Adapted to the screen from Nicholas Sparks' novel of the same name, The Notebook is one of the best romantic dramas to hit the big screen in decades. Garnering high marks from a wide range of reviews, The Notebook is a funny and emotional film about love, relationships, and the risks people take. James Garner turns into a remarkable performance as the elder man, Duke, who reads the pages of his notebook to Allie (Gena Rowlands), a dying resident of a nursing home. Overall, this is a classic "chick flick" with a touch of drama. Set during the days of WWII, The Notebook is a great movie ...
Duke (James Garner) regularly reads the pages of a notebook to an older woman in a nursing home. Suffering from Alzheimer's disease, his memories of the parts he read in the past appear and disappear out of order, but Duke continues to read to him due to their deep and lasting friendship.
The story of the notebook centers on the life of a teenage boy and girl who meet at a carnival in the late 1930s. At first Allie Hamilton doesn't know what to think of Noah Calhoun, but she quickly gives in to his insistence that they go out on 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 on the poor side of town. Nonetheless, Allie and Noah are determined to be together.
When World War II breaks out, Noah is sent into conflict. He writes numerous letters to his love, but they go unanswered as Allie's parents hide the letters as well as his responses to Noah. After several years of estrangement, Allie becomes a successful businessman. But after reading a newspaper article about Noah's restoration of a historic house he once promised her, she decides to go visit him.
Allie's visit with Noah turns both worlds upside down when they learn the truth about the letters. Now Allie must choose between the bride she truly loves and the man who is her true true love ...
Actor Ryan Gosling is entertaining and likable in his portrayal of young and energetic Noah Calhoun. The Notebook as a movie is best served by showcasing its superb talents. Likewise, rising actress Rachel McAdams is brilliant in her role as Allie. The emotions of her young romance are clearly conveyed by a natural and instinctive penchant for delivering her lines the right way. Call it on-screen charisma or whatever, but McAdams is one to watch in the future.
In short, The Notebook is as good a movie as it is a book. Few books translate as well on the big screen as they do on paper, which is why The Notebook must be commended for its ability to do so. Charming and easy to love, the film glorifies the romance of a young couple who find true love - love that lasts forever. Well produced and featuring incredible shots of natural places, The Notebook ranks as a must-see movie. Do yourself a favor and go see it today ...