THE CAWPINE OF ‘THE CHOICE’

WRITING: 6
ATMOSPHERE: 6
CHARACTERS: 7
PRODUCTION: 5
INTRIGUE: 4
NOVELTY: 2
ENJOYMENT: 5

This is one of those smaller drama films with such a forgettable plot that I can't remember anything of it for my second viewing. The script lacks variation in tempo, emotional impact and plot progression, making the story just hang around with next to nothing to do or say. The dialogue is hilarious at times and the characters are warm, but not very memorable.

For the most part, The Choice flows by with little to no emotional impact. There are a few funny moments, such as the funny proposal scene, and some overall cuteness and romantic fuzziness, but the hard-hitting emotions are absent. Even the sadder moments don't sink in for me. It's this kind of simple little film to watch on eventless Friday evenings. A typical feel-good movie without bigger surprises.

The acting is okay, but not mind-blowing. Some of the more emotional and intense moments fall flat. Benjamin Walker has some finer moments towards the end, but otherwise, he shows a little variation to his emotional spectrum. Tom Welling in a supporting role is cool to see as well. I never thought I'd say this, but Alexandra Daddario manages to get through a movie with somewhat clean marks for once. The characters are realistic, likeable and natural, but somewhat colourless and boring.

The direction, cinematography and editing are standard, despite the beautiful landscapes, night skies, oceanic views and the lot. The music is very generic.

A lack of unique hooks and a proper point to the plot make it difficult to immerse o0neself within the narrative. The film never feels fresh and the dramatic content is very lightweight.

A very typical chick flick with unusually boring characters and a plot that never goes anywhere or seems to achieve anything. Other movies have handled similar themes better. The Choice is very predictable, so the ending doesn’t hot as hard as it should.

The Choice works fine when you watch it once, but it’s not deep or strong enough to warrant multiple viewings. If you like the actors and the warm and fuzzy landscapes, you’ll probably enjoy this one.

CAWPINE RATING: 50 / 70 = 2.5 stars

The Choice tells the story of a young woman who moves next door to a vet who is a bit of a ladies man. They start of not really liking each other but that soon turns around, and with that comes some difficulties.

It was a perfect Nicholas Sparks movie. You just know whenever you are watching one, they all have a different story, but at the same time are all the same. I can’t get enough. Although The Choice isn’t one of my favorites, it was very enjoyable.

The locations of these movie are always so beautiful, the houses are amazing and don’t get me started about the nature and stuff. (I want to point out that there were a lot of flying birds and waving waves shots in this movie, which weren’t always necessary if you ask me). I loved how involved the dogs were, I love dogs. They are great.

I haven’t seen any of Benjamin Walker his work before, so this one’s my introduction to him, and I loved ever bit of him. Although his character Travis Parker is such a flirt Benjamin brought some vibe to him which made him extremely lovable, even when he came close to annoying. Teresa Palmer as Gabby wasn’t always as convincing, but she wasn’t horrible either. She’s so pretty though, isn’t she?

It was a cute story (very Nicholas Sparks) and I enjoyed it, but that’s it.

**When a veterinarian meets a doctor.**

Not for the current generation, the film was at least 20 years late. On the other hand, I think the direction is not good. Even the casting looks so bad. There are lots of big names for the women characters. Even for the tiny roles, Maggie Grace and Alexandra Daddario appeared. And I could not find one good male actor, apart from Tom Wilkinson. Sorry to say, but the lead actor was not the perfect choice. Besides, I find Teresa Palmer was over-performed her parts. If you have seen many romance flicks, you will find it cliché in the many segments.

It was based on the book of the same name written by the 'The Notbeook' author. It is his another signature romance tale, but somewhat different from all his books those made into the films. I did not come here to write bad about it, but I could not find any good stuffs about it to give some credits. Maybe the location was great and music. The fun part is, I did not know anything about it, so when I decided to watch, I saw the poster and assumed it was a lesbian theme. Funny, but disappointed after realising the mistake.

Still, some of the dialogues were below par, not romantic when those were delivered and then there're some silly scenes like the dog finding the lost object, including its following event. Those things make it more a supernatural film than actual world romance. The film is for a selected audience, I'm sure the film will find its audience today, tomorrow or even decades to come. But there will be people like me on the corner who say the film is not good, so ignore them if you really want to try it and decide yourself.

_6/10_