and Anne Hamilton (David Thornton, A CIVIL ACTION, and Joan Allen, ICE STORM) don’t approve of the romance. To describe, the plot of the film would be to describe the plot of hundreds of other romance tales. However, this film is filled with original detail and cliché bending characters, which make the entire film fresh and delightful.
The film is also brought to vibrant life by its entire cast. McAdams makes a star-making turn in this film, lighting up the screen whenever she is on it. Garner has never been better then he is here. His scenes with Rowlands perfectly counterbalance the young romance of McAdams and Gosling. Even X-MEN Cyclops actor James Marsden gives a solid performance as handsome Lon Hammond, a suitor of Allie.
The romance is grand in this film, but only a stonehearted cynic wouldn't be won over by this film. There are so many human moments within the grand scale of the story that made me believe in these characters and cared about what happened to them. Added to the mix are breathtaking cinematography, great costume design and wonderful music. In our cynical times, it’s nice to see artists put themselves out there with something so “heart-on-your-sleeve” as this film. It’s a delightful film that should awaken the romantic in any viewer.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
