They hit and COMPLETELY missed it.

Rating: Null/10 (4 July 2003)

WARNING: Spoilers for those who decide to see the movie and have not as of yet (although I would recommend otherwise).
This was undoubtedly one of the worst movies I have ever seen. The basic plot (quirky girl who knows how to live life to the fullest meets shallow boy who doesn't know how to live, they fall in love, she dies) is all right, but it had too many flaws to make it into a movie worth seeing.
It had its good parts. The acting was good in the movie; Shane West did a fine job and Mandy Moore was all right (although she should stick to singing, in my personal opinion). The messages and ideas that paralleled the plot were sweet, although could have been presented better. However, its many flaws shadow its good parts to no extent.
Firstly, and most importantly, the characters weren't loveable. In order to connect with a movie and enjoy it to the fullest, you must first love the characters and empathize with them. I had no empathy whatsoever when I watched this movie. I like the idea of a quirky but wise girl teaching a boy who doesn't know how to live (although "Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli really sold the idea), but Moore's character was a little too quirky and unlovable; the same goes for West's character. Not only were they unlovable, but West's character remained inconsistent throughout the entire movie- he goes from badass punk teenager to wise, educated, and kind man with no flaws whatsoever. The only flaws I would have preferred to see in this movie were simple personality flaws in West's character, Brandon, that remained consistent through the movie.
Secondly, the plot had serious flaws that were not acceptable. Brandon is banished to do the school play, auditions and is terrible at it, and yet lands the lead? Too unbelievable. He turns to Moore's character, Jamie, a girl he absolutely despises for assistance in rehearsing for the play. Given time that would have allowed Jamie and Brandon to get to know and respect each other, this would have been acceptable. However, this happens so quickly it's simply not believable at all. Which brings me to my third point.
Things move too quickly in the movie to make sense. I like the concept of falling in love so fast and so suddenly, you don't know what to do with yourself (Love in the Time of Cholera, anyone?). The way it's presented, however, is in a manner that leaves the audience stranded and confused, even yet more unable to love the characters.
I could go on and on, but let me just sum it up: it had a nice concept and the potential to be an amazing film, but it completely missed the target. It makes an attempt at having depth and insight, but does the two concepts no justice. If you're into sappy teenage stories that happen to be CRAP, then watch it. But I'd recommend using the film's message about living life to fullest and use the two hours you WOULD spend watching this god-awful movie doing something a little more productive.