The Vow (2012)

Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!

Simply A Masterpiece

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

This is a must-see and one of the best documentaries - and films - of this year.

"I vow to help you love life, to always hold you with tenderness, and to have the patience that love demands,"— these are the vows promptly forgotten by a new bride following a tragic car accident. The Vow is everything you would expect from a typical Hollywood romance: eye- candy actors, devastating amnesia, and the art of rediscovering love. Like all sappy love stories, the couple finds themselves in love at first-sight. As expected, it is not long before they have an adorable, spur-of-the-moment wedding in an art gallery. When a devastating car accident leaves star actress, Rachel McAdams, with no memory of her husband, the story begins to unfold in an overtly obvious way. By this time, we all know the rest of the film is going to feature the sculpted Channing Tatum winning his oblivious wife's love all-over again. This film— although falling nowhere short of typical—will undoubtedly tug at a few of your heart strings. With confidence, I can advise all my fellow ladies to grab some tissues to accompany the many tear jerking moments scattered throughout the plot. The story of The Vow seems exceptionally more poignant when it is presented as the sincere, true-story it is based off. In the light of modern cinema having a trend towards violence and negativity, I appreciate the value of a heart-warming sappy love story on occasion; it is the perfect film to be accompanied by a rainy day, a cozy blanket, and a steamy cup of coffee.

This movie was so confusing. The beginning is wonderful and beautiful. It makes you laugh. Then the world comes crashing down and it's heart-wrenching. I loved it and hated it all at the same time. I kept wishing she would be more understanding and willing to try. Leo (Channing Tatum) was working so hard and being so patient, but she would get flustered and stamp her foot and run away. It was frustrating to watch Paige (Rachel McAdams) turn him away and try to go back to her old life, something comfortable. She didn't seem to listen to the doctor and try to regain her memory. She was afraid of her life and the unknown. I was glad that it ended with them starting again, but after all that she put him through, I was angry with it. The ending wasn't enough. It left me wanting more. I wanted a scene or to at the end to jump ahead in time and show them together. Granted, it shows a picture of the real couple with two kids, but it wasn't enough. I rate it a 7/10 because it was a good enough movie with excellent actors to bring out all these emotions in me. I was able to feel the happiness and anger and sadness that you should be able to feel while watching any movie. It was excellent and terrible all in one. Excellent because the story was wonderfully handled. Terrible because the story was frustrating.

The Vow (2012): Dir: Michael Sucsy / Cast: Channing Tatum, Rachel McAdams, Scott Speedman, Sam Neill, Jessica Lange: Romantic tear jerker that highlights the very commitment promised in marriage, and the fight to obtain it. Effective concept stars Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams as a young couple who are involved in an accident that leaves her in a coma. When she awakens she cannot remember the last five years of her life, including her marriage to Tatum. This becomes a struggle as he attempts to help her remember who she was, all the while spiralling into a predictable formula that often becomes corny. It really tests our intelligence during scenes where she differs from elements in her life that she previously enjoyed, such as the whole tickling bit. Then the film finds forgiveness in an ending that actually works better than not. The film is well directed by Michael Sucsy with terrific locations, but the strength of the film depends largely on its leads. Tatum delivers a strong performance as the owner of a recording studio who must figure out how to make his wife fall in love with him again. McAdams is equally strong as a woman trying to figure herself out. She remembers being a law student yet Tatum attempts to cue her into her transformation towards art. Weak supporting roles featuring Scott Speedman as that ex-boyfriend she was engaged to, and her conniving parents who do little more than meddle and pass judgement. Sam Neill and Jessica Lange are a total over the top embarrassment as the parents. It celebrates two hearts struggling to regain broken pieces. Score: 7 / 10

Based on a (no doubt heavily modified) true story, "The Vow" suffers from the typical Hollywood romance flaws: everyone is way too good looking to be believable, the protagonists are flawless and perfect human beings, and the ending can be seen coming from miles away.The interesting premise still makes for an above-average movie though, the main actors serve well as eye-candy, and the movie does not possess any unnecessary lengths.Above average, but if you want to see a really good movie about memories, forgetting, and love, try "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" instead.