The Vow Review: The Perfect Valentine’s Day Movie

The Vow is everything you have come to expect from a romantic movie released right before Valentine’s Day, and it isn’t as sappy as your boyfriend is probably predicting either. ..

While I was heading out of the theaters with the masses at a screening this week, I heard several moviegoers compare it to The Notebook. Some even said they liked it better than The Notebook. Comparisons are ineviable with the charming Rachel McAdams as the lead, and I can’t deny it feels just like a Nicholas Sparks story. Only, I feel these comparisons are inaccurate, and here’s why…

The Vow is based on a true story. It’s not as predictable as a typical Sparks novel turned into a big Hollywood movie. Instead, moviegoers (especially females) sit through the majority of the film constantly reminding themselves that what they’re seeing actually happened (for the most part). A man actually loved a woman this much – to stand by her through everything – even her completely forgetting who he was and the fact that they was married. Most of us girls dream of finding a man that would fight for us to even half the degree that Leo (Channing Tatum) does during the film. It truly is a heart-warming tale.

So what happens to cause the memory lost? A pretty horrific car accident.

Leo and Paige (Rachel McAdams) are madly in love. They’re married and pursuing their passions in downtown Chicago. Leo runs a recording studio, and Paige has given up law school for art school – and is now a sculptor. On their way home one night, they’re rammed from behind and thrust through an intersection and into a telephone pole. Paige wasn’t wearing her seat belt. When she wakes later in the hospital, she doesn’t remember Leo. In fact she doesn’t really remember much past high school. She still thinks she’s with her ex, Jeremy (Scott Speedman). Between parents who don’t want her to remember the last few years (as family drama and her departure from law school has put a strain on her relationship with them) and Leo who wants so badly for her to remember that she’s in love with him – Paige finds herself in a pretty overwhelming position. Does she even want to remember?

It’s such a heartwarming film with a strong script and great talent. I’ve said it million times before, but I’ll say it again – there is not a more adorable actress in all of Hollywood. All it takes is one smile from Rachel McAdams before you completely fall for her. She’s perfect in roles like this for that very reason. Girls want to be her best friend, and guys want to date her. And Channing Tatum isn’t too shabby to look at either… He made millions of girls fall in love with him in Nicholas Sparks’ book-turned-movie Dear John, and he has no issue making us swoon for him all over again in this flick.

Sam Neil and Jessica Lange also guest star, both bringing tremedous yet subtle talent to their roles. I was also plesantly surprised to see Scott Speedman. As a huge Felicity fan back in the day (though I was a Noel fan… not a Ben fan), it’s always good to see some of our favorite WB’ers still getting work. Honestly, I’m surprised we haven’t seen Speedman in some larger roles. He’s talented and incredibly attractive. We simply need more of him on the big and small screen.

It’s a sweet story and a good movie, and while Channing Tatum may not be as attractive as Ryan Gosling (bring on the debate!) – it’s still the perfect Valentine’s Day movie to see with your special someone. In fact, I would say it’s the best one out there for your Valentine’s Day date. So enjoy some chocolates and your dozen red roses – and a movie that will reassure you that this type of love does actually exist.

Grade: B+

Review By: Emma Loggins

Responses

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Saw it yesterday, loved it 🙂 Haven’t seen anything Rachel McAdam’s has been in that I haven’t love. Not a big fan of Channing, but Rachel made the movie for me.