A Walk To Remember

Posted In: Buy To Let

Cordia Island says...

I went to watch this film having been irrevocably scarred from watching romance depicted in films like Titanic , Pearl Harbour and the truly awful Crossroads starring Britney Spears. My first reaction to seeing the poster for A Walk To Remember was that it was an...imitation of Crossroads and Mandy Moore had the same kind of acting aspirations Britney did. So I made up my mind to avoid this film like the plague. But when I was watching another film, they played the trailer for A Walk To Remember and Peter Coyote caught my eye because I have always liked his rich resonant voice and his sympathetic portrayals of decent people in the past, he can say so much with his eyes, and doesn't need great lines to fill the screen with his presence. I was also stunned by the few clips they showed of Mandy Moore because she came across as a genuine, sincere person falling in love for the first time. I could not believe this was a film debut of a teen pop star. So I went to watch the film, and I was so glad I swallowed my pride and prejudices about watching what is ostensibly a teen romance film. Well, its a teen film all right but the depiction of love is timeless and speaks to the heart, no matter how old and cynical you are. There are so many beautiful images in this movie, and so many fresh interpretations of what draws two people who start off being so dissimilar, together. The character played by Mandy Moore is likely to stay in your mind forever, I know it will for me. Never have I seen on screen such a sincere, deep and life enriching portrayal of innocence, the last time I saw something close was Sandra Bullock in While You Were Sleeping. It is almost miraculous that this is the first time screen debut of a seventeen year old pop singer. In an interview she gave, Mandy Moore said that playing this character (Jamie) had brought changes in her own personal life, and that it brought her closer to God. The character played by Shane West (Landon) is also strong, he is a fine actor, and reminds me of what River Phoenix might have been. His doubts, confusion and eventual attraction to Jamie are depicted with a sensitivity rare to find in such a young person, and his decision to give up his entire secure past life for a future filled with doubt, but coloured with love, patience and compassion is admirable, and inspirational. Peter Coyote also gives a great performance as the confused and frightened father (a priest) who is so afraid God will take away another one of his loved ones, first in heart and then in body. Unfortunately they do not give him more of a role in this film, there could have been so many meaningful conversations between him and this young man he despises who comes for his daughter almost as if it were out of Hell to take Jamie away from him. In my opinion, this is Peter Coyote's most memorable performance, one can almost see the love radiating from his eyes each time he looks at his daughter, no words need be said and never once does he convey any sense of bitterness, only hope. Another major theme explored in the film is how all the different characters learn something about forgiveness, and how hard it can be. The final theme is that of making the best use of whatever time is given to you, and there are many ways of doing this, for the world is full of beautiful things which cost nothing to enjoy, and Jamie and Landon show us some of these things. As a backdrop to the drama, the film soundtrack is just lovely, so many poignant songs which add depth and colour to the words the characters say. Unfortunately, the film has been trashed by 99% of professional film critics as being mawkish and forgettable. But how many times in history have the critics been proved wrong - an example being the first debut of Capra's "Its A Wonderful Life" which was also trashed by the film critics ? In my opinion however, just as "Its A Wonderful Life" reached out from obscurity into the hearts and minds of millions of people all over the world over a 60 year period, so I believe will A Work To Remember be destined to be one of the all time favourite love films. Go and watch it, despite what the critics say, and buy the video when it is released - it might change your life, and if doesn't, you'll still have an awful lot of sweet memories for the future, not just for yourself but for your family too.

Posted on April 20, 2011

Vito Grisso says...

Having read the Nicholas Sparks novel nearly two years ago, I was anxiously looking forward to seeing how the wonderful book transferred to the big screen. I was happy that the sweetness and sincerity offirst love, true love made the transition with all the warmth and sincerity it deserved.Shane West, whom you may know from TV's "Once and Again," and teen singing sensation Mandy Moore play the young lovers with a sincerity that is not only appealing but refreshing in this era of raunchy and raw teen films.

