Chic Flick is the subject of this Notebook

Rating: 8/10 (25 April 2005)

Go inside your bedroom, now move over to the cabinet, open the last drawer, and reach for that handkerchief. Why you ask? Because it's going to come in handy when you watch the romantic tearjerker "The Notebook". So are you ready to take notes? Here we go: "The Notebook" is the poster film of chic flicks for 2004. Ryan Gosling as Noah and Rachel Mcadams as Allie star as young lovers who must overcome obstacles to survive their romance: poor boy/rich girl dilemma, boy has cool dad and girl has overprotective mom, boy goes to war/girl goes to pray. Yea, we have seen these formulaic concepts before, but take note of this, they are presented by Director Nick Cassavetes as more of an instrumental plight then a serendipity fluffy ingredient. The story is told by older Noah to the older Allie, who suffers from a degenerate Alzheimer's condition, in hopes of getting her to remember their unforgettable love. That's it, reach for that handkerchief. James Garner did garner a S.A.G. Best Supporting Actor nom for his heartwarming performance as the older Noah. Gena Rowlands as the older Allie was no match for Garner but it was sporadically tender. However, she crawled up the wrong allie when it came to match Garner's magnanimity. Cassavates, who is Rowland's real life son, did execute a credible job with the festooning and amour of "The Notebook". Several scenes were of cinematography perfection by Robert Fraisse. His "Fraisse" frames were breathtaking. However, what binded me the most of "The Notebook" was the emotional breakthrough performance of Rachel Mcadams. I wonder if there is more talent in "The Mcadams Family". OK guys! Final Notes! If you request a movie to get your gals all romantic & horny then "The Notebook" gets straight lays, I mean straight A's, in that department. **** Good