As with many film adaptations of books, the books are usually better. The same can be said here, as well. "The Notebook" is still my favorite Sparks novel--which was infinitely better than the movie.
However, having said that, most of the changes made work. The story in the book takes place in the 50s. This one is placed into contemporary times.
The crux of the story is mostly the same. A girl--described in the book--as very plain captures the interest of one of the most popular boys in school, Landon Carter. Landon's known Jamie for years, but he's never given her the time of day. The film paints Carter as being more ambivalent, cruel--to a point--and conceited.
Mandy Moore must really be given credit for her role as Jamie Sullivan. She's able to capture the sweetness, gentleness, and vulnerability of the character from the novel.
Shane West does the best job that could. He has tender moments that he's able to tap into--the most powerful being with his father. There are other times, however, when his expression is mostly the same, as though he's not quite sure how to express Landon's own vulnerabilties and insecurities. I'd wished they'd found a stronger young actor to tackle this role, as there is sometimes an imbalance between his performance and Moore's. However, there's no denying the chemistry between the two, which is why--for the most part--the romantic aspect still works.
Nothing derogatory can be said of Peter Coyote, who's always been one of the best character actors in the business.
A glaring weakness, however, rests with the ensemble of Landon's friends. They're all in the periphery, and most of them turn in so-so to dreadful performances. Al Thompson (Eric) tries to be funny, but he's not. Clayne Crawford (Dean) only ever seems able to overact and exhibit behavior bordering on the manic, even when the situation doesn't even call for it.
The film--especially in the beginning--is somewhat uneven. Too much time is spent with Landon and his friends, when the viewer is mostly interested in the developing relationship between him and Jamie. I was hoping for more depth and time spent on Landon's transition--which almost seemed to be too easy; too fast.
Still, there are some very tender moments in the movie that no one can deny. Overall, it's a tender story that works. Frankly, the movie "Keith" did a far better job all around than this one did. It dared the viewer to get inside the heads of Keith as well as his love-interest and what his motivation was.
But, of all the Sparks adaptations, I will say that this is definitely one of the better ones.
However, having said that, most of the changes made work. The story in the book takes place in the 50s. This one is placed into contemporary times.
The crux of the story is mostly the same. A girl--described in the book--as very plain captures the interest of one of the most popular boys in school, Landon Carter. Landon's known Jamie for years, but he's never given her the time of day. The film paints Carter as being more ambivalent, cruel--to a point--and conceited.
Mandy Moore must really be given credit for her role as Jamie Sullivan. She's able to capture the sweetness, gentleness, and vulnerability of the character from the novel.
Shane West does the best job that could. He has tender moments that he's able to tap into--the most powerful being with his father. There are other times, however, when his expression is mostly the same, as though he's not quite sure how to express Landon's own vulnerabilties and insecurities. I'd wished they'd found a stronger young actor to tackle this role, as there is sometimes an imbalance between his performance and Moore's. However, there's no denying the chemistry between the two, which is why--for the most part--the romantic aspect still works.
Nothing derogatory can be said of Peter Coyote, who's always been one of the best character actors in the business.
A glaring weakness, however, rests with the ensemble of Landon's friends. They're all in the periphery, and most of them turn in so-so to dreadful performances. Al Thompson (Eric) tries to be funny, but he's not. Clayne Crawford (Dean) only ever seems able to overact and exhibit behavior bordering on the manic, even when the situation doesn't even call for it.
The film--especially in the beginning--is somewhat uneven. Too much time is spent with Landon and his friends, when the viewer is mostly interested in the developing relationship between him and Jamie. I was hoping for more depth and time spent on Landon's transition--which almost seemed to be too easy; too fast.
Still, there are some very tender moments in the movie that no one can deny. Overall, it's a tender story that works. Frankly, the movie "Keith" did a far better job all around than this one did. It dared the viewer to get inside the heads of Keith as well as his love-interest and what his motivation was.
But, of all the Sparks adaptations, I will say that this is definitely one of the better ones.