I was a bit uncomfortable the first ten minutes as I thought the movie was heading down the usual teen movie path, but my fears were quickly dispelled when popular boy Landon Carter was punished for his part in a prank that left a fellow student paralyzed and ordered by the principal to join the drama club in order to meet some new people.Jamie Sullivan, the school outcast and laughing stock, is one of the people he meets.He joins his crowd in poking fun of her, but soon comes to value her friendship and admires the way she is self-confident about who she is and what she wants.With so many teen movies focused on sex, it is refreshing to see these two teens build a relationship based on mutual respect and values.

Alas, the course of true love is never smooth and, without spoiling the ending for you, I will tell you that I found myself crying unashamedly as the movie drew to a close.Shyly, I glanced around me and noticed everyone from teens to grandmas openly weeping."A Walk to Remember" is a nice, comforting film that I highly recommend for everyone who loves a love story and remembers what it was like to fall in love for the first time.

Posted on April 21, 2011

Lupe Filipponi says...

First off, please pay no heed to the critics on this one.They seem to have written it off as just another in a long line of typical teen films, giving it their typical (and apparently recycled) reviews for such films.In their prejudice, they fail to realize the uniqueness of this film, especially in this day and age.Sure, the story -- based on the best-selling Nicholas Sparks novel of the same name -- is nothing new:big man on campus falls in love with misunderstood misfit harboring a tragic secret.The difference here is in the presentation.Instead of the jaded, busy and noisy perspective taken by most teen films, "Walk" is quiet, gentle, full of hope.

The plot is simple enough.Popular bad-boy Landon Carter (Shane West) is sentenced to various after-school activities as punishment for his participation in a prank gone terribly wrong.Consequently, he comes into contact with do-gooder Jamie Sullivan (Mandy Moore), the preacher's daughter and school outcast.They grew up together, so he thinks he's got her all figured out; but as they spend more time together, he comes to realize that he never really knew her at all.They begin an uneasy friendship that blossoms into more.Along the way, they share some of the most romantic moments ever on film.Sadly, a tragic twist threatens to end their happiness.

The film benefits greatly from its two young leads, both of whom turn in outstanding, genuine performances.West has the difficult task of portraying a young man who undergoes a life-changing transformation from angry, aimless troublemaker to thoughtful, loving young man.His depiction is so convincing that by the end of the movie, you can actually see on Landon's face that he has indeed found inner peace from his prior internal tumult.West is especially brilliant in the school play scene where, without uttering a single word, he manages to display Landon's inner struggle over his feelings for Jamie.Quite a thing to behold.Moore is a revelation here as well.In her first lead role, she has chosen quite a difficult (and beloved) character to play, one that if not done right would inspire snickers and laughter rather than tears and sympathy.It is a tremendously challenging and pivotal role.And Moore pulls it off beautifully.Displaying strong screen presence, she shows acting range that belies her theatrical experience.She imbues Jamie with the ethereal radiance and quiet serenity required of her character (and by the novel).Rarely -- if ever -- will you see a more gentle, sincere and altogether believable portrayal of innocence.Together, these two are magic, sharing a chemistry that is not only natural and warm, but palpable and electric.

As with any film, "Walk" is not without its flaws.The directing could have been better to help in the flow of the narration.The film could have been about 15 minutes longer to sufficiently develop Jamie and Landon's relationship (though I suspect there were many deleted scenes).And it does not entirely stick to the novel.Those who have read the novel will find that there are many differences.Amazingly, however, the film still manages to capture the feel and essence of the book in that it can make your heart full and break it at the same time. Moreover, it dares to believe in faith and hope.It dares to believe in the transforming power of love.It dares to believe that young people are capable of true, intense and everlasting love.And though it happens to feature teens, it has a universal message -- and that message is up to the viewer, for it never seeks to preach.

More than just a love story, "A Walk to Remember" is anything but typical.Ultimately, it is about faith and hope...and living.No superficial make-overs or fart jokes here, folks.

Memorable, indeed.

Posted on April 21, 2011

Marilynn Pih says...

"A Walk To Remember," the movie adaptation of tear-jerker novel specialist Nicholas Sparks best-seller, derives most definitely from the norm of recent teen romance movies (ie - She's All That, 10 Things I Hate About You, Summer Catch, Never Been Kissed, Princess Diaries, etc).

