The Choice Review | Worst Sparks Film?

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Director: Ross Katz | Cast: Benjamin Walker, Teresa Palmer, Tom Wilkinson

Run Time: 110 minutes | Rating: PG-13 | Score: 1/5

When it comes to Nicholas Sparks' films, you know that there's a certain checklist he goes through in order to "spark" (I had to) his audience's emotions. This film is no different. 

Travis, played by Benjamin Walker (Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter) lives next door to his recently moved in neighbor Gabby, played by Teresa Palmer (Point Break). When Travis' dog "impregnates" Gabby's, the two are set on "bothering" each other until they ultimately fall for each other. 

We see the standard:

  1. Living by a body of water (ie. Safe Haven)
  2. Thus, of course, there will be several boat rides (ie. The Notebook)
  3. They're neighbors, yet they'll write letters (ie. Message in a Bottle)
  4. The "other guy" is present (literally, every single one)
  5. An unfinished wood structure (ie. Dear John)
  6. And a third act that comes out of nowhere! But, as always, is where the title of the movie comes into play.

The reason the film falls shorter than the ones before it, is due to its main protagonist. 

Teresa Palmer definitely has the looks, but is void of any charisma possible (I'm talking Twilight Stewart). Her character of Gabby is a nurse with a doctor boyfriend who, as we find out towards the end of the film, is VERY well off due to her parents wealth. Yet, I've never seen a Sparks character complain more in a film. And yes, even more than Miley's in The Last Song. 

Travis won't be making it on anyone's "Top 5 Males in a Sparks Film", but at least he was adequate enough to carry on his side of the story. 

The story also brings in Travis' widowed father (Tom Wilkinson), Travis' on-again, off-again girlfriend (Alexandra Daddario), a not-so-super doctor (Tom Wellington), and Travis' bachelorette sister (Maggie Grace). Sadly, none of these characters are fully fleshed out and feel like placeholders in order to give the right advice or just come in to cause tension. 

By the end credits, I'd say Stream It when it's available to watch for free in the background of your own home. It's the annual Sparks film that feels like it was rushed during production in order to meet its annual quota. 

However, if your significant other wants to drag you along.....go ahead. 

You have Deadpool next week.