Refreshingly enjoyable and memorable film

Rating: Null/10 (4 September 2002)

I especially enjoyed this movie due to the touching performance by Mandy Moore in her first major acting role. Her lowkey and natural portrayal of Jamie was so sensitive and interesting compared to other teen stars I have seen in typical recent teen movies. Her 2 songs were very appropriate and fitted in well to the plot. Her rendition of 'Only Hope' was totally captivating. My guess is that she is extremely talented with lots of serious future potential in films. This movie is a shameless tear jerker, but very well done especially considering the low budget and short period of time during which it was filmed. I liked it even more after a second and third viewing and was totally won over by Mandy and Shane West as Jamie and Landon (and the musical soundtrack). Some critics have complained that it is too preachy, but the movie's messages about love and faith have given me a lot to think about and have stayed on my mind unlike most movies that just provide forgettable mindless entertainment.