A Walk to Remember
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Movie Reviews of A Walk to Remember
Movie Review: Jamie's Miracle Belongs to Us All
Summary: 5 Stars
I know a lot of people pick on this film merely because it's not the usual lame sex-obsessed crude-joke-filled and corny trash that is constantly fed into the minds of teenagers. But actually, "A Walk to Remember" is a great film beyond its acceptability for most audiences -- Christian or secular. The reasons why this film are so special is that love is treated in the way that it should be... a willingness to love even if you know that you will be hurt. When it first came out, I had no interest in seeing it... but I went along to a showing and was captivated. I didn't know Hollywood had the intelligence to make this kind of movie any longer!By now everyone knows the plot... it's about a wild child, Landon Carter, who gets into trouble for endangering the life of another student and drinking on school grounds. He's turned over to the principle, who informs him he must tutor underprivileged children on weekends, help the janitor after school, and participate in the annual spring play. Reluctantly, Landon accepts his punishment and is thrown in with a group of hopeful thespians, the most memorable of which being Jamie Sullivan, the local Bible-carrying minister's daughter. Since Landon is terrible at acting, and Jamie seems to have it altogether, he asks for help, despite her father's loathing of him.
The two go through the ups and downs of attraction, and that's when it really gets good, on an emotional level as well as visually. I loved seeing the changes in not only Landon, but Jamie as well. Landon becomes entirely unselfish and giving of himself... his soul desire through the last half is to make Jamie happy. It's a lesson in agape love that everyone needs. (I had at least two of my guy friends see this and totally get a new perspective on how they should treat their girlfriends.) And Jamie loosens up... she even wears a pair of jeans at one point and leaves her hair down. The scene in the middle of the highway will bring tears of joy to your eyes, since it's such an emotional "wow" that someone could do something so loving for you.
The music is also great, particularly the "Only Hope" sequence sung by Jamie (Mandy Moore) in the school play. That has to be one of the most gorgeous musical cuts I've ever seen on film... the images become a part of the music. I also appreciate the respect for Christianity shown by the characters; Jamie's father, the pastor, as well as Jamie herself, help break out of that stereotyped gay-loathing, Bible-hugging "religious" people mentality. It's a beautiful film, a gorgeous screenplay (the dialogue is so meaningful it's amazing) and tackles an emotional high with just the right level of good humor. I've reccomended it to all of my friends, and I would to you, as well.
On the DVD:
The picture and sound quality are beautiful; the textures and colors blend seamlessly to create something lovely to look at. The director's gorgeous cinematography is well-used in this edition, which is sadly under-pushed and without goodies. I would have appreciated a featurette or two, although there are two full-length commentaries, Mandy Moore's "Cry" music video, and a trailer. I didn't particularly like some of the comments made by the director on his commentary, which reference a raunchier version originally planned, and talks about some of the ways in which they knocked it from the targeted PG13 to a PG rating. (Why did I have to know that? Why can't I just respect him for making a clean teen flick?) But the movie itself, and the well-cut trailer, are exceptional in quality.
Movie Review: A Pleasant Surprise
Summary: 5 Stars
I was poised to hate this movie. It featured a pop-princess, it was a teeny-bopper film and it was based on a book I truly hated. Then I saw the trailer. Hmm, it looked kinda interesting and Mandy Moore looked as if she could actually play the part. So off to the theatre I went. And wow...what can I say...I still can't stop thinking about it. Something about this movie touched me and made think about love, faith, romance and how I've given up on finding those ideals at the early age of 24. The film had a certain sincerity that appealed to me and made me willingly believe in the love story which, in other movies, I would have simply dismissed as contrived and manipulative. But the chemistry between Mandy Moore and Shane West made all the difference. They made falling in love on-screen look natural. Although some credit must also go to the writer and director. It's nice to find a teen movie where the film-makers took the time to actually develop the relationship and therefore make their transformations believable.
When I read the book, I seriously hated the story, mostly because of the Jamie character. I thought she was too bland, one-dimensional and totally unreal. Even for the 1950's...she was toooo nice. But Mandy Moore's interpretation of Jamie improved the character. She easily conveyed the innocence and sweetness that are Jamie's fundamental traits, but added a little attitude to make her stronger and interesting. I don't know any other teen actress who could convince me of being naive without looking mentally-challenged. Mandy Moore embodied Jamie with angelic purity, strength and intelligence.
Shane West, normally forgettable in his other roles, also stunned me with his amazing performance. In less than two hours, he went from lost and aimless cooler-than-thou pretty-boy to an I-am-my-own-man-and-I-like-it character. The surprise for me here was that I didn't doubt his 180 transformation. His subtle performance was touching to watch, especially in his scenes with Mandy Moore when he's granting one of her wishes. You could practically hear the audience swooning.
