Nicholas Sparks’ novels have been being made into movies for a very long time now. Six of his novels are currently movies and another one is in production now (The Lucky One) for all you Nicholas Sparks fans.Here is his website for more information. The story that I have chosen to discuss of him is the first movie of his I ever saw. Though I’ve seen most of them and enjoyed them all, the first one I saw has always meant something to me even before I knew it was based on a book by Nicholas Sparks. The movie would be, A Walk to Remember. I had never read a Nicholas Sparks novel before this just seen the movies so when I was trying to decide which one I’d like to read it felt like that natural choice being my favorite. My opinion, I like the movie way better than the book. There are several things in the movie that make the relationship between Jamie (Mandy Moore) and Landon (Shane West) reach much greater depths of love than the novel seemed to allow them too.
How Landon and Jamie end up spending time together: Landon Carter is thrust into Jamie’s world because he gets into trouble, his punishment is to participate in the school play, tutor on the weekends, and help clean the school. All of these things Jamie either participate in or he runs into her at. In the book Landon doesn’t get in trouble, he actually gets elected class president and continues to participate in things like the play because Jamie asks him to and he wants to be nice.
The first date: In the book his first date with Jamie is to a school dance that he only asked her to as a last resort. He couldn’t find anyone else to go with him. In the book he is basically a rider of the cool kid group. Although later in the book he does ask her dad to let him take her to dinner. In the movie there is no doubt he is one of the most popular kids in school and wouldn’t have any problem getting a date. His first date with her in the movie is romantic and he actually likes her when he asks her but must ask her father permission because she is not allowed to date.
Jamie’s List: One of the most important plots in the movie is Jamie’s list of things she wants to do in her life. A large part of their relationship is Landon helping to fulfill them. In the book there is no list, she just mentions once wanting to get married and have a large crowd there.
The story progression: In the book the story seems to drag on and on, it isn’t till the very end that the big realization (that I won’t reveal as not to spoil for people who haven’t read or seen it) happens and then it is very rushed. In the movie it is more spaced out and a lot of the story is still going on even after this realization.
The feeling behind the story: In my opinion the movie does a much better job of capturing all the feeling that this story possesses. Their love seems much stronger and well built in the movie. Their relationship is more unexpected which makes it more passionate. The book while yes they are in love doesn’t seem to have as much depth as the movie captures.
I probably wouldn’t recommend the book just because it really disappointed me. I have talked to people who said they liked it better, but more people have said that the movie and book just don’t compare. I want to read other of Sparks’ novels because I’ve heard he is really good, this book just did not live up to my expectations.
Here is the trailer for the film:
Enjoy!
(I take no credit for the photos or video in this post)
I watched the Note Book when it came out, and I liked the Ryan Gosling male character. I'd have to say Sparks is like the Chuck Palinuck of emotinal lit. Good topic.
ReplyDeleteA Walk to Remember is probably my favorite Nicholas Sparks movie too. I haven't read the book so I can't make a comparison. Quick question though: has anyone else noticed that Nicholas Sparks kills a big character in each one of his books? He has some issues.
ReplyDeleteI have read most of his books and seen all of his movies. A Walk to Remember is one of my favorites. I haft to agree that the book is not as good as the movie. The relationship did not seem as important in the book as it was in the movie. Plus I think that Shane West and Mandy Moore just had really good chemistry and worked really well together. The Notebook is an amazing book AND movie. Both are awesome. Also (even though Miley Cyrus stars) I really like the book (which I read before the movie came out) and the movie again here. Message in a Bottle is a great book, not a good movie. Nights in Rodanthe is also one of my favorite books. The movie was ok, but I really like the book. I like how Sparks has such a wide range of stories. His characters range from teenagers to people in their eighties. He does such a great job as well.
ReplyDeleteAlso this movie has the BEST soundtrack!
ReplyDeleteAs far as Nicholas Sparks movies go, I've only seen this one and The Notebook. But I have been told by so many people that all of his stories are pretty much the same, so I'm a little iffy on seeing the rest of them. But I refuse to watch The Last Song just because I don't want to watch a movie with Miley Cyrus in it. I don't have the willpower.
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