First Trailer for Nicholas Sparks Romance 'The Longest Ride'

Get ready, gents, because another Nicholas Sparks movie is on the way to drive your girl to tears and...well, probably you too but for a whole different reason. There's a certain audience for these movies and it's pretty much those who keep thinking the next one will be as good as The Notebook. That hasn't happened yet, but maybe The Longest Ride will do the trick?

This tale of star-crossed lovers from opposite sides of the track stars Britt Robertson, Scott Eastwood, Jack Huston, and Oona Chaplin, with George Tillman Jr. directing. Unlike the basic Sparks narrative this one follows two different couples: one in the past and one in the present. Eastwood plays a champion bull rider looking to make a comeback who falls for a college student set to embark on her dream job in New York City. Country boy, city girl, how can these two possibly survive? By running into Ira, who inspires them with memories of the decades-long romance he shared with his wife.

The Longest Ride opens April 10th 2015.

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Review: 'The Best of Me', Starring Michelle Monaghan and James Marsden

Without fail, it's guaranteed that we get a new Nicholas Sparks film every year. It's like he cranks these suckers out in his sleep. The last few of the films based on his books have been abysmal to say the least. (Safe Haven and The Lucky Ones come immediately to mind). They're usually the same kinds of characters. Throw in a small river town, some sexual tension, angst, and voila, a bona fide Sparks work has emerged. The Best of Me is not the best of his book-to-film adaptations, but it is most certainly better than its several predecessors, if only because it's at least better acted. 

In present day, Dawson Cole (James Marsden) is an oil rig worker when an accident lands him back on solid ground. "A miracle" is what the doctor calls his life, seeing as how he survived an explosion and a 100-foot fall into the ocean. Dawson, who's not a man willing to

believe in destiny, begins to believe that he survived for a reason. He's drawn back to his hometown after the loss of Tuck (Gerald McRaney), a father-figure and guardian to Dawson from his past. He has to face his regrets, his past guilt over a past accident, and his violent father (Sean Bridgers). 

Amanda (Michelle Monaghan) has been married for 18 years, her son's about to begin college, and her marriage is far from being anywhere near the definition of happy (whatever that definition might be). She's given up a lot of dreams, but is also drawn back to her hometown after the death of Tuck. This is where she ends up facing her old high school boyfriend (surprise, surprise) after 21 years apart. Their unexpected reunion brings sadness, hope, and a reevaluation of their lives and are reminded of what they'd lost and of how they bring out the best in each other. 

If you go into this movie with even a hint of high expectations, you will be utterly and completely disappointed. But if you're very aware of the kind of film this is in advance and you've set very low expectations, then you might find it decently enjoyable. It won't blow you away. There are some plot points that are either irrelevant or contrived, but given the fact that the trailers made it out to seem like it was The Notebook part 2, you might be a little relieved that it isn't. 

While Sparks always follows formula when it comes to his writing, The Best of Me is at least semi-entertaining, especially if you're a sucker for the romance genre. There isn't anything breathtaking about it (except for maybe the garden scenes with that gorgeous tree in the background) and a lot of it feels like we're following the same beaten path, but James Marsden and Michelle Monaghan seem to make the best of their cheesy lines and talk about destiny. Their chemistry is palpable and while the film is melodramatic, at least it knows it is and generally tends to stay within its own boundaries. 

If you sit there and think about this movie's plot for too long (regardless of how simple it is), you will start to find holes in it, so don't bother trying. Any attempt will give you a headache and make you question Sparks's fictional world of too-in-love people and the medical system. One of the film's major flaws, however, comes in the fact that the actors who play the younger versions of Dawson and Amanda (Luke Bracey and Liana Liberaton,

respectively) don't look a thing like their older counterparts. Sometimes, it almost feels like the film is telling two completely different character stories. At first, the transition is a little jarring and the rest of the scenes which come after take a little getting used, but the younger actors do a good enough job.

All in all, and in comparison to Nicholas Sparks's other film adaptations, The Best of Me isn't all bad. If you're really into these kinds of films, you'll want to check it out because you'll probably find it entertaining, cheese and all. It does have themes of regret and talk of life's lost ambitions, which is nice. There's also a lot of talk about destiny, which gets annoying, but the romance is definitely there and it's still sweet and doesn't feel contrived in comparison to its predecessors. You'll see the ending coming a mile away, but as far as romances go, this one isn't terrible (if we are to only rate it based on the world of Sparks, whose films seem to have their own genre). This movie will only make you roll your eyes a couple of times for its cheesy moments, but at least you won't give yourself a headache doing it the entire film. 

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Ross Katz makes 'The Choice' to Direct Eleventh Nicholas Sparks Adaptation

There have been eight adaptations of Nicholas Sparks' cookie-cutter romances since 1999, but over the last few years they've been coming out on an annual basis. Guys have barely had room to breathe before they're dragged into the next movie about star-crossed lovers from opposing sides of the tracks or whatever, and sadly two more are on the way in next month's The Best of Me and 2015's The Longest Ride. And because these movies continue to set hearts and box offices afire, the eleventh Sparks adaptation has just gained a director.

