by Mark E.

Member since:
March 22, 2007

The Notebook: A Rant about the Movie.

April 04, 2007 08:24 PM EDT

views: 236 | comments: 11

Ok here goes. Soon after the movie came out, I went relunctly with some friends of mine. I really wasn't in the mood for a "love story" but because we were friends I deferred to their choice. After the first 15 min or so I had already figured out the "secret" and was bored to death. The movie was slow to develop and there wasn't much of a plot line except... Boy finds girl, boy falls in love with girl, boy looses girl, boy finds girl.... Etc. Now don't get me wrong, I enjoy great love stories in movies. Romeo & Juliet, The Princess Bride, Say Anything, etc. I could go on but I felt this movie was beyond boring. The only bright thing about the movie was seeing Rachel McAdams. She is a good actress and very beautiful.

My problem is that many of my friends are in LOVE with this movie, like it was a divine movie going experience and that it is one of the greatest love stories ever to be put on film. I can't even say that it was a marginally good film. on a scale from 1 to 10, I might give it a 2. I know that may sound harsh but with all the great movies that have been made, both big studio and small independent films, this movie doesn't even come close. Every time my friends bring up this movie and talk about how great it was it, makes me go nuts.

So what I'm wondering is.Am I totally delusional and off base here? Is there something I missed? Please let me know.

Tags: thoughts, reviews, love, people, movies, random questions

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Comments: 11

Carmen Y. Apr 4, 2007, 8:41pm EDT

No, Mark I don't think your delusional or off base. I enjoyed 'The Notebook' it was romantic.....but I would have to say that my favorite love story is the movie 'Pride & Prejudice'.

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Selene N. Apr 4, 2007, 9:29pm EDT

Yeah, I don't know. I feel "cheated". I only bought this movie because I fell in love with "A Walk to Remember", which is based on another one of his novels. I thought this movie would be just as good. However, this movie really isn't all that good. I didn't like the decision she made at all. The ending of the movie was also very different from the book (of course). It's really not that good a movie.

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Carmen Y. Apr 4, 2007, 10:16pm EDT

Yes, 'A Walk to Remember' was a great movie! By the way, Nicholas Sparks has a new book 'Dear John'.....I hope they make this book into a movie.

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Lisa D. Apr 5, 2007, 12:46am EDT

i agree i thought it was good as in i can watch it..but the movie in whole was a huge disappointment when all i heard was oh its the best!!! again i liked it..but not one of the best nor even close to great. my favorites are still the meg ryan/tom hanks romances...i loved the movie never been kissed...sweet home alabama..now you tear that one up your delusional! but speaking of great great movies..nothing to do with love stories but just the most awesome movie...check out "second hand lions" i loved loved that movie!!!!

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Laura C. Apr 5, 2007, 1:26pm EDT

Let me preface by saying I'm neither a film nor movie snob. But, I think you have to delineate between "movie" and "film". Movies are sources of entertainment, films to me tend to be more thought-provoking and maybe artsy.

I loved this movie because it really made me connect with the characters, I felt their joy and their pain. I think both a movie and a film can do that, but I'd categorize The Notebook as a movie.

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CyberGwen ! Apr 5, 2007, 4:45pm EDT

I can't watch this movie because it makes me cry. It is not for everybody, what movie is? You also have to be in the mood to watch it.

This one just hit close to home for me. My grandfather had Alzheimer's and it makes me think of my grandparents. Towards the end, he had no idea which way was up, but whenever he saw my grandmother his eyes had a sparkle in them that he gave to no one else.

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Linda M. Apr 5, 2007, 5:23pm EDT

I read one of Sparks' books and hated it for all the reasons you mentioned - too predictable, boring beyond belief, etc. - I am just not into romance books!! - but I loved The Notebook (the movie). I will never read another one of his books.

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stacy t. Apr 8, 2007, 2:31pm EDT

I'm not a fan of Sparks books and only saw this movie on pay per view but man I really liked it. I cried my eyes out.I thought it was such a touching story. If you've been married or in a relationship for a long time I think it really speaks to you.I thought about this movie quite often after I saw it.

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Mary Beth Magee Apr 12, 2007, 1:14pm EDT

One of the most touching aspects of this movie was the fidelity displayed by the couple. In a world where so many "romance" stories are more about convenient sex then out-the-door than they are about long term relationships, I found the stability of the couple refreshing. Did I figure it out long before the end of the movie? Yes. Did I enjoy it anyway? Yes.

This is not a stunning special effects movie. It's a relationship movie about people and how they cope with change and adversity. Take it for what it is and enjoy it. (and bring the tissue!)

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