A Walk To Remember
Rated PG for thematic elements, language and some sensual material.
reviewed by Christopher Lyon
Rated PG for thematic elements, language and some sensual material.
reviewed by Christopher Lyon
We started getting questions about this movie before it even hit the theaters. Adapted from Nicholas Sparks’ best-selling teen love story, it’s been praised by some Christians because it features a Christian girl living what she believes in spite of the peer pressure around her. And while it’s not going to appeal to all tastes, I’m sure lovers of three-hanky romance will cherish it.
Landon Carter (Shane West) is a popular high-school senior in the small, seaside town of Beaufort, North Carolina. Although one of the cool kids, he’s not sure where his life is going. When his party-hardy group pulls a prank that goes wrong and leaves the victim injured, Landon gets caught. As punishment, the principal forces Landon to tutor junior high kids at a poor school on Saturdays and to participate in the spring play.
These activities cause him to spend time with one of the least popular girls in school. Jamie Sullivan (singer Mandy Moore) is the plain-looking and plain-dressing daughter of a Bible-preaching pastor. She’s quiet, conservative, and doesn’t seem to mind at all that people make fun of her. Known as a Christian, she tutors kids because she wants to, gets along with her dad, and even carries a Bible.
When the two are cast together in the school play, Landon begins to see Jamie in a different light. He keeps finding reasons to spend time with her, though he doesn’t want his friends to know. She also warms up to him, seeing good behind his moody attitude, raunchy friends, and bad language.
Of course, the two must overcome obstacles to be together. And, of course, there’s a “surprise” in the final act that’s not at all surprising and that changes both their lives forever.
The book is set in the 1950s, but the filmmakers decided to move things into the present. Some of that transition feels awkward. For one thing, the teens are given lots of bad language (mostly the “s” word) and crude gestures to get across the idea that they’re “today’s teenagers.” It’s kind of forced. There’s also lots of contemporary music—much from Christian band Switchfoot —and some, of course, from Mandy Moore herself. In other areas, though, the story just has a 1950’s feel to it. I think it might have worked better if it had stayed in the 50s.
The acting and writing, especially in the beginning, are choppy and a little stilted. As portrayed by Moore, Jamie seems more than just conservative. She’s a rock--almost completely emotionless. And Shane West never comes across as really “bad.” But “A Walk to Remember” starts to work better when the two get together and have some real emotions to deal with. Their relationship even becomes touching and believable. Peter Coyote does a nice job as Jamie’s strict-but-loving preacher/dad.
A central issue of Jamie’s and Landon’s relationship is faith. She clearly believes in a personal creator God. Landon clearly does not, but he learns to admire Jamie’s beliefs. We never see him cross over to belief in God (especially through Jesus), but he does change. He finds direction for his life and the ability to stand up to his friends and give himself to another person. He also learns the value of practicing biblical love.
While the relationship works for Jamie, I hope girls who like the film aren’t swayed that it’s a good idea to go out with a non-Christian guy in hopes of changing him. It’s true; some guys have come to Christ through Christian girlfriends. But many other Christians are living in painful marriages with spouses who don’t share their most important relationship. Paul warned Christians not to join in binding relationships with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14).
Still, if you’re the kind of person who enjoys a box of tissues with your love story, this one is for you. If not, check local listings for other movies in your area.
Let us know what you thought of this review!
