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Every year we get another Nicholas Sparks movie. These movies try to emphasize " true love", but are usually simplistic mushy plots, where eye candy fills the screen. Well this weekend I dive into the dark, surround sound trenches to review his latest installment, The Longest Ride. Out of annoyance, I quickly lowered my expectations at what was in store. What is in store? Read on to find out.

Most know what to expect from Sparks, a good-looking boy and girl meet up and magically start a romance. One of our characters is the perfect specimen of looks, sensitivity, and romance that drives the ideal romance, until it goes to pot for some reason eventually working out in the end. This is only partially the case, the tale of Sophia (Britt Robertson) and Luke (Scott Eastwood) act out following the typical Sparks plot. The beautiful people form another ideal couple that women idealize where chiseled abs, a handsome face are complemented by incredible feats of consideration and sincerity. Naturally I rolled my eyes at the drastically overplayed perfection, but there were many enchanted by the stereotypical romance he painted. A "nice" distraction that spices things up are the hot scenes, which you can guess involve sex. This movie sex ,starts with another shower scene filled with plenty of butts, and evolves to her riding the bull after he rides the animal of the same name. Some may find it hot, but I found it shallow, pointless, and a waste screen time.

You might think that there are some surprise twists in this half of the story, something that makes you say OH MY GOD. Sophia and Luke's tale unfortunately has little to shock you, foreshadowing revealing all that is to come in the tale, with the only mystery about when it would happen. I can't deny this was one of my favorite endings, but it took a bit to get to the ending.

However, there is a saving grace for this film and that is the second story of Ira and Ruth. The tale of the 1940's relationship could have been a movie by itself, truly showing a developing relationship and the troubles they face. This was the type of relationship I like to see, emphasizing care and compassion for the one you want to share your life with it. The gifts were heartfelt, a tribute to the love they truly felt only to be undermined by the struggles they faced. It was real, and an example of the type of relationship I pray many actually get instead of the shallower loves seen in most movies. This relationship was obviously to show how much love has changed, the comparison illustrating the differences between real and superficial love. Obviously this was the meant to drive Sophia and Luke's relationship and overcome their few challenges, but it was the more engaging and emotional of the tales.

Despite the great morals, sweet romance, and good looks though what else does this movie have in store. In terms of positives, the beautiful settings of North Carolina will take your breath away and offer you a taste of the country life. I also felt the camera work and sound editing did a nice job combining their talents to bring out the emotional spectrum. Many times the music was more emotional than the actual acting, the orchestra work nearly bringing a few tears to this reviewer's eyes. The acting is also decent, especially in terms of the young Ira and Rose (Jack Huston and Oona Chaplin) who really brought their characters to life. I felt great chemistry between these two, almost as if they were really in love and a married couple, something I normally don't say.

As for negatives, I've already mentioned a few. First off is that the tale is predictable and still follow closely to the Spark's formula. I know to expect it, but that doesn't mean I can't dock the score for unoriginality, which this movie is. In addition the movie was a little too long for me. Again the editing needs to work on what is necessary. I'll go ahead and say that a 2 hour Spark's romance is not necessary. There was not enough drive to carry my attention for the whole time, and half of the scenes, especially with her sorority life, could have been left to the director's cut.

The Longest Ride is definitely not the perfect film, and in the end is another Nicholas Spark's novel come to life. Yet I can say it is one of my favorite tales of this author, but only due to the first half of the film. I would have liked to have seen more integration of the two tales, but I was pleased with the balance overall. Is it worth a trip to the theater? Not really, but it is a decent romance film definitely good for a RedBox rent. The recommended audience are those that love Nicholas Sparks, want to see romance, or are just looking to stare at beautiful people.

My Scores are: Drama/Romance: 7.5-8.0 Movie Overall: 6.5-7.0

Two stories in one, which is what made this movie, had it just been one or the other I don't think I would have written this review. It certainly didn't hurt that they cast Alan Alda in it too, he is such a wonderful actor, no matter what role he plays, this included. This is a simple love story, times 2. This is not any brilliant "oh my gosh no one has ever made a movie this deep and this incredible before" type of movie. It's mushy, sweet, romantic, hopeful, sad, happy, sometimes predictable, and when it was over I said, "I really enjoyed that movie". That's what it's all about, for me, enjoying the movie. If it makes me feel good in the process, then that's even better. I would recommend this, but not to someone who is not the least bit romantic or hopeful, because you will be one of the people who writes a negative review.

If you enjoyed other Nicolas Sparks movies, you will enjoy this one. It is heartwarming and one with integrity that depicts what it is to love someone unconditionally. It is a sweet, and sensual romance of a young couple struggling to come together while each follows their dreams. Sophia, wants to follow her passion of art, and Luke, follows his passion as the world's best bull rider. Their love story is entwined with the memories of a relationship of love long ago, told and acted by Alan Alda, who plays Ira, as he reads letters he wrote to his dear wife, Ruth. The scenery of the movie is lovely, the bull riding is exciting, the script, thoughtful and touching. Have Kleenex on hand, you will cry. At the end of this movie the audience clapped because it was good all the way through.

And I don't think it's going to take any time at all for this hunk to be completely and absolutely known only for his own looks, talent, and fame rather than having the fact that he's Clint Eastwood's son being tacked on. Scott is good! Britt Robertson was nicely cast as Sophia, except I have to admit here that I kept seeing a young Renee Zellweger in the part– before the silly plastic surgery turned her into a total stranger. Or just strange. Whatever. Jack Huston was excellent as a young Ira and I think portraying the elderly Ira is one of Alan Alda's best roles. I was just expecting the usual chick flick - but not so. Rugged enough action with the bull riding to interest any guy, as well as a decent plot and all around good acting. To sum it up, this is a nicely done film and one I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.