The Vow (2012)

If you're planning to spend your hard-earned money and precious time watching The Vow in theatres, then you've probably seen (and loved) The Notebook, Dear John, The Last Song and A Walk to Remember. Although The Vow has one crucial difference (it wasn't actually based on a book written by Nicholas Sparks as were the rest on the list), it pays so much homage to Sparks that you would be convinced he wrote it. But more to the original point, The Vow appeals to those who crave the Sparks-style romance, and it has everything to offer that that particular cinematic demographic could ask for.

The Vow centres around the heart-wrenching story of newly married couple Paige and Leo, who are involved in a series car accident. Though both manage to physically survive the ordeal, Paige falls into a coma and upon waking has no memories of Leo, their life together or their relationship. What follows are a serious of heart-warming attempts by Leo to make his wife fall in love with him once more, all while trying to keep her from falling into the arms of another man.

As fans of the Sparks genre will know full well, The Vow stars two Sparks alumni and watching their intensely cute chemistry, not to mention their intensely cute faces, on screen will delight any Sparks fan... or really any fans of sappy romances.

Rachel McAdams, a hometown favourite for Londoners and star of the beloved romance The Notebook, takes centre screen as Paige. Conflicted, yet very sugary sweet, McAdams has a way of making even the tough situations in life seem all too easy. Her charisma on screen has her inarguably typecast into romantic roles, but when you're that good at what you do, why stop doing it?

Alongside McAdams as Paige's husband Leo is Channing Tatum, from the recent flick Dear John. Tatum, ever the heartthrob, will make you swoon over his undying love for his young bride. Not one to handle the tough emotional scenes with great ease in past performances, Tatum manages to bring a sense of real struggle and pain to this loving character. Alas, much like McAdams, Tatum makes the tough times in life appear all too easy to get through.

Also on the cast list for The Vow are Jessica Lange as Paige's mother Rita and Sam Neil as Paige's father Bill, both of whom give stellar performances in their brief roles, and Scott Speedman as Paige's exfiancé Jeremy.

All things considered, The Vow isn't a total waste of time — that is, if you're into this particular brand of over-the-top romance. If you enjoy anything and everything by Sparks, then you will love every second of The Vow. However, if you'd rater watch Speedman play a vampire/werewolf hybrid alongside a leather-clad Kate Beckinsale, then I highly suggest you don't waste your time or money on this one.

Rating: 3 out of 5