Like many movies based off of books, the plot is inherently more developed and more powerful.This is definitely the case with "A Walk to Remember."With the overtones of faith and the power of true love viewers will clearly be inspired and be left emotionally touched when they see this movie.This is more than a chick flick.In one word, the movie is "powerful."

The story as the previews allude to follows the story of Landon Carter (Shane West), "the very rough around the edges popular guy" and Jamie Sullivan (pop diva Mandy Moore), "the not-so-popular, but very good girl," a very unlikely couple who eventually fall in love.While the basic plot sounds cookie cut from any number of teen movies, all similarities stop there.Instead of the receiving the by-the-numbers storyline of unlikely love, what you do get is a powerful, yet tragic tale of love won and lost, but not really lost.With strong religious undertones (Jamie is the town Reverend's daughter), it is also a story of salvation and redemption.

Aside from the awesome story, the performances of cast are superb.Especially cool is the on-camera singing performance of female lead (and ultra-talented teen pop diva) Mandy Moore.

Best Scenes:

--The play scene

--Landon to the rescue

--Landon and Jamie's first date

There's a lot of other great stuff, but it'd definitely be a spoiler if you've never read the book...

For myself, an avid moviegoer for over a decade, I can honestly say that I can count on ONE HAND the number of movies that have actually left me truly touched and in tears.Those movies are "Titanic,""The Green Mile" and "A Walk To Remember."

Ultimately, this is definitely one of the ultimate movies to go out on a date with your loved one (or potential loved one).Whether you're a guy or (definitely) a gal, you WILL like this.

Highest Recommendation

Posted on April 23, 2011

Miesha Detrick says...

After seeing the trailers to A Walk to Remember, I have to admit, I wasn't psyched about seeing this movie.It seemed to be yet another stereotypical cardboard cut out of recent teen movies in the past few years.There are a few 'chick flicks' that I have enjoyed in the past, but they're not my favorite movies. But, because of my friends eagerness to see the movie, I gave in, and went to see it.The results were very surprising. This movie wasn't just another average 'chick flick,' it was something much more.It became one of my all-time favorite movies.

The movie is based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks, and tells the wonderful tale of two people who are the definite opposites of one another only to be brought together by a miracle.There is Jamie Sullivan, played brilliantly by Mandy Moore, who is a shy and meek girl who is always teased on by her peers.Her head remains strong however, because she doesn't allow the rude and immature comments penetrate and hamper her uplifting spirit.This is a true definition of a great person.I always admire someone who isn't afraid to be themselves and not be terribly afraid of what other people would think or change themselves to be something they're not.Jamie has high morals that she never allows to be jeopardized.There is also Landon, played by Shane West, whose only concern in life is not to jeopardize his reputation in other people's eyes.Both of these characters are brought together by an incident and fall amazingly in love.This tells a wonderful and amazing story of how true love can be.

Before watching this film, I doubted Mandy Moore's acting capabilities, but now I realize just how fitting she was for this role.Shane West also plays his part convincingly.The story is combined with an awesome cast to produce a remarkable and very rememberable movie.

Posted on April 24, 2011

Qiana Smolen says...

I pretty much knew what to expect from "A Walk to Remember," the latest in a long line of various romance dramas in which a popular boy meets and falls in love with an ugly-duckling girl who's not so ugly at all. The movie leaves no clich

Posted on April 25, 2011

Lucio Caseres says...

I've watched this movie 3 times already and it now ranks # 1 on my list of favourite romantic movies of all time. There're many factors that make this movie great (e.g. the excellent screenplay and direction) but the foremost has to be the perfect casting (and brilliant acting) of the 2 leads, Mandy Moore (MM) and Shane West which make this film truly unforgetable. Their on-screen chemistry is amazing to watch and they look so truly and earnestly in love (so natural, like no acting was involved, or needed, at all).

