[yasr_overall_rating]
The lives of a young couple intertwine with a much older man as he reflects back on a lost love while he’s trapped in an automobile crash.
Based on the novel of the same name by Nicholas Sparks, this drama centers on the star-crossed love affair between Luke (Scott Eastwood), a former champion bull rider looking to make a comeback, and Sophia (Britt Robertson), a college student who is about to embark upon her dream job in New York City’s art world. Sophia and Luke are given the gift of insight after meeting Ira (Jack Huston). Director George Tillman Jr. took this timeless love story and skillfully guided its transition to the silver screen with thoughtfulness, grace and a true understanding of how to make the audience remember what falling in love feels like. Sophia and Luke are much like any other young couple getting to know each other and feeling a spark and connection. They are from two polar opposite worlds and very quickly feel the strain of this. In steps, fate in the form of Ira, is played as his older self by Alan Alda and the telling of Ira and his beloved Ruth’s (Oona Chaplin) life of love, compromise and sacrifice.
I have always been an enormous fan of Alan Alda. For as long as I can remember, his talents have made me laugh, cry and deeply feel. With his portrayal of older Ira, Mr. Alda completely swept my heart away. The subtle gestures and facial expressions that he delivers when his late wife Ruth is talked about can leave no doubt whatsoever as to how deeply he loved her. When Sophia is with Ira, I found myself hanging on his every word, desperately wanting to reach through the screen and shake Sophia to make her listen more closely.
I would have liked to have seen more of the relationship between Luke and his mother, and a relationship between Sophia and her parents. We never see or hear from Sophia’s parents, or what influence they may be having on her decisions. We are told that Sophia is a first generation American, and that her parents immigrated from Poland. From my own personal life, I know that family connections are very strong amidst newly immigrated families, and especially when there is an only daughter involved.
Is “The Longest Ride” a little too clichéd? Maybe. However, not so much that it deters from the wonderful story and brilliantly filmed movie. The cinematography and editing completely filled my senses and moved the story along at a perfect pace. There are minor inconsistencies in location portrayal. When Luke is supposed to be in Las Vegas, the arena looks nothing like the one I’ve seen at the National Bull Riders event there. When we are on Luke’s mother’s farm, it’s hard to see how it’s a working farm but these are minor issues and do not in any way distract or detour from the story. On a fun note about accuracy, the “killer” bull Rango that haunts Luke’s life and career is played by the real life Rango the bull! The stats that are quoted in the movie about him are the bull’s real stats! Do not doubt for a minute that this creature is anything but possessed!
With every scene between Sophia and Luke, I remembered a little more what it was like to be 20 something with the world in front of me and my heart on fire for the man I have now been married to for almost 22 years. When a story, and acting can make me forget all the arguments, disagreements and difficulties of raising 4 children, meeting the mortgage and paying the bills, it deserves attention and applause. Is “The Longest Ride” a tear-jerker? I don’t think so. Sentimental, thought provoking and very emotional? Yes. Take a tissue or two just in case, and absolutely be prepared to feel deeply.
In theaters April 10th
