** of ****
Rated: PG
Length: 100 minutes
Writers:
Nicholas Sparks (novel)
Karen Janszen (screenplay)
Director: Adam Shankman
Cast:
Mandy Moore: Jamie Sullivan
Shane West: Landon Carter
Peter Coyote: Reverend Sullivan
Al Thompson: Eric
Daryl Hannah: Cynthia Carter
Lauren German: Belinda
Clayne Crawford: School Dean

Synopsis:
In a coastal North Carolinian small town in the mid 1990's, a boy from the popular but troubled undirected group of students gets busted, and for punishment, you guessed it, has to do community service activities which include the high school's spring play. This throws him in with the minister's daughter, you guessed it, the mousy seemingly awkward yet beautiful girl with an angelic heart, and she sings too. They grow hesitantly closer than their previous adversarial relationship as old bonds are tested and new awarenesses are inspired. A couple twists occur as the story concludes.

Review:
Caution: The bright flashes of light during the opening credits will trigger thousands of headaches for moviegoers who will not be pleased at all! There are clearly shades of "She's All That" & "Sweet November," but it is a different teen movie than I was expecting. This romantic movie may be slathered in sap, but this partial fantasy does have some substance which is why it's longer than a typical teen revenue flick. One conspicuous difference from most teen movies is that the comedic element here is more laid back and takes a back seat to the important parts of the story.

The problems with the movie may be in part because it is aimed at kids and younger teens, so the finish quality in the production is hurting. This is Adam Shankman's second effort as a director as he has only really done choreography previously! His first attempt was the mess known as "The Wedding Planner." The screenwriter has had little experience also. Mandy Moore's lack of acting experience show's through at some places, but she does show some clear acting potential in this effort. Shane West was good in his role which was critical to saving the essence of the story. Lauren German did well in her pensively sweet & loathsome role, and I would not object to seeing more of her in the future. The adult actors do pretty well, but that partially serves to point out the other weaknesses. The location is used very effectively to draw the audience into the character's surroundings. The two blatant lip synchs should have been done differently, more live, but as this is in part a giant music promotion, I guess they are working the soundtrack sales promotions. Product placement takes on different forms for different products.

The limited talent used here does show and will bother many people, but it is a kid safe film with something to be taught.