Directed by: Ross Katz
Written by: Bryan Sipe, Nicholas Sparks
Cast: Benjamin Walker, Teresa Palmer, Alexandra Daddario
Gabby (Palmer) is a medical student. She comes from a wealthy family and has a long-term boyfriend, Ryan (Tom Welling) who is a doctor at the local hospital. Gabby has just moved next door to Travis (Walker), who has an on-off relationship with Monica (Daddario), although deep down he’s really a ladies’ man. Travis is a vet and works with his father Shep (Tom Wilkinson) at his veterinary hospital in their small coastal town. When he is not wooing other ladies, Travis spends time with his sister Steph (Maggie Grace) and his friends.
One night while studying, Gabby notices her dog Molly seems different. She realizes (because she is studying to be a doctor) that Molly is a pregnant dog! So she accuses Travis’s dog Moby of impregnating Molly. Unfortunately, Moby was neutered so he is not the father. We never learn who the father dog of Molly’s puppies is, but that doesn’t really matter. Anyways, this is Gabby and Travis’s first introduction, and it does not go well.
However, while Ryan is out of town on business, Molly goes into dog labor. She delivers her puppies but something is not right. Panicked, Gabby goes to Travis’s house next door in the middle of the night to get assistance from the local vet. Travis takes care of Molly and Gabby reveals that Ryan won’t be around for a while. Next thing you know, Gabby is spending time with Travis, Steph, and their friends, going boating and barbecuing and having a grand old time. Then, Gabby cooks dinner for Travis. They continue to get closer and closer until their passion ignites and they just can’t take it anymore.
Of course, Ryan eventually comes back to town and Gabby finds herself…with a choice to make. Tell Ryan about her affair with Travis or keep quiet?
As with pretty much every film adaptation of a Nicholas Sparks movie, tragedy befalls our main characters. I must say, I can’t remember the last time I saw a male character cry as much as Travis did.
Although this movie was called “The Choice” (singular) there were many choices that took place throughout the film. Just like in real life, one choice can make a huge difference in where your life goes. While watching, I kept thinking that Gabby was a terrible person. She had a boyfriend but she was practically throwing herself at Travis! I guess she decided to just follow her heart and let whatever happens, happen. She made a choice.
While not a great movie, The Choice wasn’t terrible either. If you can get past the fact that Gabby was outright cheating on her boyfriend, you can enjoy sweeping views of the North Carolina coastline. This is your typical Nicholas Sparks movie so if you like those, you’ll also like The Choice.
Cuteness warning: this movie contains puppies!! Adorable puppies!
