The Notebook Review

'The Notebook" cuts between the same couple at two seasons in their lives. We see them as young lovers, and then we see them as old people, she fading into the shadows of Alzheimer's, he steadfast in his love. Every day, he reads to her from a notebook that tells the story of how they met, fell in love, and overcame obstacles to their happiness. Sometimes, he says, if only for a few minutes, the clouds part and she is able to remember who he is and who the story is about.

Allie Nelson and Noah Calhoun, also known as Duke, are the lovers. Gena Rowlands and James Garner play the roles of the elderly. Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling in the role of young people. The performances are appropriate for the material, honoring the passion at the start and the sentiment at the end while not pushing too hard.

She's a rich kid, summering at the family's mansion in North Carolina. He's a local who works at the sawmill but is intelligent and poetic. Her parents are elitists.

The film is based on Nicholas Sparks' novel, which inspired "A Walk to Remember" (2002), which was so sweet and positive that it won me over. Here's a story that will make you cry.

Ryan Gosling has already been outlined as one of the best actors of his generation, albeit in more demanding jobs. Rachel McAdams, who played the bitchy high school queen in "Mean Girls" just a few months ago, shows such beauty and clarity here that we realize once again how actors are blessed by good material. As for Gena Rowlands and James Garner: They are completely at ease in their roles, never striving for effect, never wanting us to be sure we get the message.

From sea birds at sunset to a dilapidated mansion by candlelight to the texture of Southern summer streets, Robert Fraisse's photography is striking in its rich, saturated effects.