Ross Katz, a producer on Lost in Translation and In the Bedroom, will direct The Choice, based on Sparks' 2007 novel that reads like all the others. Taking place in North Carolina, the story follows Travis Parker and Gabby Holland, neighbors and young lovers who embark on "a journey that neither could have foreseen." Seriously. Here's betting the audience will foresee it just fine.

Katz made an impressive directorial debut on HBO's military drama, Taking Chance, and is headed to TIFF for his follow-up, Adult Beginners. Filming on The Choice begins next month, which means there could be two Sparks movies arriving in 2015.

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First Love Endures in Trailer for Nicholas Sparks' 'The Best of Me'

Say what you want about Nicholas Sparks movies following the same worn-out formula, it's one that is pretty consistent at the box office. So what if the casts and directors are as interchangeable as the stories themselves, the fact is people enjoy unabashedly romantic stories about love defying seemingly insurmountable odds. Since these adaptations come out like clockwork every year, the latest entry The Best of Me is right around the corner and here's a new trailer for it.

Starring Michelle Monaghan and James Marsden (Oh...poor James), the story is pretty familiar, meaning it's kind of ridiculous. It begins with an oil rig explosion only Michael Bay could love, sending Dawson (Marsden) flying into the ocean where he flashes back to his high school sweetheart, Amanda (Monaghan). Their love endured despite societal forces trying to drive them apart, until he goes to jail for a crime of passion. Reunited twenty years later at the funeral for an old mentor, the passion is rekindled even as Dawson continues to struggle with his past.  Luke Bracey and Liana Liberato play the younger-aged lovers, while Gerald McRaney and Schuyler Fisk co-star in smaller roles.

Directed by Michael Hoffman, The Best of Me opens October 17th.


The Best of Me-Official Trailer #2 (HD) Nicholas Sparks by Trailersstv

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Trailer for Nicholas Sparks' 'The Best of Me' Starring James Marsden and Michelle Monaghan

If the overly sentimental, wildly formulaic stylings of Nicholas Sparks are your thing, then it's fortunate you never have to wait long before another adaptation of his unusually popular books hits theaters. Like clockwork they arrive in theaters each year, ruining your boyfriend's day with the promise of sitting through another improbable story of love surviving every manner of conveniently-placed obstacle. Well, it's that time of year again, fellas, so might as well gird your loins and get ready.

The first trailer for The Best of Me looks like every other Sparks film, except this one stars James Marsden (replacing the late Paul Walker) and Michelle Monaghan, both deserving of so much more. It follows two old lovers who were split up as teens because some old guy said so, only to be reunited twenty years later when they start making up for lost time. There will be lots of hugging, making out, and jumping in large bodies of water. This  looks thin even by Sparks standards, and I can't imagine having to endure it.

Directed by Michael Hoffman with Luke Bracey and Liana Liberato co-starring, The Best of Me opens October 17th.

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Nicholas Sparks Producing Film on Chicago Bears Greats Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo

As a devoted Chicago Bears fan, the story of the relationship between Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo is sacred. Sayers, a future Hall of Fame running back, became friends with fellow backfield mate Piccolo when when both were part of the main roster in 1966 (Piccolo was on the practice squad in '65). When Piccolo came down with terminal cancer a few years later, Sayers was by his side the entire time helping him through the illness. Their friendship was chronicled in the classic 1971 film Brian's Song, one of those movies guys aren't afraid to admit crying at. Now that story is coming to the big screen again, courtesy of Nicholas Sparks, the guy behind sappy romance novels The Notebook, Safe Haven, Dear John, and every other film adaptation guys loathe. Could there be a worse combination? What would Ditka think? Chill out, fellow Bears fans, we can hold off the revolt......for now.

Sparks and Theresa Park have picked up Sayers' life rights, which include his memoirs I Am Third and Sayers: My Life And Times. They will produce the feature film but, at least at this stage, Sparks is not expected to write the script and there is no director attached. The story is not intended to be a remake of Brian's Song, either, but an original screenplay based on Sayer's writings.

The Sayers-Piccolo friendship was special not just because of the way they supported one another, and let's not forget Piccolo helped Sayers through a terrible knee injury in '68, it came at a time when racial segregation was still prominent in the NFL. There was something symbolic having Sayers and Piccolo lined up together in the backfield as more than just teammates, but as genuine friends.

Obviously this is one film I'm going to be watching like a hawk, and ideas are already floating in my head about who can take the two lead roles. Chadwick Boseman for Gale Sayers, maybe? [Deadline]

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Wes Bentley Goes 'Interstellar'; James McAvoy Builds 'Frankenstein'; Michael Hoffman Directs 'The Best of Me'

* You have to give it up to Christopher Nolan. He's always been able to secure top notch stars for his films, and Interstellar is certainly no different. As of now he's secured the talents of Matthew McConaughey, Jessica Chastain, Michael Caine, Anne Hathaway, Casey Affleck, Ellen Burstyn and John Lithgow for the ambitious sci-fi film. Not a slouch in the bunch, really. But when it comes to the supporting cast, Nolan is still shooting for the stars with Mackenzie Foy, Bill Irwin and Topher Grace on board. And now the latest to head into space with them is Wes Bentley, continuing his comeback that began with his awesomely-mustached performance in The Hunger Games. Of course, we have no info on his role, because the only information out there about the film is that it centers on a team of explorers traveling through wormholes on some sort of heroic mission. Interstellar takes off on November 7th 2014.

