A Walk to Remember: Favorite Movie Review

A Walk To Remember, a 2002 movie, is one of the sweetest most heartfelt love stories, without trying to be over bearing. The storyline may have been done before, but it is the simplicity of the story and the depth of the acting that make this movie a favorite. There are no added special effects, no fancy settings and wardrobes, and certainly no flashiness. The film was directed by Adam Shankman (Choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance) and produced by Denise Di Novi (Edward Scissorhands, Heathers, etc) and Hunt Lowry. The storyline is deeply moving and tragic, which is what one has come to expect from Nicholas Sparks (also wrote The Notebook and Nights in Rodanthe). As with most of Sparks' novels, the movie takes the viewer on a ride of emotions, most importantly love and loss.

Mandy Moore, the pop singer, pulls off a stunning performance as Jamie Sullivan, an over protected daughter of the town's pastor. She is quite shy and certainly not the most glamorous or most popular girl in the school. Moore brings the character to life though, adding depth and layers to Jamie's personality. Jamie becomes a girl that may not have many friends but is still nice to everyone; she may not be the prettiest or best dressed but she still finds a way to glow; and she may try to distance herself from everyone around her but she still manages to have one of the most popular guys in the school fall in love with her. Mandy Moore creates a character that viewers sympathize with and want to protect. And at the conclusion of the movie, you physically mourn for her.

Landon Carter, the popular bad boy, is played by Shane West. He is very convincing as the attractive, hangs with the "in" crowd, bad-boy. Perhaps not as moving of a performance as Moore's, West's character grows and changes drastically throughout the film. Landon transitions from a boy who is rebelling against everyone and everything into a young man who has come to realize that life is too precious and important to be wasted. Jamie inspires the best in Landon which forces him to do some soul searching and helps him work towards being a better person, even after she passes on. Jamie's father tells Landon that he was Jamie's miracle when in reality, she was his.

Even though the movie did not fare well with critics, it is still quite moving in its simplicity. Some of the acting of the supporting cast is slightly bland, but Moore and West carry A Walk To Remember from beginning to end. The development of the love story is the focus. Parents, friends, etc. only help to fill in the background story. A great example of this is during the play scene when Landon kisses Jamie. It did not matter if there was anyone else in that auditorium. It was only the two of them.

A Walk To Remember is certainly a movie that everyone should watch at least once. Don't expect fast action, plot twists, or flashy over the top scenes. The film is the tale of the innocence of love and the power it can have over people. Landon expresses this better than anyone when he turns a blind eye to his friends and spends all of his time fulfilling Jamie's list, before she is taken from him forever. Sit back and enjoy the pureness of the story.

My Grade: B+

Reference:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Walk_to_Remember

Can be purchased at:

http://www.amazon.com/Walk-Remember-David-Andrews/dp/B000P0J0DS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1239587308&sr=8-1

http://www.buy.com/prod/a-walk-to-remember-full-screen/q/loc/322/40176886.html

http://www.moviesunlimited.com/musite/product.asp?sku=D29419&loc=actor