A Walk to Remember, 2002 — ★★½
I am generally not very keen on seeing romantic movies. For most part, the story, the characters, the setting are similar. It leaves less room for experimentation, and even less for finding new enjoyment. All these concerns go out of the window if you get to see these movies with someone special on a lazy afternoon. Everything is totally worth it.
A Walk to Remember is a movie based on Nicholas Sparks’ novel of the same name. A spoiled kid is reprimanded for disorderly conduct and is forced to work in a school play. On set, he meets a girl and a typical story starts. There is a twist, but in general the movie is fairly predictable and straightforward.
As an Indian, the most noticeable aspect of the movie was the school curriculum. They have a drama and literature units. There is a dedication towards complete development of the child with equal focus on art, science, sports etc. This observation is no way related to the movie plot, but it made an impression. This is one example of how movies are mirror of the society it is made in.
At one point, the movie could take on religious aspects of love. Handling traditions, chastity and handling coming-of-age kids. However, the movie is fairly simplistic in its plot and mediocre in the execution. We have started expecting a lot of philosophical connotations from movies these days. Yet there are some which choose to be a simple tale. This movie exactly fits that bill.
The acting is decent. You are not bored or irritated with any of the characters. The actions and execution is believable. I liked the performance of Peter Coyote who plays the role of Reverend Hegbert Sullivan, the father of the female lead. Both Shane West as Landon Rollins Carter and Mandy Moore as Jamie Elizabeth Sullivan play their part. The roles require less emotional spectrum from them and they deliver.
The background score and music is right by 2002. Nothing exceptional to notice. Same can be said for direction as a whole. The movie is panned by the critics for being too simple and straightforward. I tend to agree with them. As a movie I expected more drama or romance in the film. The desire was left unfulfilled.
However, as I said, none of this matters when you have someone special to watch the film with. A simple story which requires less frame by frame focus is very conducive for the experience of watching a movie together. Movie for me has always been a personal experience. But a movie like this would be perfect to watch with someone, preferably cuddling together under the same blanket. Then, it would be totally worth it.
