Looking for the choice movie review that cuts through the noise? I’ve done the work for you. This Nicholas Sparks romance divided critics, and I’ve gathered their honest takes so you can decide if it’s worth watching.
Here’s what I’ll share: the plot summary, cast details, what major critics thought, and my final recommendation. You can trust this roundup because I’ve read multiple professional reviews to give you the real story.
My goal is simple: help you make an informed choice before you press play. No fluff, just honest critical perspectives that matter.
What to Expect from The Choice
Before we get into what critics said, let me give you a quick overview of this film. It’s based on Nicholas Sparks’ novel and follows a familiar romantic formula that fans of the author know well.
The movie runs about 111 minutes and came out in February. It targets audiences who enjoy heartfelt romance stories with dramatic turns.
If you’ve seen other Sparks adaptations like The Notebook or A Walk to Remember, you’ll recognize the tone and style.
This film focuses on love, commitment, and life-altering decisions. The coastal setting adds to the romantic mood throughout.
Critics approached it knowing what Sparks stories typically deliver, which shaped their expectations going in.
Overview of The Choice
Critics examined the film’s basic setup and cast before judging its execution and emotional resonance.
Plot Summary
The story centers on Travis and Gabby, two neighbors in a small coastal town. Travis is a laid-back charmer who lives next door to Gabby, a medical student focused on her career. She’s already in a relationship with her longtime boyfriend.
Their paths cross, and attraction builds despite the complications. The first half shows their growing connection and the tension it creates. As the story progresses, a major event forces them to face what the title suggests, a life-changing choice.
I won’t spoil the ending, but critics noted it takes a dramatic turn in the final act.
Cast and Crew
Benjamin Walker plays Travis, bringing his charisma to the male lead role.
Teresa Palmer portrays Gabby, the woman who changes his perspective on commitment.
Their chemistry became a talking point in many reviews.The supporting cast includes Tom Wilkinson and Tom Welling, who add depth to the smaller roles. Ross Katz directed the film, working from Nicholas Sparks’ source material. Sparks served as both novelist and producer on the project.
Critics’ Reviews and Opinions
Professional reviewers had strong opinions about this adaptation, praising some elements while criticizing others.
Roger Ebert / Susan Wloszczyna Review Highlights
Susan Wloszczyna reviewed the film for RogerEbert.com after the critic’s passing. She pointed out the familiar Sparks tropes that fill the screenplay.
Rain-soaked moments and dramatic complications appear throughout.
She felt the lead actors tried their best with the material given. However, the chemistry between them didn’t quite spark on screen. The plot follows a predictable path that fans might expect.
Her main issue was with how the story wraps up. The ending felt manipulative rather than earned, she argued. It relies on melodrama instead of genuine emotional connection.
The Guardian Review Highlights
The Guardian’s reviewer found merit in the first two-thirds of the film. The early romance scenes work well enough to keep viewers interested.
The coastal setting provides nice visuals that support the romantic mood.
But the review took a sharp turn when discussing the characters. They felt too perfect, too polished to feel real. Real people have flaws and complications that these characters lack.
The ending received harsh criticism for feeling phony and manufactured. What started as a watchable romance collapsed under the weight of an implausible finale.
The reviewer suggested the film didn’t trust its audience to handle subtlety.
Twin Cities Live Review Highlights
This review gave the film a 2 out of 5 rating, landing in lukewarm territory. The chemistry between Walker and Palmer failed to convince the reviewer.
Without that spark, the romance feels flat.
The pacing dragged in several scenes, making the runtime feel longer than necessary. Anyone familiar with Sparks adaptations will recognize the formula at play. Boy meets girl, complications arise, drama follows.
The main takeaway: it’s a by-the-numbers romance that doesn’t bring anything fresh to the table. Fans might still enjoy it, but casual viewers will likely feel bored.
Common Critic Observations
Reviewers noticed similar patterns and problems across their viewing experiences of the film.
Predictable Tropes
If you’ve seen one Sparks adaptation, you’ve seen several familiar beats. Rain shows up during romantic moments to add atmosphere.
