The Notebook - 7 stars out of 10

The Notebook - 7 stars out of 10

"The Notebook" is a story of love that lasts a lifetime, no matter what the cost.  It creatively uses flashbacks to tell a passionate love story as the ending is progressively revealed through present day scenes,.  I don't worship this film like many other people do, but I'd consider it to be one of the better chick flicks.  The film hinges on the argumentative but loving chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams.  They were perfectly cast in these lead roles as you'll surely pull for them to end up together in the end.  The wonderful thing about this story is the number of facets that are out of the lovers' control, from the actions of Allie's judgemental mother (who still manages to garner empathy from the audience after her awful actions, only through the impressive acting of Joan Allen) and the inevitable fate of the main character in her old age.  Just when you find that the flashbacks have been resolved, there is one more fantastically important piece to complete this puzzle.  Outside of the story, the script is very successful at developing the lead characters (in flashback and old age), not to mention that there are just so many great lines throughout.  I also love the use of Chopin's Fourth Piano Prelude in E-minor in this story - its mood perfectly reflects the somber emotions displayed by the main characters as they struggle to hold their impossible relationship together.  "The Notebook" is Nicholas Sparks' finest story because of its storytelling technique and well-developed characters, and I can easily see this one becoming a Valentine's Day tradition for any couple.