More movies like this could cure what ails the box office.

Rating: 10/10 (17 December 2005)

If Hollywood would make and effectively market more movies like "The Notebook," they could end the box office slump and draw a much wider audience back to the movies.
The movie should appeal to ADULTS who like good writing, acting, direction, and production values. I doubt that the budget for "The Notebook" was very large, but every penny that was spent shows on the screen--and this is a period (largely 1940's) picture. Having just seen the incredibly overrated "The Aviator" which had all kinds of errors in continuity--for example, the scandal magazines like "Confidential" weren't published until a decade later than the screenplay claims--I appreciated the accuracy of sets, costumes, etc., in "The Notebook."
The pace of the movie is leisurely but not plodding. I suspect that a lot of viewers won't be terribly surprised at the twist that comes about three-quarters through the movie, but the film is so well-acted, written, and directed that no one will feel cheated.
Special mention must be made about James Garner and Gena Rowlands, the mother of director Nick Cassvetes. Rowlands has long been a brilliant actress, and she just keeps getting better. Thanks in part to TV movies as well as theatrical releases, she continues to enjoy a productive career. With any luck, maybe she will get that standout role that will bring her a long-deserved Oscar.
As for Garner, he has been underrated and unappreciated for decades. At least as far back as "The Americanization of Emily" and his TV series "The Rockford Files," Garner has been turning out quality work, much like a much handsomer Spencer Tracy. He and Rowlands bring out the best in each other--their scenes together are heartbreaking.
The rest of the cast in excellent. In particular, Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams deserve to have long careers; and Joan Allen again shows why she should have more work.
Finally, anyone who has had a parent, relative, or friend in a nursing home will find "The Notebook" packs an extra wallop.