THE CHOICE (Ross Katz). 111 minutes. Opens Friday (February 5). See listings. Rating: NN
This adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’s novel goes for well over an hour before something important happens, and then it lurches to its ludicrous conclusion.
Good old boy and veterinarian Travis (Benjamin Walker) has no problem attracting women, but his new neighbour, physician Gabby (Teresa Palmer), is an exception. For way too long she does the “you’re disgusting” thing until he saves her dog (sheesh) and she softens. Soon they’re raising a family and living happily ever after… until something really bad happens.
The two leads are pleasing enough, always watchable Tom Wilkinson cashes a cheque as Travis’s dad, and the North Carolina coast looks terrific.
But you know a film is in trouble when the supposedly inspirational ending elicits nothing but titters.
