CINEMA VIEWPOINT

Synopsis

“The Choice” follows the story of Travis Shaw, played by Benjamin Walker, a charming bachelor living on the North Carolina coast, who enjoys his carefree lifestyle until Gabby Holland, portrayed by Teresa Palmer, moves in next door. Despite their initial clashes, romance blossoms between them, complicating Travis’s relationship with his longtime girlfriend, Monica, played by Alexandra Daddario. As Travis and Gabby navigate the complexities of love, they face unexpected challenges that test the strength of their bond. Their journey takes them on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, leading to a pivotal moment where Travis must make a life-altering choice that will shape their future. 

The Choice

If I had to describe this film in one word, it would be Charming. Everything about “The Choice” exudes charm, from the endearing chemistry between the two leads, Travis and Gabby, to the delightful supporting characters, including the lovable dogs, Max and Moby. The beautiful coastal scenery serves as a stunning backdrop, adding to the film’s enchanting allure. The dialogue is smart and witty, keeping viewers engaged and entertained throughout the story.

For the most part, the film is well-written, capturing the essence of Nicholas Sparks’ romantic storytelling. However, it falters in the middle, losing some of its momentum and emotional resonance. Yet, despite this setback, “The Choice” manages to regain its footing and finishes strong, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

Overall, “The Choice” charms viewers with its captivating romance, charming characters, and picturesque setting. While it may have its flaws, its heartwarming story and endearing moments make it a worthwhile watch for fans of romantic dramas. The great chemistry between Benjamin Walker and Teresa Palmer adds depth and authenticity to their characters’ relationship, further enhancing the film’s charm and appeal.

Charming and Charismatic 

Benjamin Walker delivers a standout performance in the film. Infusing his character, Travis Shaw, with charm and charisma. With each little nuance, whether it’s a subtle smirk or a loving glance. Walker adds depth and authenticity to Travis’s character, making him irresistible to watch on screen. His portrayal of Travis is effortlessly charming, drawing viewers in with his wit and charisma. 

Walker’s on-screen presence is so captivating that you can’t help but forgive him for stealing Superman’s (Tom Welling) girlfriend, as his performance shines through with undeniable charisma and charm. Overall, Benjamin Walker’s performance in “The Choice” elevates the film, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

Vivacity and Authenticity 

Teresa Palmer delivers a stellar performance as Gabby in the movie. Infusing the character with vivacity and authenticity. Her portrayal brings Gabby to life with a vibrant energy that captivates viewers from the moment she appears on screen. Palmer effortlessly matches Benjamin Walker’s charisma. Creating a dynamic chemistry between their characters that is palpable throughout the film. 

As Gabby, Palmer exudes warmth and charm, making it entirely believable how quickly someone would fall for her. Her portrayal is both relatable and endearing, allowing audiences to empathise with Gabby’s journey of love and self-discovery. Overall, Teresa Palmer’s performance adds depth and dimension to “The Choice,” contributing to its overall charm and appeal. 

Beautiful and Heartwarming Chemistry

The chemistry between Teresa Palmer and Benjamin Walker is nothing short of brilliant. Their on-screen connection is palpable, radiating warmth and authenticity throughout the film. In the later half of the movie, their scenes together are particularly beautiful and heartwarming. As they navigate the complexities of their relationship with grace and sincerity. Palmer and Walker’s characters are adorable and quirky with each other, making their romance feel genuine and believable.

Their interactions are filled with moments of humour and playfulness, showcasing their natural rapport and chemistry. They effortlessly bring out the best in each other, eliciting genuine laughs and smiles from both their characters and the audience. One standout moment is the first time they kiss. Where the chemistry between Palmer and Walker is so intense that it feels almost as if the audience is intruding on a private moment between the two. Their on-screen chemistry elevates the film, drawing viewers into their love story and making it impossible not to root for their relationship. No matter how problematic the beginning of their relationship may have been.

Overall, Teresa Palmer and Benjamin Walker’s performances and their undeniable chemistry make “The Choice” a captivating and heartwarming romantic drama. Their ability to bring their characters to life and convey the depth of their connection is truly remarkable.

Smart And Witty Dialogue 

Where some films fail to portray believable conversations between characters. The dialogue in this film however, is smart and witty. Adding depth and charm to the film’s narrative. Each exchange between characters is crafted with cleverness and subtlety, reflecting the nuances of human interaction. 

The witty banter between the leads, Travis and Gabby, keeps the audience engaged and entertained throughout the movie. The dialogue is not only humorous but also reveals insights into the characters’ personalities and relationships. It enhances the chemistry between the characters, making their interactions feel authentic and relatable. 

Stars and The Moon

Once again, for a Nicholas Sparks adaptation, the location is stunning. Serving as a picturesque backdrop for the unfolding romance. The film expertly utilises the scenic coastal setting to enhance the love story, creating moments of beauty and intimacy. One example is when Travis takes Gabby to his secret spot, showcasing the breathtaking natural landscapes as a metaphor for their growing connection. The serene beauty of the surroundings amplifies the emotional depth of the scene, adding an extra layer of poignancy to their relationship.

 Through the use of stunning scenery, “The Choice” transports viewers into a world of romance and enchantment, further immersing them in the story. Overall, the film’s location plays a pivotal role in advancing the love story, making it a visually captivating and emotionally resonant experience.

This Film Bothers Me

This film bothers me because I was thoroughly enjoying this romance story up until the middle part. The writing becomes bothersome, at least to me. For example, there’s a scene where Gabby expresses her belief in God, but shortly afterward, she engages in an affair with Travis, betraying her boyfriend, Ryan (Tom Welling). This abrupt shift in character behaviour feels inconsistent and detracts from the film’s credibility. Additionally, Travis confesses his love to Gabby and suggests she leave Ryan, only to be rejected. Yet, Gabby later chooses to tell Ryan about Travis and their feelings, ultimately getting engaged to Ryan despite her obvious feelings for Travis.

While I understand the film’s need for drama. I believe there could have been a more nuanced and believable way to develop this part of the storyline. The writing feels contrived and forced, sacrificing character integrity for the sake of plot twists. However, despite these flaws, the writing does eventually resolve itself. Allowing the story to progress toward a resolution that ties up loose ends and provides closure for the characters and viewers alike.

Overall, while “The Choice” suffers from messy writing in the middle portion of the film, it manages to recover and deliver a satisfying conclusion. Despite its shortcomings, the film still offers moments of heartfelt emotion and genuine connection, reminding viewers of the power of love and the importance of making difficult choices.

Should You Watch The Choice

If you enjoy a good romance film, then “The Choice” is definitely worth adding to your watch list. Despite its flaws, the film offers a compelling love story filled with heartfelt moments and genuine chemistry between the leads. The captivating performances of Teresa Palmer and Benjamin Walker breathe life into their characters, making their romance both believable and engaging. The stunning coastal scenery serves as a beautiful backdrop for the unfolding drama, adding to the film’s charm and visual appeal. While the writing may falter at times, the overall story is still filled with moments of passion, humour, and emotion. 

Ultimately, If you are faced with the difficult choice of what we should watch tonight? Then I would say consider streaming”The Choice”. As it delivers on its promise of romance and is sure to leave you swooning by the end.