* As James McAvoy continues to duel Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier in X-men: Days of Future Past, he's not letting that distract him from adding one more unexpected film to his crowded slate. This year we've seen him branch out in truly inspiring ways, starring in Trance, the crime flick Welcome to the Punch, and later on we'll see him in The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby and Irvine Welsh's Filth. And now he's won the role of Victor Frankenstein in Frankenstein, beating out the previously rumored contenders Toby Kebbell and Jack Huston. He'll join Daniel Radcliffe, co-starring as Igor, in an update on the Mary Shelley classic penned by Max Landis and directed by Paul McGuigan.

* Ready for another Nicholas Sparks adaptation? Well, tough if you aren't because they keep making money so...enjoy! Michael Hoffman (The Last Station) will direct and rewrite the script for The Best of Me, another deep south romance following two lovers from opposite sides of the tracks. No seriously, the plot synopsis literally says they're "from opposite sides of the tracks". >sigh<  Twentyfive years after the couple splits up after high school, they are reunited in their North Carolina hometown for their mentor's funeral, discovering that he left behind instructions that reveal deeply held secrets and help rekindle their passion.

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Call your girlfriend, Nicholas Sparks' 'The Longest Ride' coming Valentine's Day 2015

You are beaten, it is useless to resist. Admit it, guys, your gal has dragged you to every one of the umpteen Nicholas Sparks adaptations that come out each year. It's not stopping any time soon, as they don't cost much for studios to produce, and always draw a decent profit regardless of who stars in them. Safe Haven managed to perform well even facing off against A Good Day to Die Hard and teen romance Beautiful Creatures.

So it's no surprise that a bidding war broke out for Sparks' next book, The Longest Ride, with Fox 2000 walking away the victor. Sparks will earn a hefty $5M on the deal, with the plan to have the film fast-tracked for release on Valentine's Day 2015. Might as well start booking your reservations now, dudes. It's going to be one of those nights. The date isn't really a surprise, since studios have been wise enough to position many Sparks films around the holiday. Makes sense.

The Longest Ride follows two intertwining love stories. One has a 90-year old man stuck and snowbound in his vehicle on the side of an isolated road after a terrible accident. Drifting in and out of consciousness, he has visions of the woman he loved, who died earlier. Together they reminisce about their life together, including the difficulties upon his return from WWII and a war wound that prevented them from having children. The other story is between a young art history major and handsome bull rider from different backgrounds who fall in love. He's got life threatening injuries but a ranch to save, and both have their own aspirations. A strange occurrence allows both generations of lovers to save each other.

Sounds hokey and convoluted, like every other Nicholas Sparks story.  The Longest Ride doesn't hit bookshelves until September 24th. [Deadline]

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Sure Shots: Daniel Radcliffe; Michael Hoffman; Ben Kingsley

* Now that Shawn Levy is out of the way and replaced by Paul McGuigan(Push) as director, Fox is moving forward on their revisionist take on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, and they may have just landed their first big name to headline it. Daniel Radcliffe is reportedly interested in taking on the lead role of the Hunchback in the film, which features a much-hyped script by Max Landis(Chronicle) that features sci-fi elements. The Hunchback is described as "pathologically dirty and dressed in old clowns clothing", which is definitely a departure from the norm. I can't see Radcliffe in the role, but I'm basing that on a traditional interpretation of the character. Another pass at the script will be made before final talks on casting commence. [TheWrap]

* Oh, and you thought Nicholas Sparks movies were over!? No no no, kemosabe, more easily digestible tragi-romance crap is headed your way. Enjoy. Michael Hoffman(The Last Station) will direct The Best of Me, which you'll be shocked....SHOCKED to learn is about two lovers from opposite sides of the tracks who are derailed by unforeseen events, only to be reunited years later by a tragedy. >sigh<  Hoffman is so much better than this. Sparks pitched the story to Warner Bros. before he even wrote the book(ugggghhhhh), proving that he's pooping out this stuff so he can get movie deals out of them. Will Fetters, who wrote the most recent Sparks drivel The Lucky One, is being eyed to rewrite the script. [Deadline]

* The always versatile Ben Kingsley is eying a role in Mary Mother of Christ, and as you might expect it's a film about Jesus' mommy. Yep, another Biblical epic for you to chew on, folks. Already starring Peter O'Toole, Julia Ormond, and Odeya Rush(The Odd Life of Timothy Green) as Mary, the story follows her defiance of the king in order to save her son. Kingsley is interested in playing King Herod, who didn't take too kindly to Jesus being known as the "king of the Jews". Judi Dench and Hugh Bonneville are being targeted for roles as well. Alister Grierson(Sanctum) is directing. [TheWrap]

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