The Best Of Me (2014)

C. 118m. (Theatrical Cut) / 111m. (Storybook Edition Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen / 2.40:1 – Widescreen (Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy)
Novel By: Nicholas Sparks
Starring: Michelle Monaghan, James Marsden, Luke Bracey, Liana Liberato, Gerald McRaney, Caroline Goodall and Clarke Peters.

Two teen soul mates are reunited as adults to help execute the will of their mutual friend who died. The old flame is still there and it complicates things for them, especially since she is married and has a kid. By the numbers to be sure but the story has real heart (sorry for the pun), and gives new life to the song lyric from Titanic (1997), “…My heart will go on…” Note: The Storybook Edition Cut removes most of the sad stuff but otherwise offers nothing new.

Trivia: Paul Walker was cast in the lead role but when he died suddenly in the car crash, the role was given to James Marsden.

Rated: [PG–13] – Sexuality, Violence, Some Drug Content & Brief Strong Language
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Longest Ride (2015)

C. / B&W – 123m. / 128m. (Blu–ray)/ 139m.
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen / 2.40:1 – Widescreen (Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy)
Novel By: Nicholas Sparks
Starring: Scott Eastwood, Britt Robertson, Jack Huston, Oona Chaplin and Alan Alda.

The lives of a bull – riding champion looking to make a comeback, an up and coming person college student in the world of art, and an old dying mall all intersect at a key time for each. More plot-heavy than most Sparks adaptions, this one has distinguished descendants and Alda to boost it. Running times may vary.

Trivia: The painting, “Man With Moustache,” (1960) was done by Robert De Niro Sr.

Rated: [PG – 13] – Some Sexuality, Partial Nudity & Some War And Sports Action.
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

The Choice (2016)

C. – 111m
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
Novel By: Nicholas Sparks
Starring: Benjamin Walker, Teresa Palmer, Maggie Grace and Tom Wilkinson.

Neighborhood strangers fall in love and their love is tested. This is certainly a lesser adaption of a Nicholas Sparks novel but it is still mildly enjoyable. Predictable, but who cares? Outside of Wilkinson the actors aren’t the caliber of the others in other Sparks films.

Trivia: Noteworthy as the first Nicholas Sparks film where no character, main or supporting, dies.

Rated: [PG–13] – Sexual Content & Some Thematic Issues
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.