The Notebook (film review)
Adapted to the screen from the Nicholas Sparks novel of the same name, The Notebook is one of the best romantic dramas to hit the big screen in decades. Earning high marks from a wide range of critics, The Notebook is a fun and emotional film about love, relationships, and the risks people take. James Garner turns in a remarkable performance as the old man, Duke, who reads the pages of his notebook to Allie (Gena Rowlands), a dying nursing home resident. Overall, this is a classic “chick flick” with a dramatic twist. Set in the time of World War II, The Notebook is a great movie…
Duke (James Garner) regularly reads the pages of a notebook to an elderly woman in a nursing home. Suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, memories of him from parts he read in the past fade in and out haphazardly, but Duke continues to read to him due to his deep and lasting friendship.
The notebook’s story centers on the lives of a teenage boy and girl who meet at a carnival in the late 1930s. At first, Allie Hamilton doesn’t know what to make of Noah Calhoun, but soon gives in to his insistence that she have a date. When Noah and Allie fall deeply in love, Allie’s parents try to break up the couple. The Hamiltons are rich and Noah and his father are from the poor side of town. However, Allie and Noah are determined to be together.
When World War II breaks out, Noah is thrown into conflict. He writes numerous letters to her love, but they go unanswered because Allie’s parents hide the letters and their responses from Noah. After several years apart, Allie commits to business success. But after reading a newspaper article about Noah restoring a historic house she once promised him, she decides to go visit him.
Allie’s visit with Noah turns their world upside down when they learn the truth about the letters. Now, Allie must choose between the fiancée she truly loves and the man who is her true love…
Actor Ryan Gosling is entertaining and likeable in his portrayal of the young and energetic Noah Calhoun. The Notebook as a film works best by showcasing his magnificent talents. Likewise, up-and-coming actress Rachel McAdams is brilliant in her role as Allie. The emotions of her young romance are clearly conveyed by a natural and instinctive inclination to say her lines the right way. Call him on-screen charisma or whatever, but McAdams is one to watch out for in the future.
In short, The Notebook is as good a movie as it is a book. Few books translate to the big screen as well as they read in print, so The Notebook should be commended for its ability to do so. Charming and enjoyable, the film glorifies the romance of a young couple who finds true love, a love that lasts forever. Well produced and with some incredible shots of natural locations, The Notebook ranks as a definitive must-see movie. Do yourself a favor and go see it today…
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