MovieChat Forums > A Walk to Remember (2002) Discussion > I SHOULD hate this movie....but I can't ...

I SHOULD hate this movie....but I can't help but love it

posted 14 years ago by Chilosopher
27 replies | jump to latest

If I were to describe this movie in broad terms to someone else, it would sound precisely like the type of over-romanticized, bland, teeny bopper crap movie that I ordinarily despise. It has a significant Christian theme, a devout main character, a bad-boy meets good-girl romance, a tear-jerking deadly illness, an overprotective religious father figure, obnoxious stereotypical teens (including a sassy black best friend), and a few gratuitous musical interludes that shamelessly advertise its singer lead actress.

As a cynical, skeptical atheist who doesn't believe in true love and prefers sci-fi-action or comedy movies, I have pretty much every reason to hate this movie on an objective level. Yet, when I watched it a few years ago, I found myself totally drawn in and emotionally invested in the plot and especially the relationships between the characters. Since this is the internet, I can admit that I cried (and not just a single manly tear down the cheek) at several points through the movie, even on repeat viewings. For some reason this is one movie that I just love even though on paper it should be terrible.

Reading some of the other threads on this board suggests that a lot of other people (especially guys) feel similarly, so I'm wondering what you think the reason is? Personally I think the movie is just executed very well with a rare level of sincerity, respect for the source material, and competent, nuanced performances from the two leads.

Even though I pretty much despise organized religion and everything that comes with it, I didn't mind the relatively heavy Christian undertones of the film, since it really focused on the positive and beautiful aspects of faith. Moreover, the religious characters weren't just one-dimensional strawmen, but felt like real people who are often conflicted about faith and are open-minded to other perspectives (Jamie's preacher father is a great example).

I think the film also makes the right choice by keeping the romance "pure" and old-fashioned, in the sense that the movie really gives Jamie and Landon space to explore and appreciate each others' personalities. The result is a genuinely believable romance that feels naturally developed over time, and not just a bunch of isolated scenes where the characters show off their charm until the climactic sex scene leading up to a contrived reason to break up.

But enough about my reasoning, why do you guys think this is a movie that people hate to love? For full disclosure, I do suspect that my connection to this movie may have something to do with the fact that I first watched it after a painful and emotional breakup, but maybe this is something to speculate on too. Is AWTR just the type of movie you have to be in the right mood/frame of mind for?

[–] wlp325 13 years ago

This movie draws you into it more than any other I’ve ever watched. It’s so genuine, caring, sincere, REAL, that you empathize with the characters and situations. Many guys may be uncomfortable with the lost emotional control that this picture can exert on people.

The following review (written by a New Jersey man) may sum-up what many feel about this picture:

“This is the movie that changed my life. This is the movie that can change yours. I cannot use words to describe the beauty within this film, you have to see for yourself. Often regarded as a chickflick by the title, it is far more than what you think. Its effects will last beyond the closing credits.

It made me want to be a better person, to have confidence in myself, to view the world differently as before, and most importantly of all, it made me realize that it is indeed the best film I have ever seen.”

Another viewer (man, 29 and not a Christian – specifically mentioned) wrote:

“Let’s put it this way. It’s one of the movies I can only watch alone. All of it. The whole way. I don’t just cry, I completely lose it. I think it’s because the story and the presentation both have so much beauty and caring in them, and the way everyone in it grows in front of you. This movie is liable to show more about your heart than you may be comfortable with to have others see, but if you’re a better man than I am, you shouldn’t mind.”

Ed Williamson concludes his critical review with:

"The ending left me miserable but, unlike those films (Love Story, Terms of Endearment), appreciative of the many blessings I have in life. This one left me with a desire to be a better more caring person than the one I am now. It's that powerful and that's what sets it apart. On that resonance, I'm giving this one four and ½ stars (of 5). A must see."

This last entry continues these sentiments (man in late 30's):

"I stumbled upon this flower garden, thinking that it might be a teen movie. I suggest teens see it, but it's a movie that will touch adults of all ages. It will dare to improve you and may very well succeed. I walked in one person and walked out another. I see just about every movie I can and unfortunately, like very few of them. A movie has to speak to me and this one speaks to every part of your soul. No matter who you are, you've been one, or been associated with one of these character personalities. You'll feel a myriad of emotions. You'll leave thinking you can become what you never thought possible, you can mend broken relationships, you can change, you can walk away from that which you need to, you can walk the road less traveled and you can love. It's a great date or friend movie. I can't say enough except get there as soon as you can."

