Unbelievably Emotional Roller Coaster Ride!

Rating: 10/10 (15 June 2002)

First off, let me start this by saying that the critics reviews of this film absolutely appalled me. Their reasons for these ratings appalled me even further! Critic called this film "so saccharine covered it will make you want to lose your lunch" and so "sweet and innocent it will make your blood boil." I guess a film with a lack of sex, drugs, and violence (although there is violence to a small extent) might really throw people for a loop. ..Apparently, emotionally-charged, wholesome films aren't enough for the medias insatiable appetite for obligatory breast-shots and sensless blood-shed. I mean, don't get me wrong, films such as "Boogie Nights", "54", and "Scream", all of which contain violence and/or nudity/sexual content, have all made their way onto my top 20 favorite movies of all time. I enjoy them just as much as the next person, but this film was a huge change of pace from what I'm used to seeing on the big screen these days.
I went to see this movie with high expectations for it to be a sappy teen romance, one that might even make me tear up a bit (I'm a sap for romance, i.e. "Bounce", and "Pearl Harbor"). What I got was so much more. SO much more. The film opens with a sequence that may mislead you a bit. I sat in my chair for the first 10 minutes thinking, "Oh great, could this be any more of a stereotypical teen flick?" Although I love movies like "Whatever It Takes", "10 Things I Hate About You" and "Boys and Girls", somewhat less-than-innovative teen flicks, I wanted more out of this one. It quickly begins to better itself with the introduction of Mandy Moore's character, Jamie Sullivan. In a very "Carrie"-esque fashion, she's the pretty "ugly" girl (another thing critics couldn't over look) whom everyone makes fun of and you feel sorry for. There is something special about her right from the very start. There are so many layers to her character and you want to get to know them all. By the end of the film, you do.
Throughout the course of the film, some of the most romantic movie moments in history (in my personal opinion) take place. See, Jamie has a to-do list, and as her and Landon (the incredibly cute Shane West) begin to fall for eachother, he tries to complete her list one thing at a time. One thing she mentions is how she's love to be in two places at once. So, he takes her to the middle of the road one night and tells her to stand in a specific spot. When she asks what's going on, he tells her she's straddling the state line--she's in two places at once. . .Now, call me a hopeless romantic, but I think that is the sweetest thing in the entire world (and my favorite part of the whole movie). He also proposes to her so they can get married in the same church her mom did (another wish on her list). By the end of the film, your heart is tied in knots and you don't know whether to be happy or cry. Jamie eventually unveils a life-altering secret to Landon that changes the pace of the entire film. If you get emotional easily like me (I cried in the first 20 minutes of "Scooby Doo" when the gang breaks up.. .), you will be as heartbroken as Landon. The film ends with a very vague feeling, and when I walke out of the theatre, I knew I couldn't wait to see it again. . .and again. . .and again. . .
Mandy Moore's acting is exceptional, if not better. I think she's an incredibly talented singer and now, I respect her totally as an actress ("Princess Diaries" just made me want to slap her). Shane West as always was great. We really get to see his range in this film. And the supporting cast does a fine job. I don't think this movie could have been any better! Since the movie, I bought the soundtrack, read the book, and already have my copy on DVD preordered at Amazon (July 9!!!) Please, ignore critics thoughtless reviews and check this amazing little film out for yourself. ..I highly reccommend it!