In terms of movie adaptations, the output of bestselling author Nicholas Sparks stands as a perfect example of Hollywood’s adherence to the phrase, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” The “it” in question is Sparks’ very clear formula. With films such as The Notebook, The Last Song and Dear John in his back catalogue, we would surely be forgiven for thinking his storytelling, by this point, is simply a case of joining up the dots, and his latest romance – The Longest Ride – certainly looks as though it will prove that to be true.
Starring Britt Robertson (Cake) and Scott Eastwood (Fury), the Nicholas Sparks book is this time adapted by Craig Bolotin (Black Rain) and is directed by George Tillman Jr. (Faster). In it, another conventionally attractive young couple must overcome some obstacles to make their earth-shattering, life-changing, true love relationship work. You know, just like in The Notebook, and in The Last Song, and in Dear John. This time, however, the romance is transplanted to the world of bull-riding, and the familiar ‘love through the decades’ aspect is brought in by the legendary Alan Alda.
“Based on the bestselling novel by master storyteller Nicholas Sparks, The Longest Ride centers on the star-crossed love affair between Luke, a former champion bull rider looking to make a comeback, and Sophia, a college student who is about to embark upon her dream job in New York City’s art world. As conflicting paths and ideals test their relationship, Sophia and Luke make an unexpected connection with Ira, whose memories of his own decades-long romance with his beloved wife deeply inspire the young couple. Spanning generations and two intertwining love stories, The Longest Ride explores the challenges and infinite rewards of enduring love.”
Needless to say, this is a ‘suspension of reality’ kind of a story – which is what the name Nicholas Sparks is now synonymous with. For example, I cannot think of any circumstance in which a real young couple might seek to model their romantic life upon that of an elderly man on a porch – even if that man is Alan Alda. However, this adaptation – the 10th of a Nicholas Sparks novel – will almost certainly find an audience among starry-eyed teens who wish to seek a somewhat gentler tale for date night than Fifty Shades Of Grey.
This new trailer is crammed with snippets of the two movie-star leads locking lips in a variety of situations, at a variety of intensity levels. The romantic drama greatest hits list is here in its entirety – there’s the hesitant first fumble in the stable, the passionate push up against a wall, the slow shirt removal and the ‘sit the girl on a table’ move. Interspersed, though they may be, with something akin to a plot, it is very clear exactly what it is about this film that is supposed to sell tickets – attractive people getting it on, and being a bit conflicted about it. With this latest trailer now online to whet appetites, audiences can flock to see The Longest Ride from April 10th, 2015.