"At a time when cynicism masquerades as sophistication, [AWTR's] theme is worth touching upon."

[–] mjz688 13 years ago

The OP expresses my feelings about this movie almost exactly (minus the crying). I'm an atheist who normally hates movies with heavy religious overtones, and a cinematic cynic who is all but immune to sloppy sentimentalism. Sight unseen, with only a synopsis to guide me, I would have rated AWTR as the apotheosis of much of what I can't stand in a movie.

When I happened on AWTR last night just as it was starting on ABC Family, I thought "Mandy's pretty cute. I'll watch a few minutes to see how she handled herself in this." Like the OP, I was hooked after the first few scenes, and stuck with it to the very end. I came here to give it a 7/10 -- fairly high praise from me.

Why the reaction? I think the OP cites many of the relevant points. For instance, while the movie had an obvious Christian theme, as a non-Christian I didn't find it offensive because I never felt as if I was being preached to. I was simply watching how obviously sincere Christians act on their faith.

Also, I felt that the way Landon matured and changed as the movie progressed to be very compelling and believable. And Mandy Moore's naturalistic acting style perfectly conveyed Jamie's heart-breaking decision to allow herself to fall in love with Landon, while still refusing to see herself as a victim abandoned by her god.

Finally, I think the movie succeeds because of the matter of fact way it presents what could have been an unbearably sappy and melodramatic story. I don't recall a lot of over-bearing musical cues, or extended scenes of hair-tearing and clothes-rending. It's just a simple, sad story simply told.

[–] limbolight 13 years ago

Right there with you all. I'm a woman who resists the standard "chick flick" (despise most), is drawn instead to sci-fi and thrillers, and doesn't care for organized religion whatsoever. I'm also not a fan of Nicholas Sparks' fare in general -- far too sappy for me. When it comes to movies, books, music, etc. I relate more to my male friends than my female ones.

But I've seen this movie at least four times! I've never had to be in any particular mood to watch it, yet I'm always in a great mood when it's over. The opening scene was fairly shocking and grabbed me instantly (didn't hurt that The Breeders' Cannonball" played over the scene). From there it was just an easy and compelling ride, watching this kid turn around. The movie is genuinely romantic, it never feels contrived. And agreed, it doesn't preach.

The reason I initially gave it a whirl, when it first appeared on the shelves at the rental store, was that I loved Shane West when I saw him in Once and Again (tv) some years prior. He had decent acting chops so I assumed he'd save it for me if it was abysmal -- ditto Peter Coyote, whom I've always loved. But I was pleasantly surprised. Mandy Moore's not the world's most fabulous actress, but she just sparkles in it. The chemistry between the two leads is superb.

It's a solid, feel-good movie that surprises me every time. I'm in here because this morning I woke up with "Only Hope", the song she sings in the play, in my head. Mmmmmwhat?? (Highly unusual!)

[–] wlp325 13 years ago

Wow! Waking up to "Only Hope!" I've seen the movie too many times to admit, and have read the book 4 times (Nicholas Spark's only book that is not his usual formula contrived storyline), but I've never awakened to one of the 25 musical songs from AWTR. Was it Mandy Moore's version (sung during the school play) or was it Switchfoot's version (sung during Jamie's and Landon's viewing of Comet Hyakutake on her balcony, then continuing during the marriage proposal, and wedding)?

"At a time when cynicism masquerades as sophistication, [AWTR's] theme is worth touching upon."

[–] mjz688 13 years ago

Limbolight -- Thanks for reminding me of the opening. Not only did they make an inspired choice by using a Breeders song, but the whole opening scene of the teens arriving by car at the cement plant and horsing around/harassing each other is a rather technically accomplished and visually compelling tracking shot.

And yes, the chemistry between Shane Black and Mandy Moore was very palpable, so much so that one of the movie's few false notes comes when Landon disses Jamie at school after their first play-practice session at her house. I felt that the two were already so obviously attracted to each other at that point that it was not believable that he would still openly snub her in front of his friends the next day -- act low-key towards her maybe, but not totally diss her.

