Movie: The Longest Ride
Pg-13, 2 hours 8
minutes
Grade: B+
In a Nutshell: What
I thought would just be a sappy, predictable Chick Flick turned out to be a
romance with great depth and heart. We
recently saw the beautiful Britt (Brittany) Robertson in Tomorrowland
, looking
like a spunky teen with gorgeous hair. A
minute later, she’s all grown up and falling in love. Her boo is the handsome Scott Eastwood whose
life revolves around the “toughest sport on dirt”, bull-riding. He’s the old-fashioned gentleman and hero
that every girl wants.
The film is based on the bestselling novel of the same name
by Nicholas Sparks. Also featured in two love stories for the
price of one are: Alan Alda, Oona Chaplin, and Jack Huston. I love it when stories intersect and it works
well in this movie.
Uplifting Theme:
·
Ruth asks “What right do I have to be happy when
there is so much suffering in the world?”
Young Ira wisely states “What right do you have to not be happy?” Despite life’s trials and challenges, we need
to find our own happiness.
·
“Even an accident will have purpose and
direction.” – Black Mountain College art teacher
·
Luke explains to Sophia that “All bull riders
get hurt. It’s not a matter of if, but
when.” I think that’s true for humans in
general. We’ll all get hurt emotionally
in our lives. The idea is to get through
it gracefully and with love.
·
“Love requires sacrifice. Always.” – Ira
·
“We focused on all the things we had, rather
than the things we didn’t.” - Ira
Things I liked:
·
I live in Las Vegas where “Cowboy Christmas”
takes over the town every December. It
was fun to see the bull-riding trials before that big championship.
·
I love the cute look of a skirt with cowboy boots. Another good look is a shy cowboy holding a bouquet of
flowers.
·
The film is full of great country music from the
Pistol Annies, Black Pistol Fire, The Wild Feathers, Ryan Adams and more. The Longest Ride (Original Soundtrack Album) will surely be popular.
·
Beautiful North Carolina scenery near where my
mother grew up.
·
The first kiss can really say a lot. Ira explains “Our first kiss – it was the
promise of everything to come.” Couples
often spend their lives trying to recapture that original magic. An older Ira sadly noted “It’s a scary thing
how the people closest to you can become strangers.”
·
SPOILER ALERT: I love inspiring World War II
movies. I was surprised to see a cowboy
chick flick include a war twist.
·
Sophia explains that her favorite comfort food
is a Polish dumpling called “Koldenny”. Want to see what it looks like?
·
I thought Ruth was so sweet to her students. A good elementary school teacher can truly change
the direction of a child’s life.
·
The film touches on childless couples and the
painful process of adoption.
·
SPOILERT ALERT: The target audience will love
the sweet, fairy tale ending.
Things I didn’t like:
·
The ingredients are pretty predictable. Somebody’s gotta get wet and have to get
undressed at some point, right?
·
Both couples include a spunky girl and a quiet,
country boy. Maybe more variety would
have added increased depth to the characters.
Funny lines:
·
“I want a cowboy!” – One of Sophia’s sorority
sisters
·
“She has the coldest hands I’ve ever felt. I think she soaks them in ice water before
she comes by.” – Ira Levinson (the
wonderful Alan Alda)
·
“How are you feeling?” - Sophia to Ira
“The better question is how do I look?” –
Ira
“Very handsome.” – Sophia
“That’s all I care about.” - Ira
Sappy lines that
girls fall for every time:
·
“Our chance at being together was greater than
being apart.” – Ira
·
“Today started out like any other day, but when
you walked through the door of my father’s store, looking so beautiful and
vibrant, I knew my life would never be the same.” – Young Ira (Jack Huston)
·
“I just don’t know how to make this work.” –
Luke
“I don’t either, but I know that I want to.”
– Sophia
·
“I love you so much, even if that means it doesn’t
include me.” – Ira
·
“it’s only 8 seconds. That girl could be the rest of your life.” –
Kate (Lolita Davidovich)
·
“Ruth had an eye for talent. I only had eyes for Ruth.” - Ira
Tips for Parents:
·
There are moments when you see some naked parts
during pre-marital sex, including Scott Eastwood’s bum. Both couples end up in bed.
·
Mild profanity.Good for Britt Robertson for having two movies out this summer!
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