That’s right, ladies. Another Nicholas Sparks book has been turned into movie.
“The Best of Me” tells the love story of two high school sweethearts who, after 21 years, reunite in their small hometown. Dawson, played by James Marsden, and Amanda, played by Michelle Monaghan, come together to plan the funeral of their mutual friend and reignite their love.
Like every Nicolas Sparks book, fate has torn the two apart, but the two continue to love each other throughout the years.
There’s a lot that goes on in between the reunions, crying, laughing, kissing, etc. that happens in the film; however, it is all predictable.
Halfway through the film I found myself turning over to my friend and betting that I could tell her how to rest of the movie would play out. She laughed because she too found the film to be melodramatic and unsurprising. (Our predictions were both completely accurate too).
The plot begins slowly, informing audiences of the history of the couple in both their current and past lives, thanks to some flashbacks thrown in between scenes.
Dawson is the typical “dark and mysterious” type who speaks few words, enjoys gardening, works on an oilrig (where he saves a few lives here and there), and is a mechanic. Please make him more far-fetched Nicolas Sparks, I dare you.
Amanda cannot get over her first love and continues to think of him throughout his life. After one day together, the two basically get back together because both are unhappy without the other.
But, of course, family troubles from both sides create some difficulties for the duo. I don’t want to give away the rest of the movie, but you can guess where it goes.
Critics agree as well. The film has a whopping 8 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.
It is also the lowest opening weekend for the author at $10.2 million. Sparks’ more popular movies like “Dear John” opened at $30 million and “The Lucky One” opened at $23 million.
Maybe the film will perform better once it goes to DVD, but, in the meantime, “The Best of Me” will continue disappoint audiences and critics.
