Barely misses The Mark

Rating: 7/10 (5 September 2004)

OK, I normally will not comment about so called "Chick Flicks" but I feel this one here had great potentional, even Academy award potentional, but falls short because of 2 factors, The cons;
1. Ryan Gosling; a poor choice here to play Noah. First he gives a dull non inspired performance here. His "Younger Noah" does not match up with the older one AT ALL!! Simply stated he has no spark and no reason to be seen as " a special guy" that could invoke a "special love" His performance leaves me wondering; "why does Allie fall for this guy?"
He really does not seem to be in love, well not in "Great Love"
Colin Farrell would have been my choice here to play Noah
Gosling seems better suited for a love interest on a soap opera, and he is the main reason this film misses the mark to greatness..
2. The film felt and flowed like 2 separate films, with the first half of "The Romance" making no real sense. There is no character development and we know little to nothing about Noah AS A PERSON; which as per the above is mainly due to Ryan Gosling's boring and dull performance portraying Noah. Where is his passion? He really does seem like a typical red neck future drunk loser and this disconnects from the older Noah.
We are supposed to understand why Allie would fall for this guy beyond the simple "he is from the wrong side of the tracks" scenario. I understood why Noah could fall for Allie, but not the other way around!!
Many people are from "the wrong side of the tracks", SO WHAT? WHATS MAKES ANY ONE OF THEM STAND OUT, err CHARACTER, PASSION, UNIQUENESS? Gosling beings none of these to this lead and he almost ruins this film for me.
Pros;
1. The story of the older man reading to the older Woman who is suffering from Advanced Dementia is touching and original, especially when we find out why. Both Gardner and Rowlands are great here in these roles and this made the film in my opinion watchable and interesting.
2. James Gardner, Gena Rowlands, and Rachel McAdams.
The first 2 mentioned here are simply very good in their perspective roles. Where I was very surprised was the performance by Rachel McAdams. She really carried her part of the film. I have read where people here say "she and Gosling really had good chemistry" well she has good chemistry with James Marsden as well. Its not because of the male leads in my opinion, its because McAdams really shines here, and I had a lowered expectation of her going in to this film; "Hey, isn't this the girl from The Hot Chick and mean girls playing a serious lead? Common she cant act.. haha I was wrong!!!
McAdams is the scene stealer every time and she out acts Gosling about 10 to 1. She gives you the sense of the passion thats supposed to be here Between Noah and Allie when Gosling fails at it, She carries him in this film and Mardsen. although Mardsen does give an acceptable acting job.
Her portrayal of the 17 year old Allie is wide eyed, spunky, and right on the mark. Her portrayal of the 24 year old Allie is mature, tamed and right where it should be, again hitting the mark.
It seems to me McAdams has a nice future in film and it goes to show you that some actors when giving the chance CAN REALLY ACT,(Nicole Kidman comes to mind finally getting good roles and shining in them) while others given the chance STILL SUCK!! (Gosling, well as a romantic lead err, SUCKS!!)
The premise for this film is original, and 3 out of the 4 leads act very well. This film is not as "Diabetic unfriendly" as some people would have you believe, but is not sugar free either. What bothers me is we don't have enough character development, again with Gosling's portrayal be first and foremost lacking.
If we were able to change that, then this film would be an academy award nominee, A good film in spite of its flaws but not a great film. Remember people, because a film makes you cry don't make the film great. I've seen people cry watching Soap Operas and Hot Dog eating contests as well!! scores as follows;
1. a take a date to flick  2. originality= 7 (10 for the premise) 3. acting = 8 (would be 10 but Gosling takes away allot) 4. Kleenex needed? YES BRING A BOX!! (and save it for the very end)
finally; Academy award nomination potentional?
Supporting actor=Gardner=Maybe excellent acting Supporting actress Rowlands=Maybe= excellent Lead Actress= McAdams;
I'd say yes if she had a good leading man(Like Colin Farrell) to have worked with. Simply put, she just really carries Gosling too much, all the chemistry is from her, for this reason, she won't get a nod which is too bad, This lady has the potentional to be a top actress.
Movie=NO Director=good job but no. Other awards, possibly (cinematography is excellent, set design and costume)
Rasberry ward for worse actor? YES FOR GOSLING!!
over all 7 out of 10, Recommended highly for the 3rd date to 5th date scenario, but not a first date scenario!!