[–] wlp325 13 years ago

mjz688 – Landon was not yet ready to admit his interest (in front of his in-crowd peers) in a girl that he and his ilk always treated with ridicule and disdain for most of their lives. He was used to mistreating girls any way he wanted to and they would still be hanging all over him, given his status as a popular in-crowd “hot” guy. He thought he could “diss” her at that moment, then pick up with her at her house after school.

What was really interesting was Jamie’s reaction to Landon’s “in your dreams” response. She didn’t make any big deal at the time, simply walking away with an expression suggesting a “well OK” attitude. But when he returned to her house for continued help with his lines, she slammed the door in his face, basically told him to get lost, then slammed the door in his face a second time. She saw right through him (“just not so anybody knows, right?”), despite his cleverness (“Well, I just figured we could surprise everyone with how good I get.”). She never gave him a chance with her again until his very public display (the punch) defending her against the hurtful (to her) “Virgin Mary” fliers.

At this point Landon was basically discovering a new path for his own life, and realizing it was becoming much more important to him than the activities he always engaged in with his in-crowd peers. He no longer cared what others thought about his actually liking (or being in love with) Jamie, as was particularly demonstrated when he and Jamie defiantly walked hand-in-hand right into the main entrance to their high school – for all to see.

"At a time when cynicism masquerades as sophistication, [AWTR's] theme is worth touching upon."

[–] limbolight 13 years ago

Must agree on the opening being technically accomplished. In fact, at first I thought it was going to be a very different movie, and later on mused that somebody knew what they were doing with that opening scene. Definitely got my attention.

[–] limbolight 13 years ago

LOL, I know! It was Mandy Moore's version (yes, in the play). At first it was just the melody in my head until it dawned on me what I was humming! The movie was on over the weekend and I didn't even watch it, though I did let it play for a few minutes while we were fixing to leave the house. It must've been right at that scene. It is a lovely melody, so the fact that it seeped in is no surprise. :-)

[–] wlp325 13 years ago

Just curious... I have a number of friends who actually prefer Switchfoot's version (during the wedding) of the song. I don't even think it's close. Mandy's rendition is absolutely exquisite. I especially can't believe how beautifully she hits the very high notes and how angelic they sound.

"At a time when cynicism masquerades as sophistication, [AWTR's] theme is worth touching upon."

[–] wlp325 13 years ago

mjz688 - Your response to the OP is excellent, one of the best I’ve been privileged to read in some time. I also agree with your sentiments, that Landon’s transformation was wonderfully and believably portrayed. I particularly liked that, although, Jamie was a devoted Christian, she never tried to force her values upon anyone else. She simply stayed true to herself throughout, even returning to the same ponytail hairstyle and simple clothes after wearing that gorgeous ice-blue gown in the school play.

I also came away from this movie thinking about the wonderful messages it conveys. It suggests never judging people before getting to really know them. It suggests appreciating the many things one has in life. It suggests trying to be a caring more compassionate person, and it suggests being true to yourself and not succumbing to peer pressure forces, not matter how difficult—all wonderful life’s messages.

I thought the movie worked so well because of the simplicity, caring, and even sweetness that seemed to be in each scene. It came across as being very genuine, very believable. Even though the movie is technically fiction, the storyline is based on actual events. From a speech given by Nicholas Sparks, the book’s (AWTR) author:

”'A Walk to Remember' was inspired by my sister.

In many ways, Jamie Sullivan was my younger sister. Like Jamie, my sister was sweet. Like Jamie, my sister had tremendously strong faith. Like Jamie, my sister loved church. Like Jamie, my sister wasn't popular at school. Like Jamie, my sister was always cheerful. Like Jamie, all my sister wanted in life was to get married.

And like Jamie, my sister got cancer.

Like Jamie, my sister met someone. And like Landon, there was a long period of time when this fellow couldn't imagine himself marrying a girl like her. And yet, in the end, he couldn't help himself. Even when he knew she was sick, even when he knew that she might not make it, this man asked my sister to marry him.

It was just about the sweetest thing that's ever been done for anyone, and I suppose I wrote this novel not only so that you could get to know my sister, but so that you would know what a wonderful thing it was that her husband once did for her.

Sadly, my sister died in June (2000)."

