clarinets

I am lucky that I preview most films that have teens in it, as I did this one. There was a lot of very sensual kissing scenes, and one fairly disturbing scene of attempted rape. I'm not quite ready to introduce my little girl to such things.

That having been said, it was nice to see Julie Andrews in a movie, as well as the ever distinguished-looking Hector Elizondo. Anne Hathaway stars as a young girl who discovers that she is the only living descendant of the current Queen of Genovia (Julie Andrews), and must make a decision. Shall she carry on with her normal life? Or will she accept her duty to her country?

I give this movie a 5/10

At first I was slightly hesitant to see this film because I had seen "Message in a Bottle" (also based on a Nicholas Sparks novel), and I thoroughly disliked it.

However, I was in the mood for something romantic and decided to see it. I was instantly absorbed in the story.

The story begins with an elderly woman being visited by a man who starts reading to her. The story is about two lovers, Noah and Allie, who meet during the summer and fall in love. When they are separated, Noah writes to Allie every day, but the letters are intercepted by Allie's mother, who disapproves of Noah because of social status. Noah gives up after a year and tries to move on with his life. Later on, however, circumstances cause them to meet again and re-kindle their romance.

This movie is a very good story about the staying power of true love, despite the obstacles which may try to tear it apart. Noah and Allie work very hard to make their relationship work, and make choices to be true to their love, despite what others speculate about it.

The ending is truly beautiful, if a bit unreal, but the whole romance is very watchable. There was not a dry eye in the theatre when the movie was over.