Yes, there are flaws in this movie. But for me, the love story unfolding more than made up for those flaws. It's been years since I actually believed in an idealized romance. One where I didn't laugh or roll-my-eyes and said, "Oh puhleez! Is this guy for real?" The movie is hardly original and does not aim to be high-art, but it is in its simplicity that I found great expressions of love. That tiny scene where Landon (Shane West), allows Jamie to be in two places at once, had more romantic tones than any sweeping David Lean epic. There's a sincerity here that is rarely found in other movies.
As a plus, there are areas where the story veered away from the cliches such as: 1.) ugly-duckling to beautiful swan transformation for the heroine...there's none of that here. The Jamie character stays true to herself and that for once, is a refreshing thing to see in teen movies 2.) The parents are not heinous creatures --- woohoo!! I'm so sick of seeing movies where all the blame goes to the parents. Glad to see that the Peter Coyote character (Jamie's dad) was portrayed as strict but understanding 3.) No romance between the single parents. Thank god!
So there, this might not be a movie for everyone. Some found it too sentimental and sappy for their worldy tastes. But when it works, well, it may never leave you.
Great job Mandy and Shane!
Movie Review: The moment you'll start to cry
Summary: 5 Stars
When an onslaught of teen movies came pouring in the pre-summer of 2002, I knew this would be bad for the box office. Seriously, who wants to see a dumb teen flick about a girl that a guy is trying to get on a bet, or maybe because she's popular or beautiful? No one. "Crossroads" was a huge waste of time, and was filled with sex, teen drinking and mid-driff Britney (Adolencent boys will probably disagree with me on that). When "A Walk to Remember" came out, I was slightly reluctant to see it, especially with the disapointment of "Crossroads". Later, when it was released on DVD, my sister said I should get it because it's nothing like other teen movies. I though "What the hell", and got it for her anyways. I thought mainly the only reason why she wanted to get it was because hunky teen actor Shane West (TV's "Once and Again") was in it. I thought what's the harm in watching a innocent teen flick? They're all the same, right? Not this one. Once I started it, I couldn't stop watching it. It was beautiful. It was wonderful storytelling and very intresting characters. But probably the most important thing about this movie is what it made me do...cry. Yep, I cried. Like a baby. Very rare does a movie come around that is so touching that you feel along with the characters. Especially not a teen movie. This isn't just another teen movie.Landon Carter (West) is a troubled 18 year old in North Corolina. After a hazing gone bad when a kid is paralyzed, Landon runs from the cops...for about a few seconds before crashing. Injuring his left leg and a scar on his forehead, Carter is forced to do community service with his school. To help him in the suituation is plain-jane girl, Jamie Sullivan (Pop-star Mandy Moore, who I must say is a very, very talented actress). Jamie is the town's Baptist's preacher's daughter, whom her strict Baptist father (played by Peter Coyote) forbids her from dating. After Landon is enrolled in a school play that is lead by Jamie, he starts to grow attacted to her. Landon's friends, however, keep Landon from expressing his true feelings because they are the popular crowd. But in no time at all, Landon falls in love with Jamie. But Jamie is struck with a problem that prevent her from falling in love with Landon, and it not just her dad what I'm talking about.
"A Walk to Remember" was a brilliant film, complete with love, laughter, heartbreak, and tragedy. All this sounds like a William Shakespeare story, right? On the contrary...it's based off the novel by Nicholas Sparks ("Message in a Bottle" is his first novel-adapted-into-a-movie). The film is so beautiful, that scenes when Jamie and Landon are bonding together makes you wanna burst into tears of joy. If you rent, or buy, this movie, it's best to watch with some tissue. In one such scene, Landon thanks his divorced father for a very special treat (see the movie), where he starts crying while he hugs his father he hasn't talked to in 7 years. That scene made me cry hyerically because it makes you love your own father for all the sacrifices he's made in the past for you. Both West and Moore give Oscar worthy performances, and Landon's Mother (played by Daryl Hannah) also did a wonderful job as a parent figure. See "A Walk to Remember". Hopefully, with this movie, Teen movies will never be the same again.
Movie Review: A Movie to Warm Your Heart!