The book came out in 1999, before the author's sister passed away. At the end of the book, it was not specifically stated that Jamie died (even though she was afflicted with an incurable form of leukemia and had steadily worsened over the last 40 pages). The book ends with Landon stating, "I now believe, by the way, that miracles can happen." By the movie release date (2002), his sister had passed away, and so of course did Jamie (in the last few minutes of the movie).

"At a time when cynicism masquerades as sophistication, [AWTR's] theme is worth touching upon."

[–] lil_tee316 13 years ago

I cannot tell you how thankful I am to have found your post. I first watched this movie in 2002 when it was first released, I was hooked. Being so young and "boy crazy" at the time, I suppose I chalked up my obsession with it as teenage whims and lust, and not much more than that. I recently watched it again and being much older now and with much more life experience, heartache, self discovery and whatnot, I was still struck with the same sense of wonder and obsession with the love portrayed as the first time I watched it. I watched it again. And I still find myself thinking of the characters and the unfolding of events. I thought I was crazy! Here I am a mom now, pushing 30 and I cannot quit thinking about the beauty and simple sweetness. It has brought me so much comfort knowing I am not the only one so touched by this movie, still even 10 years after its making. I guess its true, movies do live on through time. Thank you so much for your honesty about your views and boldness to post!!! It just came at such a perfect time for me!! How wonderful to know you are not alone.....

[–] slarts2000 13 years ago

I was very much touched by what you wrote, lil_tee316. I, too, watched "A Walk to Remember" for the first time in several years. It was like experiencing it anew, all over again. And how it moved me, even more than when I first saw it! Like you, seeing it as a different person years later. The film living on, suspended in time...

[–] monstermayhem32 12 years ago

I saw the movie once before and I was rather surprised how much I liked it. Mandy Moore sure proved that she can act in a romantic/dramatic role.

[–] jessica002 12 years ago

That's funny because the movies that you usually like (sci-fi/action) is what I would describe as crap movies. But movies like A Walk To Remember are the best.

[–] TimesplitterNL 12 years ago

I am just like the guy from the first post. I first saw the movie in 2003 when I was 19 years old. Now I am 28 years old, but I still love this movie to this very day. And I have seen it many, many times. On paper it sounds not so special, but the movie is beautifully executed. I really care about the characters and the chemistry between Mandy and Shane is amazing.

[–] Archeoterrex 12 years ago

To each their own.

I'm an atheist, and I prefer sci-fi/action too, but even I like this.

[–] kenneth_1857 12 years ago

And that is relevant right now why? I think you misunderstood the OP.

[–] Relativecomplacency 11 years ago

This movie was on tv this afternoon, and I found I had to watch it (for the 4th time or so). I do think its a little corny, however there is something about the pureness of the story and the romance that pulls you in and leaves you feeling a bit hopeful. I also think a lot of people get a kick out of the reformed bad-boy transformation, such as what the Landon character demonstrates here.

[–] fidgette 11 years ago

I wouldn't say I'm an atheist, because I don't particularly want to say that there is NOTHING else but science out there but I am definitely not religious. I too secretly like this film but most of the religious over-tones and the relationship lines from Landon really make my skin crawl.

However, I still secretly love this movie because it's so cheesy and fills in all those stereotypical sad romances to a T that the girly girl deep inside me makes me love it.

[–] fantasyescapist 11 years ago

You've stated it far more articulately than I could!
It just draws me in with it's earnest, chaste and quaint-like atmosphere and while it is formulaic, it still works thanks largely to how genuine the romance comes across (mostly in script and performance), as the two positively influence each others lives, which is important in a romance where the audience is expected to root for their relationship.

George Lucas talking about: 'Hey, give it to me, I'll fix it. I'll make 20 more of them'

[–] J_Jammer 10 years ago

It's odd, but it almost seems like this film is liked by more guys than girls.

When it came out I saw it twice. I saw it once and then really liked it that when I saw another film that sucked, I left it and went and watched A Walk to Remember Again.

It's so cinematically flawed in every respect, but what it has going for it is the sincerity of the actors and the story. It's amazing what that covers. Any other film that would do this I'd blast it for being so awful, but the heart is just overwhelming in this film.

I'm not one to like chickflicks and I'm not into anything overly macho, but this film is one of the only films I really like that's considered a romantic film. I think it has a lot to do with how much sex didn't play a role in it that made it likeable to me.

I read the book, they're totally different. Both good in their own way.

I played that soundtrack to death, as well.