The Choice

Overview

It wouldn't be a film adaptation of a Nicholas Sparks book without the glow of sunlight, the shimmer of a body of water, and some all-knowing, overly sentimental narration. Sticking as closely to the formula as it can, The Choice begins with all three. Other Sparks trademarks swiftly make themselves known: an opposites-attract romance featuring would-be paramours from different sides of the tracks; rustic homes in a scenic, small-town location; letters professing feelings of love and longing; and a sudden catastrophe threatening to tear the central duo apart. Original, this certainly isn't.

Indeed, while the movie version of The Choice might not be directed or written by Sparks (those honours going to relative newcomers Ross Katz and Bryan Sipe, respectively), there's never any doubt that the author responsible for 18 sappy books to date is the most influential force behind this film. Audiences that have watched Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried in Dear John, Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus in The Last Song or Zac Efron and Taylor Schilling in The Lucky One — yes, attractive white people hooking up is another of Sparks' staples — should know what they're in for.

This time, charismatic veterinarian Travis (Benjamin Walker) and spirited medical student Gabby (Teresa Palmer) are the star-crossed parties in the spotlight, meeting when the latter accuses the former's dog of knocking up her own beloved pooch. Though Travis is already fooling around with barmaid Monica (Alexandra Daddario) and Gabby is dating local doctor Ryan (Tom Welling), sparks between the two soon fly (pun intended). The will-they-or-won't-they aspect of their relationship isn't the end of their tale, though. The first half of the feature charts their courtship, then the second half moves the characters to a hospital seven years later, where the titular decision comes into play.

As it is in all movies made from Sparks-penned fare, wish fulfilment is the aim of the game, peddling the notion of an epic love story that will withstand even the harshest obstacles, and trying to push as many emotional buttons as possible in the process. But while there's nothing wrong with romantic fantasies or old-fashioned weepies, The Choice dials everything up way too many notches — clumsy meet-cute, overly adorable rapport, corny dialogue and tragic twist included. The film isn't just adhering to a template, it's lazily throwing clichés at the screen to see what sticks.

At least Walker, who was previously the best thing about Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, oozes the requisite charm, while Palmer is given much more to do here than she did in the Point Break remake. The scenery also proves a highlight, though it's obviously a problem when the picturesque background is more engaging than the narrative. Of course, the more troubling thought is that there are still seven of Sparks' novels that haven't been made into movies… yet. We might all love Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdam locking lips in the rain, but The Notebook has a lot to answer for.