Due to the nature of the story that develops, (don’t worry I won’t give it away for those who haven’t seen the film yet), some of the scenes could have easily slipped into melodrama and become cheesy but the performances from Mandy Moore, Shane West and Peter Coyote (who plays Jamie’s father) help keep the story from suffering that fate. Although, Coyote plays a small part, this role is perhaps one of the best of his career. 

Because of Mandy’s status as a pop singer, the film does contain the requisite scene where she sings. It happens about a third of the way through the film, during the performance of the school play. Unlike Spears, whose vocals fell flat, Mandy showcases her vocal ability and I found myself with a lot more respect for her talent than before. Let’s face it, you really can’t tell if a pop singer is genuinely talented due to the over production and liberal use of vocal effects in modern pop music. But here Moore sings her heart out to a simple piano ballad. Some may feel that this scene is a bit long but it really was well executed and did fit in with the storyline. 

It’s true that some critics went into this movie with their minds already made up that they were going to hate it and Mandy Moore’s performance even before the beginning credits rolled. It’s either that or they were too shallow to pick up on the underlying themes of the film and the message it was trying to convey. But then again, when do we count on critics to get it right? However, some critics did get it; Roger Ebert proclaimed the film “a small treasure”. And the San Francisco Chronicle film critic, Octavio Roca, had this to say, “At a time when many Hollywood products portray adults as not terribly bright children, here is a story about intelligent high school students that deals with first love sweetly but also seriously. It is also beautifully acted… This ‘Walk’ will be tough to forget.” 
 

For those who have read the novel, in many ways Karen Janszen, improved upon the story. As Nicholas Sparks says in the DVD commentary, He painted the broad strokes and she filled in the rest to help make it work on screen. There are some major variances aside from the fact that the original novel by Sparks was set in the 50’s and the movie takes place in the present. Janszen and Moore actually give the character of Jamie more depth than the “too sweet to be true” Jaime of the book and Shane West comes across as a more intelligent and conflicted Landon Carter. Plus the book was far more melodramatic. There are a few flaws in the film, some of the subplots could have been better developed, the humor interjected by Eric (Al Thompson) to provide levity to the story was a little overdone and a few clichés do manage to sneak in, but overall they don’t deride the movie. The ending may disappoint some but then again the novel’s ending was far more vague. They could have ended the movie one scene sooner and it would have been fine, since that scene does provide some major resolution to the story. If you go in with an open mind, you may discover that although some of themes in this film have been done many times before, they were tackled intelligently here and where the film could have taken the “She’s All That” turn and made Jamie the most popular girl in school as a result of her friendship with Landon, this story comes across more realistically by going in the opposite direction where it is Landon who changes in the end.

The bottom line is this is not your typical teen movie; it’s a bittersweet story about redemption, faith, hope, love and finding yourself and your place in the world. Yes, teenage girls will love this film but it should also be appealing to adults. Mandy Moore seemed as if she was born to play this role. If her pop music career ever falters she does have a promising career as an actress. Then again, it will be hard for her to top this role, so we will have to wait and see. 

I readily admit, my enthusiasm for this movie may have come partly from the fact that I had such low expectations to begin with and I related to the story having known a person very similar to Jamie back in High School, but after watching and comparing this movie to other films I have seen lately, it really is one of best films I’ve seen this year. Why? Because unlike most films these days, you may actually end up taking something away from this movie; aside from just being entertained. Like a friend told me after she watched it, “A Walk to Remember” really hit her harder than she expected it to. Speaking as a tainted cynic, I know I personally got a lot more out of it than I bargained for. So, maybe you will to. 

Before we get to the Fan Speak... Since so many people who have posted here genuinely loved “A Walk To Remember” one poster has asked that we provide a link for those who want Warner Brothers to release a special edition of the DVD with all of the deleted scenes (reportedly there were 36 total!) I think the hope is that WB will deliver a directors cut much like Cameron Crowe did with “Almost Famous” – added an extra half hour or so to the movie on the special edition. I know I’d like to see the extra scenes. So if you want to convince WB to release a special edition DVD click here to find out how you can help - aG

FAN SPEAK: Agree or Disagree? Have you seen the movies? What did you think? Was Britney as bad as antiGUY says? Did antiGUY's secret lustful desires for Mandy Moore prejudice his opinion in her favor? It's your turn, what do you think? 

Fan Speak:

Posted by Chicky :
well, i am one of those girls who really i dont care to much for singers and actors. i am one of thse girls who watches movies with their b.f. and friends. me and my b.f didnt and wouldn' watch Crossraods for the following reassons below: (1.)Britteny was in it. (2.)Britteny was in it. (3.)BRitteny was in it. i saw previews for AWTR and i and my b.f decided to watch it together. I enjoyed AWTR very much and for it being a chick flick and all my b.f likes it it is now our fav. movie to watch together.so i am saying Mandy Moore is the best and anyone who likes Britteny what whatever, your the one with bad tast not me and all of the people who like Mandy Moore She is a great singer and actor and i know for a fact she can out sing u so called Britteny lovers, and Britteny her self and if u dont like what i have to say is "SHOVE IT WHERE THE SUN DON T SHINE!!" hope u enjoyed the movie as much as we did

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