A love triangle creates tension and conflict. Dramatic twists arrive right on schedule.
Critics noted these elements feel more like checkboxes than organic story choices. The film follows the template closely, leaving little room for surprises.
Even viewers new to Sparks movies might predict where scenes are heading.
Performances
Benjamin Walker brings energy to Travis, though some felt he was working against shallow writing. Teresa Palmer handles Gabby with competence, but the script doesn’t give her much depth to work with.
The supporting cast impressed several reviewers despite limited screen time. Tom Wilkinson in particular adds gravitas to his scenes.
However, critics felt these talented actors were underused.
The main complaint focused on the leads’ connection. Chemistry can’t be forced, and several reviewers sensed the actors struggling to make it believable.
Their interactions feel more staged than spontaneous.
Storytelling & Emotional Impact
The first hour received more positive mentions than the ending. Early scenes establish the romance with lighter touches and genuine moments.
Viewers might find themselves invested in the couple’s story.
Then the third act arrives and shifts everything. Critics widely panned this section for its over-the-top drama. Instead of earning emotional responses, it tries to force them through manipulation.
Sparks fans might still connect with the material since they know what to expect. Casual viewers looking for a good romance might leave disappointed. The film works better for devoted followers of the author’s style.
Overall Reception
The film received mostly negative responses from critics, though it found some audience members who enjoyed it.
Critical Consensus
Most professional reviews landed between mixed and negative. The pattern was clear: critics found the film formulaic and uninspired. It hits familiar beats without adding fresh perspective.
Three main criticisms appeared repeatedly. First, the plot follows a predictable pattern that offers no surprises. Second, the chemistry between leads feels forced rather than natural. Third, the ending goes overboard with melodrama.
Some reviewers gave it credit for trying to tell a sincere love story. But even those positive notes came with heavy qualifications about execution problems.
Who Might Enjoy It
If you’re a Nicholas Sparks fan, you probably know whether this fits your taste. His adaptations follow certain patterns, and this one delivers exactly that.
Devoted readers of his books might appreciate seeing another story brought to screen.
People seeking escapist romance might find something here too. It’s not challenging or complex, which could be a plus for viewers wanting light entertainment. The coastal setting provides pleasant scenery throughout.
Just don’t expect critics’ approval to come with your viewing experience.
Final Rating
Based on critic reviews, The Choice earned mostly low scores across the board. The film sits at around 2 out of 5 stars from multiple reviewers. It struggled with formulaic storytelling and weak lead chemistry, which dragged down its overall appeal.
While not a complete disaster, critics found little to recommend beyond its pleasant coastal scenery. Sparks fans might be more forgiving, but general audiences looking for quality romance will find better options elsewhere.
The consensus: it’s a skip unless you’re already devoted to Nicholas Sparks adaptations.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the choice movie review from critics who weren’t impressed. Most found it predictable and melodramatic. But I’ve enjoyed films critics hated before, so reviews aren’t everything.
If you’re curious or love Sparks stories, give it a try anyway. Sometimes we need a simple romance for a quiet night.
Have you watched it? Drop a comment below and share your honest thoughts. I’d love to hear if you agreed with the critics or not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Choice based on a true story?
No, it’s fiction based on Nicholas Sparks’ novel. The author creates romantic stories but they’re not drawn from real events. The characters and situations are imagined.
Where was The Choice filmed?
The movie was filmed in North Carolina, capturing coastal settings and small-town atmosphere. The locations add visual appeal to the romantic story. Many Sparks adaptations use similar settings.
How does The Choice compare to other Nicholas Sparks movies?
Critics found it more formulaic than some earlier adaptations. It follows familiar patterns without bringing much freshness. Fans might enjoy it, but it doesn’t stand out in his filmography.
What’s the main criticism critics had?
The ending received the harshest criticism for being manipulative and over-dramatic. Reviewers also noted weak chemistry between leads. The predictable plot was another common complaint.
Should I watch The Choice if I’m not a romance fan?
Probably not. This film targets romance audiences and Nicholas Sparks fans specifically. If you typically avoid romantic dramas, critics suggest this won’t change your mind about the genre.
