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A Walk To Remember

Landon Carter is a typical devil-may-care teenager in a small town and is going nowhere fast. His friends are the kind that make you prove your loyalty, and judge everyone who’s the slightest bit different. Landon is lucky, though, as his loyalty is never in question-–he’s an alpha male. But not every high-schooler is so lucky. In order to join Landon’s ‘crew’ a schoolmate jumps off a water tower into a pool of undetermined depth. He belly-flopped and was seriously injured. When fleeing the scene, Landon slammed his car into debris and got caught. As he was also drinking on school grounds earlier that evening, the sheriff lets the principal come up with a suitable punishment. It’s harsh-–tutoring students at a sister school Saturday mornings, helping the janitorial staff after school, and mandatory participation in the spring musical.

Jamie Sullivan doesn’t see any of Landon’s jobs as a punishment. She regularly volunteers her tutoring services on Saturdays, hangs out after school for the Stars & Planets meeting, and wins a lead role in the spring musical (for which she wrote the songs). She is the Reverend’s daughter, unapologetic in her faith, and owns exactly one sweater. Landon is thrown in her path constantly due to his punishment and he does not take to this situation lightly-–until he learns he can benefit from it. Landon asks for Jamie’s help with the musical and she agrees, with one condition. Landon has to promise not to fall in love with her. He scoffs and accepts.

Throughout the course of rehearsal Landon gets to know Jamie. She inadvertently teaches him that his life has value and to believe in himself. That’s when, despite his promise, he falls for her. But, Jamie’s hiding a tragic secret that could jeopardize their budding relationship. Without having read the novel, I can say that this movie’s an inspiring look at love, faith and first impressions. Though Mandy Moore is inexperienced, she pulls off the role with a quiet dignity and grace. Shane West is her perfect counterpart. The minor roles are weak, but it doesn’t distract from the whole.

Written by: Tracy Elledge

Reviewers Rating: 8.5
Reader's Rating: 6.00
Reader's Votes: 1

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