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Anonymous
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The Notebook was very distorted by the CD and disappointing(Review From Amazon) | General Comments:
We are considering not ordering from Amazon any more since purchasing this CD of the Notebook. We have never had problems with any of your products before, but since you have asked for a "Review" we are passing along our comments.
It is not profitable for us to return the CD because of shipping charges.
Needless to say, we are very disappointed with our purchase.
Shirley & Ron Laramie |
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Anonymous
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Hopelessly sentimental and competely unforgettable(Review From Amazon) | General Comments:
This is the kind of film where you cringe at one moment from the stilted dialogue and then burst into tears over a love that knows no bounds the next moment.
The story of young lovers forced apart by social class isn't new to literature or film and it's handled here with little regard to wanting to add anything new to the genre. The young lovers are played well enough by Gosling and MacAdams, who are nice looking and affable, but their cringe-inducing dialogue and teen angst-like behaviors get in the way of their acting abilities and the enjoyment of the story. It was all rather unbearable to start. This first third of the film nearly had me shut the DVD off, but the juxtaposed storyline of an older couple, terrifically played by Garner and Rowlands, was so well written and acted that they alone kept me interested in where the story might go and how the two couples might be connected.
The second third of the film focuses on both moving on after a break up and yet still not letting go (do we ever really?). All the characters grow and develop into believable people and we sincerely care about them. Both the young lovers and the elderly couple are faced with moving on without their significant other and they are juxtaposed brilliantly here. The storyline begins to take better shape, but it is still riddled with cliches and it still suffers from a bit of over acting by the young lovers; however, the improvements are significant in this second act.
The third and final act beautifully ties up the film and I really shouldn't discuss it and spoil the impact it will have on you should you manage to get past the awful first act of this film. This is one of those rare films where the ending portion truly does make up for any prior ills the film contained. The acting by both Garner and Rowlands in the final segments of the film are one of the most touching I have ever seen on film and my own eyes fill up with tears just thinking of them.
My wife and I met when we were a mere 19 years old and with us now in our mid 40's we have come to so appreciate the value of our shared life. We have both experienced the tragic possibilities of living a life without the other several times, and those moments were eye-opening and frightening. Nothing can take the place of a life built together. Nothing can take the place of memories. Nothing can take the place of a deep love, and although we may be able to fall in love numerous times in our lives, nothing takes the place of being with the one person you always knew you were meant to be with for life. I know I'm as cliche-ridden right now as much of this film had been for me, but cliches became such because they do reveal truths. This film, although flawed at times, contains some of the great truths about love.
Although this is an enormously uneven film with its teen angst, cliche-ridden, over-acted first third, it is followed by a more believable and better organized second third, and a final third that is unbearably touching, compassionate, and completely unforgettable. I can't think of too many films that had an ending that moved me as much as this one did. The final third makes up for any sins of the first third and that makes this one film you really must see. |
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Anonymous
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Oh my my...(Review From Amazon) | General Comments:
I overheard alot of good things about this movie and so I decided to buy it. Oh, my my... It isnt long until you are hooked and you are embracing this movie. The characters are excellent and so talented. It is so romantic! Get your tissues out because by the end of this movie, you will be bawling your eyes out. Ah, love... it is wonderful, isnt it?... |
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Anonymous
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Good movie, not good timing(Review From Amazon) | General Comments:
I ordered this movie as a Christmas present because the price was good. The gift didn't come in until after Christmas so I ended up having to buy another one and just kept this one for myself when it came in. I love this movie though.... |
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Anonymous
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Renew your faith in love with this movie!(Review From Amazon.com) | General Comments:
I do not know about any of the other reviewers, but, this movie had me sobbing. His relentless and unending love would make anyone want that kind of lifelong partner. I have not met anyone yet who has seen this movie and not been touched by it. |
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Anonymous
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Wish there were "4-7/8 stars" to select ...(Review From Amazon.com) | General Comments:
... because that's what I'd pick. As usual, I don't want to synopsize any movie. It spoils it for me to hear the plot ahead of time. Like another reviewer, I was a bit put off by the ending (hence "only" 4-7/8 stars). It was tied a little too neatly in a bow. On the other hand, one particular scene shortly before the end made the final ending a welcome relief. Having just buried my father recently, I know (we all know) how ugly it could have been.
My father and James Garner were the same age and I always thought they looked quite a bit alike. When I was eight years old, Jim lived in an apartment across the street from us in North Hollywood. He got dressed up in his Marverick outfit, hat and all, before he got into his car to go to work. "Handsome" doesn't begin to describe that sight. I probably wouldn't have met him except that his step-daughter, Kim, was my age. I doubt it will surprise anyone to find out that Jim was a very nice guy. A dust-bowl kid from Oklahoma with the non-Hollywood name of "James Bum-Garner." Names like Bum-Garner and Buck-Walter were typical of that time and origin. I remember that Mom watched over Kim till school started one morning while Jim got his name changed legally.
It's silly, but watching Jim throughout the years has always given me a sense of pride -- not because I'd "known" him but because he looked like my Dad and, like Dad, was such a jewel of a human being. Watching him work at this level of excellence is enough on its own. His resemblance to my father is purely coincidental.
People who label movies as sappy quite often are missing the point. A movie that moves us this much deserves more than such predictable criticism. Same with those who say it wasn't worthy of an Academy Award nomination. If Jim hasn't received an Oscar yet, he will do so for his body of work -- if there's time. He could have easily won an Oscar for this performance as could the talented and beautiful Gena Rowlands. The kids are wonderful too.
At least rent this movie. You'll end up buying it for someone you love. |
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