MM plays the character of Jamie Sullivan, an 18-year old, sweet-looking daughter of a church minister, who carries a bible to school and dresses "old-fashionedly". However, she has high self-esteem and is not concerned with what others think of her. In her high school yearbook, her interests are listed as "church choir, drama" and her ambition: "to witness a miracle". Jamie is the last girl in school that the handsome, cool and popular Landon Carter (West) expects to fall in love with. But fall in love with her he does, gradually, after circumstances put them together for the rehearsal of the school's spring play and Landon has to seek Jamie's assistance to help him with his lines. Jamie looks Landon confidently in the eyes and agrees to help him, on one condition i.e. that he must promise not to fall in love with her. Landon laughs and says, "That's not a problem". Little does he know what fate (or cupid) has in store for him!

You'll also enjoy listening to MM's clear and beautiful vocals as she sings in the church choir scene and in the spring play. The movie soundtrack is excellent and captures the mood of the movie perfectly with great songs like "It's Gonna Be Love", "Only Hope" (MM), "You" (Switchfoot) and "No One" (Cold).

"A Walk to Remember" successfully portrays what true love is all about and its power to change a person for the better. The storyline is so touching that I cried buckets each time I see this movie. It's a thousand times more romantic and meaningful than "Titanic" or any other romantic movie I can think of. This movie's great, great, great from start to finish (yes, right down to the bitter-sweet ending), so don't miss it.

I think we can expect the 2 actors to be nominated for "Best Kiss", and Shane West for "Most Desirable Male" in this year's MTV Movie Awards!

Trivia: MM was only 17 when she made this movie while Shane West (born: 1978) was 23.

Posted on April 25, 2011

Evalyn Comly says...

Given the definition of a chick flick, A Walk to Remember falls right into the category. But does that mean a guy can't enjoy? No, because I -- a guy -- thoroughly enjoyed every single second of A Walk to Remember. From the first scene until the credits began, I was involved in the movie which is a rarity because I sometimes find myself becoming uncomfortable in a movie theatre, but I didn't while watching A Walk to Remember.

The movie tells the story of two young people from two opposites of the clique chain. Jamie Sullivan, the quiet, shy Christian girl who's only interests seems to be the stars and her one sweater. And Landon Carter, a popular and sometimes harsh guy who's only interests seem to be being popular. When an accident happens that crosses these two's lives, they begin to learn about each other, and fall in love. But with love, there always comes consequences.

This story, which could have been very stereotyped, flowed through gracefully throughout the movie with hardly ever a snag. The great acting also kept it flowing. Shane West was great as Landon. His every move and emotion could be felt. Daryl Hannah and Peter Coyote were great and believable as the grown-ups. And of course, the star, Mandy Moore. I never doubted that she could act, but she was amazing! She certainly now has a greater career in films now. Besides being a favorite music artist of mine, she is now a favorite actress.

With the combination of a great story, a very talented cast, and a wonderful soundtrack, A Walk to Remember is one of the best and most real "teen" drama to be released.

Posted on April 28, 2011

Kali Kartman says...

"Wow". That's about all I could muster at the end of the movie (embarrassingly, between a flood of tears - after all, a guy isn't allowed to cry, right?) I must admit - my skepticism was extremely high upon first hearing about this movie. I queried myself as to the necessity of watching yet another "teenage love story". However, upon a friend's recommendation, I decided to give it a go, and realized that I had actually come close to making a terribly big mistake in my life had I not watched it. The movie was simply INCREDIBLE!

Shane West does an excellent portrayal of High School bad boy Landon, and his desire to be popular and cool will surely strike a chord in many of our hearts. After all, during our precocious teenage years, there are arguably few things that are more important than being cool and universally liked by peers. One's self esteem is invariably tied with how others perceive us. And so that is how Landon is, until he meets sweet Jamie Sullivan, the local preacher's daughter played by beautiful Mandy Moore. Moore lends her character a huge amount of depth and surrounds her with an innocent, heartwarming aura, so much so that by the end of the movie, she can do no wrong. In addition, the movie is littered with many fabulous songs that are sung by none other than Moore's beautiful voice. One piece that stands out is "Only Hope", a beautiful song that will have your optical water droplets rolling out on more than one occasion. Another great tune that will get your good feelings swirling is "Someday We'll Know".

