My husband and I had the opportunity to win screening tickets to "The Choice". Having seen several Nicholas Sparks book-to-movies before I knew what I was signing up for.
"The Choice" follows Travis (described as a "ladies man" but not, in my opinion, a devout "ladies man"- more like a guy who makes poor relationship choices) and medical student Gabby, whose lives as next- door neighbors eventually lead to something more.
The first half of the movie was slow and rather bland, with stilted dialogue, characters who remained devoid of any development, and wooden acting on the part of Teresa Palmer. She grated on my nerves for most of the film until I realized her speaking style was the same as many young women throughout the USA. The real star of the film, however, was Benjamin Walker. His authenticity and easygoing attitude shone through every scene he had. The second half of the movie picked up the pace, the tugging at the heartstrings, the laughs, and was thoroughly more enjoyable; At that point, it seemed as though the movie wasn't trying so hard to impress the audience.
Like I said, once you've seen a Nicholas Sparks movie, you sorta know what to expect. There were a few highly memorable scenes where the dialogue and acting surpassed the tropes and formulas- namely the kitchen scene, and the confrontation at the dockside restaurant.
Overall, it was an enjoyable movie if you want a love-story that you know will do its best to make you tear up. Keep an eye out for Benjamin Walker; I hope to see him in more projects.
Oh, one more thing: Chihuahuas are not at all similar to Golden Retrievers. As someone who worked in the animal field, I don't understand how the director and crew didn't make more of an effort when the dogs and veterinarians figured so prominently in the plot.
"The Choice" follows Travis (described as a "ladies man" but not, in my opinion, a devout "ladies man"- more like a guy who makes poor relationship choices) and medical student Gabby, whose lives as next- door neighbors eventually lead to something more.
The first half of the movie was slow and rather bland, with stilted dialogue, characters who remained devoid of any development, and wooden acting on the part of Teresa Palmer. She grated on my nerves for most of the film until I realized her speaking style was the same as many young women throughout the USA. The real star of the film, however, was Benjamin Walker. His authenticity and easygoing attitude shone through every scene he had. The second half of the movie picked up the pace, the tugging at the heartstrings, the laughs, and was thoroughly more enjoyable; At that point, it seemed as though the movie wasn't trying so hard to impress the audience.
Like I said, once you've seen a Nicholas Sparks movie, you sorta know what to expect. There were a few highly memorable scenes where the dialogue and acting surpassed the tropes and formulas- namely the kitchen scene, and the confrontation at the dockside restaurant.
Overall, it was an enjoyable movie if you want a love-story that you know will do its best to make you tear up. Keep an eye out for Benjamin Walker; I hope to see him in more projects.
Oh, one more thing: Chihuahuas are not at all similar to Golden Retrievers. As someone who worked in the animal field, I don't understand how the director and crew didn't make more of an effort when the dogs and veterinarians figured so prominently in the plot.