Love Everlasting

I watched this moving three days ago, thinking that I might hate it, to be honest. All I knew about Lucky was that he was VERY famous and was a model. The trailer seemed okay, but even then, I judged it- like one review- as a few super models thrown together, but I was floored with how much I loved the characters and storyline! The acting was phenomenal, Christie wasn't just crying to cry (some actresses can fart tears, but her's were really from a deep place), Landon did such an awesome job as a teacher and wasn't anything like he is in person and of course his timing is spot on- never fake..., LUCKY- wow, I really saw humility in this guy and forgot that he was a catwalk model/famous/well known Mormon, and totally bought that he was a humble kid with a good heart that has a SOUL.

First off, the storyline draws a lot upon Pride and Prejudice, besides the use of quotes from the book. I REALLY loved hearing the quotes from the book. This wasn't some light teen drama, the storyline really had some deep connotations and was very well written. They addressed insecurity, depression, bullying- very deep issues that are too often overly dramatized or ignored- but it was portrayed very well. Teens and adults, could all learn something from this film.

Another aspect of the acting, character development (something that Rob is actually VERY good at developing in a movie, better than any director I know- character development- acting from a sincere place...) were all portraying such humility. There was a stark contrast between hatefully bullies of the world and people who are giving, kind and forgiving. In a world of increased makeup obsession, girls wearing loads of makeup and obsessing over material things, a movie about being happy despite poverty, portraying beauty without a pound of makeup, you see one cell phone- but no ipads, computers- teens living and enjoying life without all that is pretty awesome; this is something the movie industry has been missing- and another thing that I loved about this movie. The Father of Christie's character and Lucky's screen mom both played their characters in such an endearing manner- such humility is all that I can think of to describe it, and I wasn't sure how I'd like the screen mom- having seen CSI-Miami- I never saw that heart in her character before, but her acting was really well done. (backstory, I lived in Utah and knew many people involved- so I developed judgements the past year or so- from photos I've seen and whatnot- but seriously underestimated how well the acting was and how well the film was done).

Only the beginning was a tad rushed, I would like to have know more of the backstory, more dialogue, before they bolt and in the car. However, Lucky's acting right off was honest and he really committed to his role, I thought he truly was going to pass out...

The storyline was great.Background music was great. Though it was a drama, I didn't feel dragged down, it had a great message that I think everyone could take from, but if you don't like humble people, references to the best book ever written, great acting... then you're not smart enough to appreciate this movie ;)

Love Everlasting is a sweet little film definitely for teenagers. I really really enjoyed it though. (and Im 50yrs old). As an older adult, i felt the concept was brilliant. The acting was spot on. I have been a fan of Emily Proctor since CSI days. The story, though good, needed some development. Clover's scar needed a little more in depth story. Helen, Will, Bo and Roman character development needs more background. And the ending was so predictable...emotional...but predictable. It happened way too fast and left me feeling a little cheated. It was a really sweet movie and the theme stood out perfectly. As an old lady i did enjoy it.

Some of the scenes and acting were very amateurish (like the opening one), and others were very well done. Some had me rolling my eyes, and others had me wiping away tears. Overall, I found it engaging and enjoyed the relationships portrayed. If you can overlook the negatives, I think most would find it a satisfying experience.

I liked this movie a lot, but I never really understood what happened to clover. There's no context really in how she go her scar. Same with Bridger, there wasn't much background on him either, and the ending was very fast but overall it was a heartwarming adorable love story.

A struggling mother and son from the Midwest (Emily Procter & Lucky Blue Smith) make their way to a small town in Utah where they find a place to stay. She finds work and he goes to school, hoping to graduate. Their dream is to reach the ocean and there are great difficulties, but love paves the way. Shawn Stevens plays a friendly mechanic and Christie Burke his shy daughter. Landon Henneman is on hand as a kick-axx teacher while Austin R. Grant appears as the bully.

"Love Everlasting" (2016) is an Indie drama/romance focusing on the high school years (written & directed by Rob Diamond). Some critics deride it as Nicholas Sparks-type movie filled with clichés, but it works well for what it is and the micro-budget is hardly noticeable (except for a couple brief bits that could've been written/acted better, but that takes time and time is money).

For the film to work it needs the right actors in the six key roles and it delivers. All of them are thoroughly convincing with Lucky Blue Smith shining in the starring role at only 17 years-old during shooting. He has the charisma of Brando, but the looks of a tall, skinny David Bowie. Meanwhile modest Christie Burke is precious as the scarred girl and Emily Procter is a highlight in all-around beauty at 47 during filming.

Critics complain about the supposed predictableness, but there are several unpredictable things that occur. For instance, I thought for sure the oak tree sequence was going to be ruined by a dramatic cliché, but it dares to stick to its guns.

The reason I'm giving "Love Everlasting" a fairly high rating is because it has heart (as opposed to crudity or eye-rolling "woke"-ness), including several gems that reflect real life and how to make it, whatever your purpose. The high school years are particularly well illustrated. We've all experienced the bullies, the peer-pressure, the shallow cruelties, the genuinely helpful teacher, the personal outside sanctuary, the "fort," the 'in' kids, the outcasts, the nerds and the abusive father figures. Most of all, the movie emphasizes that any great challenge can be overcome if you have the warmth of love and respect, which provide inner-value and hope to persevere.

While it lacks the budget of other formidable high school flicks like "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (1982), "Footloose" (1984), "Clueless" (1995) and "The Rage: Carrie 2" (1999), it's on their level in spirit. Yes, I realize some of those movies throw in comedy, quirkiness and horror, but they're all basically high school stories that effectively capture those challenging years in all their glory and shame. "Love Everlasting" is closer to the inspirational "Cutback" (2010), albeit with a bigger budget, not to mention it's not "faith-based" like "Cutback," but it is inspirational in its own understated way. Read Proverbs 15:17 to get my drift.

The film runs 1 hour, 33 minutes, and was primarily shot in Utah, with a portion done on the coast of Southern Cal.

GRADE: A-/B+