Summary: 5 Stars
"Wow". That's about all I could muster at the end of the movie (embarrassingly, between a flood of tears - after all, a guy isn't allowed to cry, right?) I must admit - my skepticism was extremely high upon first hearing about this movie. I queried myself as to the necessity of watching yet another "teenage love story". However, upon a friend's recommendation, I decided to give it a go, and realized that I had actually come close to making a terribly big mistake in my life had I not watched it. The movie was simply INCREDIBLE!Shane West does an excellent portrayal of High School bad boy Landon, and his desire to be popular and cool will surely strike a chord in many of our hearts. After all, during our precocious teenage years, there are arguably few things that are more important than being cool and universally liked by peers. One's self esteem is invariably tied with how others perceive us. And so that is how Landon is, until he meets sweet Jamie Sullivan, the local preacher's daughter played by beautiful Mandy Moore. Moore lends her character a huge amount of depth and surrounds her with an innocent, heartwarming aura, so much so that by the end of the movie, she can do no wrong. In addition, the movie is littered with many fabulous songs that are sung by none other than Moore's beautiful voice. One piece that stands out is "Only Hope", a beautiful song that will have your optical water droplets rolling out on more than one occasion. Another great tune that will get your good feelings swirling is "Someday We'll Know".
As you watch their relationship blossom throughout the movie, your own feelings are inextricably linked and you find yourself cheering the couple on, marveling at their sweet times spent together and secretly envious of the intense love that they have discovered. For guys, I warn you - Jamie is so incredibly pure and unselfish that she will have your hearts fluttering by the end of the movie. As for Landon, he will no doubt reside in many girls' dreams for months to come, and he demonstrates a type of love that transcends ordinary levels, completing Jamie's life in each and every way. He shows her a love that she has not experienced before, and she helps him to discover himself and fills him with a desire to achieve higher things in life. There is a lot of hidden depth, and even when Landon fulfils Jamie's first and foremost desire (which I shall not reveal for those that have not seen the movie), he says it in such an unselfish way that it evokes true admiration of his love for her. By being together, they have both achieved things that were previously not possible.
By the end of the movie, the viewer's faith in love and everything pure and good is restored to unshakeable heights. Love is truly the most powerful emotion known to mankind, and this heartwarming story reminds us that despite the challenges we face on a daily basis, there are things in life that make the experience truly worth it. To be able to witness the kind of love that Jamie and Landon shared is truly unforgettable, and as Landon says during the movie, "We had more happiness than most people experience in a lifetime." A Walk to Remember is a truly moving story that urges us to have faith in true love and to cherish all the wonderful things that we have in our lives.
Movie Review: Shane, Shane, Shane.....
Summary: 5 Stars
This is THEE best love story I have EVER seen and probably the best movie, period. I admit that I could so easily pick up on the cliches and the corny parts involving the interactions between Landon and his friends (which could be painful at times) but because of the chemistry between Landon and his woman, this was very EASILY overlooked and forgiven!
Shane West is an amazing actor who should be recognized for his extraordinary expertise at taking his character on a journey - a 'walk to remember' if you will. Those closeups of his emotions as he is riding in his car from his dad's that fateful night he is 'informed' (see movie) is absolute and utter PERFECTION. It is consummate acting at it's best! Shane had the unbelievable task of taking us alon with his character from one extreme to the other and did so, absolutely believably, and in about 90 minutes! He is superb and I loved him and will be watching closely for his next movies. (can you say 'League of Extraordinary Gentlemen' in July!)
I have NOT seen 'Once and Again' and I haven't even heard of any of Mandy Moore's songs before this movie, but these two really work together. His face displays so much emotion when he looks at her that it seems almost implausible that it was just an 'act'. Just the way he would look at her was enough to get me started tearing. Their romance was so believable that I would've definitely bet they were a real life couple and was surprised to hear they were not. They had to be feeling SOMETHING for each other, at least while filming! Not to be overlooked, Mandy Moore is also to be commended for a very believable performance. While you knew she wasn't an expert actress, (Who would be up against Shane, he is excellent) she was a very lovable character who got the job done effectively. The reason for his growing affection was very easy to see and it would not have worked, if it wasn't for her performance as well.
I have not cried this hard at a movie, ever, in my life. I was totally blown away by the series of sucker-punch events (I couldn't believe they were doing this to me!) in the last half hour of the movie. Totally unexpected, and while this may seem to be a formulaic movie, it's contagious to so many because it's what appeals to the HEART. Even though critics lambasted it, (with one of the exceptions being my homeboy, Roger Ebert, whose opinion I ALWAYS respect) to me, this is real life, it COULD happend and does all the time, not like all that 'American Pie' type stuff. Though that stuff happens too, we've seen way too much of that and not enough of this. People have gotten too cynical and have forgotten that true love STILL exists and triumphs.
I never got sad in this movie, that's not what made me cry, it was how HARD Landon fell, his 'transformation' and the true genuine love between these two characters that did it to me. It knocked me off my rocker! BTW, this movie has taken up permanent residence in my DVD player....