Allie Hamilton (Gena Rowlands) is an elderly woman suffering from memory loss. Her devoted hubby, Noah Calhoun (James Garner), reads their amazing love story from a Notebook every day to her in an attempt for her to recall some of their history. Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling play the couple in flashbacks to their nostalgic youth. The charming young pair paints an exquisite love story on the big scene that, despite the fact that it’s nothing new, is exceptionally touching.
McAdams displays her acting range in The Notebook-straying from her previous roles in The Hot Chick and Mean Girls. Her character is captivating in all of her psychotic outbursts, passions, insecurities, and ultimately, recognition of true love. Gosling intensely depicts his much more collected, simple character with grace and an array of emotions, or often composure of them. This movie brings to light the apparent talent in these two young actors-of whom I plan to follow as they continue in their careers.
While the switches from present to past seem unnecessary at first, they prove powerfully compelling towards the end of the film. The lust of young lovers seems that much more real when it shows the couple still very much in love well into their old age. Allie’s fondness of her charming and devoted fiancé, Lon, arises the question of whether there is one person for everyone-or are there two in some cases? Either way, the beautiful Allie is a very lucky girl to have the choice between two incredibly handsome men who are head-over-heels in love with her.
One of the greatest aspects of Notebook is its appeal to both young and old audiences. This will help in its market success as well as in providing a great source of entertainment for all walks of life. This is a great movie to see with your friends, family, boyfriend or girlfriend, or while on a date this summer. Notebook is an emotional roller coaster of a love story that I wouldn’t recommend watching without a box of tissues handy.
