Movie Review: The Vow

 
The Vow, touted as being the Valentine’s Day movie, left me with a sad sorrow in my heart. I was really excited to see this one. I’m a big fan of Nicholas Sparks movies (and books!), and although this isn’t one of his, it was given the same sort of soft feel that I expect from him. Because of my Sparks love, I was ecstatic when I was invited to see this movie before it was released. I know, real critics get that all the time, but for the small-timers like me, it was a great privilege.

In the movie, you are introduced to young lovers, Paige and Leo. They talk about their lives together, and maybe even having children soon, when they get into a terrible car wreck. Paige gets amnesia, and doesn’t remember Leo at all. But she does remember her ex, and he is a real slimeball. But of course in this type of movie, the ex can’t be a good guy. Leo then sets out to win her back, and keep all the vows they made when they got married.

I really wanted to like this one. I really, honestly did. But I just could not. Channing Tatum, one of the most desired actors (according to my friends), lumbers through the role, looking like he is the one with brain damage and not her. Now I know that Rachel McAdams is a good actress, but here she falls short of the mark, coming off bland and aloof. The majority of the movie is the chosen couple staring deeply at each other. Tatum does occasionally get teary, breaking into some emotion behind his staid character. They are very nice couple to look at, but similarly to Dear John, the movie was just pretty photographs of the couple together, and not much more.

All in all, the movie is pretty G-rated and candy coated. There were parts that jerked at my emotion, and parts that certainly didn't. There isn’t much substance, but it gives you that happy ending we all want on the most romantic day of the year. To give it a rating, I would say 5/10, mostly just for it's watch-on-valentines-day-and-never-touch-again value, coupled with the attractiveness of the cast. I have a feeling that this movie is going to be shown in a super packed theatre this V-day, and I can honestly say that boyfriend and I will not be in the audience.