I was caught off-guard!!

Rating: 10/10 (1 July 2006)

Let me begin by saying that I'm a 38 year old man that NEVER intentionally watches romantic movies. It's just not my thing usually. I happened to catch the last half of "The Notebook" one day while flipping channels late-night. I checked the listings on my digital cable and found that the flick was going to be shown again the next day.
I watched the whole thing. I actually taped it and have since watched it 5 more times!! Well, Let me tell you, it is the most intense, passionate and realistic romance movie you can imagine! It reminded me, simultaneously, of my High school girlfriend AND my wife. It was (and IS) a VERY personal movie to me. The intense feelings that Noah and Ally share, and the problems that confront them are very familiar to me. I'm sure that they are familiar to millions of people.
It is a VERY realistic movie as far as the relationship between Noah and Ally. Their relationship is NOT perfect. They fight often (just like real life!) and there is serious doubt about whether or not they will be, or SHOULD BE, together.
The performances by Rachel McAdams and Ryan Goesling, Gena Rowlands and the guy who played Jim Rockford on "The Rockford Files" (who's name escapes me, SORRY!), are excellent. The visuals are Phenomenal, especially the "Duck" scene. The movie as a whole is FAR better than most.
I HIGHLY recommend this film. In fact, I'll offer the following advice: WATCH THIS MOVIE!! If it doesn't Immediately remind you of someone from your past or present, you probably haven't loved!! And if you KNOW you haven't loved, then watch this film to get an idea about what love is. Seriously.