111 minutes, Drama/Romance, PG

It all began in 1999 with MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE. Then, there was A WALK TO REMEMBER. Next, was arguably the best film adaptation of a Nicholas Sparks novel – THE NOTEBOOK; a favourite on many people’s lists. But as they say, what goes up, must come down. And sheesh, hasn’t the quality in storytelling and filmmaking dropped considerably since! So, can the ensemble cast of Benjamin Walker, Alexandra Daddario, Teresa Palmer, Tom Welling and Tom Wilkinson help turn the ten year plus form slump around in Sparks’s eleventh book to film adaptation to date?

In THE CHOICE, Gabby and Travis are neighbours. After much bickering, the two are destined to wind up in a relationship. Like all relationships, and much like life itself, the young couple experience all the ups and downs where they learn every choice they make changes what happens next. And that some choices, can never be reversed.

It’s ironic really. For a film that is quite preachy about its aforementioned message, THE CHOICE just doesn’t make many wise choices itself! As has been the case since 2004’s excellent THE NOTEBOOK, the cardboard cut-out characters forced to carry the film aren’t given much more to do than fulfil their quotas in a plot that is a simply pedestrian affair rife with all the usual clichés. Its attempts at dramatisation of what life can dish out are rarely executed with care and the questionable casting of the nondescript Benjamin Walker (he was Abraham Lincoln in ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER) continue to hinder THE CHOICE’s ability at even hitting the average mark. In his defense though, Walker doesn’t do much wrong, but at the risk of sounding superficial, he never looked the part here and struggled to summon the charm or charisma required for the part. Despite being horribly predictable at every turn, THE CHOICE will have its desired effect on its target audience, whom are bound to get just the crying fix that they may seek. I must admit with an ounce of shame, it got me too. What a softy!

2 out of 5

THE CHOICE – Film Trailer

Footnote to Parents
Parents – please be mindful with this one. A PG classification has been granted, however due to a sex scene (with no nudity) and some thematic issues, I recommend parental guidance for those under 13 especially.

Moviedoc wishes to thank Jesse from Roadshow Films, Roadshow Films and Village Cinemas, Jam Factory for the invitation to the Media Screening of THE CHOICE.

Review by Moviedoc
“LIKE” on Facebook – Moviedoc (The One With E.T!)

©