Longest Ride

Longest Ride

Rated PG-13 and Released in Grand Rapids 4/10/15

Reviewed 4/10/15 at Celebration North Theatre

with Cindy

3 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

Longest Ride can be described as the typical Nicholas Sparks chick flick but don't let THAT scare you off. Standard in a Sparks film is the male lead being the romantic hero. Ruggedly handsome, strong, smart, and able to fix anything, are just a few of the metaphoric adjectives to describe his characters and this is no different. Though Scott Eastwood (Luke Collins) has a tough mold to follow being the son of Clint Eastwood. Scott has the same quiet mannerisms as his father, but his acting may need to come around a bit. But hey, acting is way overrated!

Bull rider Luke and college student Sophia (Britt Robertson) meet up in North Carolina near both of their home bases. Sophia's dream is pursuing art in the New York City scene far from the rodeo life that Luke leads. The pair are on their way home from one of their first dates when they come upon an auto accident involving an elderly man, Ira Levinson (Alan Alda). None can imagine how this will change all of their lives forever! Sophia becomes involved with Jack's healing in and out of the hospital. The story shifts back and forth between the present relationship trials of Luke and Sophia and the ordeals and hardships of young Ira and the love of his life Ruth. The relationship dilemmas including the typical "to go" or "to stay" are peppered throughout this film, while having all the right heartstring pullers that brought out the tissues. Go see Longest Ride, as what can be better than a Nicholas Sparks movie?

QUIET Rating system: 3 Js

Quality: JJ

Understood story:  JJJj

Interest: JJJj

Entertainment:  JJJj

Time:  JJj