Opposites Attract in Another Nicolas Sparks Love Story ‘The Choice’

Alysia Gonzales

Conveniently in time for Valentine’s Day comes yet another sappy Nicolas Sparks love story “The Choice,” the latest film to be adapted from a novel by Sparks. The story spans a decade in the lives of North Carolina neighbors Travis Parker (Benjamin Walker) and Gabby Holland (Teresa Palmer). When they first meet, Travis is an easygoing veterinarian who enjoys an on-and-off again relationship with Monica (Alexandra Daddario) while Gabby is in the trenches of medical school as she prepares to settle down with her long-term boyfriend Ryan (Tom Welling). The two opposites are thrust into each other’s lives after Travis’ dog “knocks up” Gabby’s dog, resulting in a litter of puppies.

What starts out as innocent flirting soon turns into something more, and Travis confesses his love. Scared not only of Travis but also of her own feelings, Gabby tries to run away. Eventually, she comes around, but their happiness is marred when a car accident nearly takes her life. It’s now up to Travis to make the toughest choice life could give him. 

The cast also includes Maggie Grace as Travis’ outspoken sister, Stephanie, who sees the spark between her brother and Gabby from day one. Tom Wilkinson plays Travis’ father Shep, also a vet, who teaches his son a lesson about choices when he decides to give a little girl a new lizard identical to her old one instead of telling her that her pet died.

“The Choice” is the 11th film based on a Sparks novel. Walker recently explained what sets this new film apart from the others.

“Our movie is different in the sense that it has a third act. A lot of romantic movies are about the couple not being in love, and then they are in love. This movie has that third very important chapter that now that we’re in love and life happens, how do you stay in love?”

“The Choice” seems like Sparks is desperately fighting to create a contender and reinvent the glory days of “The Notebook,” but instead the film falls flat.

“The Choice” opens nationwide Feb. 5.