As you watch their relationship blossom throughout the movie, your own feelings are inextricably linked and you find yourself cheering the couple on, marveling at their sweet times spent together and secretly envious of the intense love that they have discovered. For guys, I warn you - Jamie is so incredibly pure and unselfish that she will have your hearts fluttering by the end of the movie. As for Landon, he will no doubt reside in many girls' dreams for months to come, and he demonstrates a type of love that transcends ordinary levels, completing Jamie's life in each and every way. He shows her a love that she has not experienced before, and she helps him to discover himself and fills him with a desire to achieve higher things in life. There is a lot of hidden depth, and even when Landon fulfils Jamie's first and foremost desire (which I shall not reveal for those that have not seen the movie), he says it in such an unselfish way that it evokes true admiration of his love for her. By being together, they have both achieved things that were previously not possible.

By the end of the movie, the viewer's faith in love and everything pure and good is restored to unshakeable heights. Love is truly the most powerful emotion known to mankind, and this heartwarming story reminds us that despite the challenges we face on a daily basis, there are things in life that make the experience truly worth it. To be able to witness the kind of love that Jamie and Landon shared is truly unforgettable, and as Landon says during the movie, "We had more happiness than most people experience in a lifetime." A Walk to Remember is a truly moving story that urges us to have faith in true love and to cherish all the wonderful things that we have in our lives.

Posted on April 29, 2011

Rachel Perrelli says...

"A Walk to Remember" is another one of those bad boy/good girl movies that manages to transcend the fact that we have seen this story dozens of times.The bad boy is Landon Carter (Shane West), who runs with the popular crowd and is responsible for a dare than has tragic consequences.The principal decides Landon needs to meet some new people are orders him to help the janitors, tutor at the grade school, and join the drama club.That last one is important because it brings the bad boy and the good girl together, but the idea that the principal can put the "bad boy" into the school's big production where he can ruin it for everybody else bothers me big time.

The good girl is Jamie Sullivan (Mandy Moore), the daughter of a widowed reverend, who stands apart at school because she carries her Bible and always wears the same blue sweater.Although she is the subject of looks and comments from Landon's crowd, she never bat's an eye because she really does not care what others think about her; she has a numbered list of what she wants to do during her life.The film does not make a lot out of the fact that Jamie is a Christian, but it is certainly a key part of her as a person.What I liked is that Jamie is a "good" Christian, by which I mean that she not only embodies her faith but that she does so without pushing it on anybody else.The stereotype in films is for Christians to be judgmental and superior, which constitutes an implicit attack on such characters.The character of Jamie might be too good to be true, but she is what makes this film work.

More importantly, she gets the great line.Early on in the film as Landon continues to take shots at her, Jamie looks him up and down, makes a couple of totally on target remarks and finishes him off with the declaration, "You act only works on an audience."It is one of those lines that makes you sit up and take notice, whether you are watching the film or simply the character at whom it was targeted.Meanwhile, he has the most romantic moment in the film, when he fulfills one of the items on her list (being in two places at once).Ultimately what makes "A Walk to Remember" so differen from your standard teenage films is that it is about romance and not sex.Hopefully some of the teenage males who watch this film will get a clue on what romance means and how powerful it can be.But I have to worry that your average teenager is not in a position to appreciate a movie like this where the teenagers are intelligent and written that way.

For this 2002 film the novel by Nicholas Sparks, which was set in 1958, is told in the "present" (it is not linked to any particular year).I was fortunate that once again I was oblivious to the big twist and did not know it was coming even before the opening credits.My biggest hint that something was amiss was when we find out what is #1 on Jamie's list and I did not think it was big enough to have the top spot.Of course, in the end it all makes sense.My only complaint with the end is that when we get to the obvious thing that needs to be said it just gets said and I was expecting it to get punched up for the grand finale.It would not have been that hard: Landon gives the Reverend Sullivan one of the two important books in Jamie's life, so the Reverend should have given Landon the OTHER book and in it would have been that which needed to be said.

Posted on May 1, 2011