Having created some of the strongest and most complete romance stories in recent years, writer Nicolas Sparks is a force to reckon with when it comes to paper. However, when on film, his stories haven't been such an easy sell. From the likes of The Notebook and A Walk to Remember to his first venture on-screen, A Message in a Bottle, Sparks' films have been respected by all that have seen them. But getting viewers into the seats has proven a tough challenge. Thankfully, Sparks and director George C. Wolfe were able to recruit the amazing talent of Richard Gere and Diane Lane, two veteran actors who successfully bring Paul and Adrienne to life, lifting both characters off of the page and into our heats, taking us on a wild, romantic adventure all the while.
Reteaming for the first time since the hot and electrifying Unfaithful, Richard Gere and Diane Lane waste no time recreating their unbreakable chemistry that helped them propel their careers back in 2002. Together, both actors form a solid connection onscreen, selling that relationship to all those watching as they hope and pray for a happy ending. Their emotions are real, endearing and addicting as their time together on-screen brings smiles to those watching.
As the film gets started, the audience is quickly informed of Adrienne's past. Currently serving out a separation from her current husband, she has many choices lying in front of her, choices that will affect her, her husband and her two children, all of whom she loves to no end. But just when she thinks that she has everything worked out, she meets Paul, a doctor who is cold and bitter towards all that come near him.
However, unlike Adrienne, audience members only get glimpses of Paul's past as they are forced to piece together the clues as they are revealed, playing the film much like a romantic puzzle. And in a sense, it is this complex approach to an otherwise simple story that helps to propel the film into a realm all its own.
Sadly, while the film far exceeded my expectations, it still suffered from the occasional dry spell, making you wonder if it was ever going to regain its momentum. Luckily, each lackluster scene was followed up by an occurrence that was detrimental to both the film and the lives of its two lead characters. And by doing this, the film is able to carry an even, though bumpy pace, taking audience members on a romantic journey full of heart, life and discovery; all accumulating to one unexpected though rightful conclusion that proves no matter the obstacle, love can power through all.
