SYNOPSIS: When feisty medical student Gabby Holland moves in next door to perennial ladies’ man Travis Shaw, they embark on a surprising romantic journey neither imagined possible. Travis has always believed a serious relationship would cramp his easygoing lifestyle, while Gabby is preparing to settle down with her long-term boyfriend—until an irresistible attraction between the unlikely couple upends both of their well-planned lives. Spanning a decade and tracing the evolution of a love affair that is ultimately tested by life's most defining events, this story features a memorable ensemble of friends and family in Sparks's beloved North Carolina setting, culminating with the question that every couple must ask themselves: how far would you go to keep the hope of love alive?

REVIEW: How far would you go to keep the hope of love alive?

Travis Parker (Benjamin Walker) apparently has it all. He has a great life, great friends, a great waterfront home and just an all around awesome life. He is the kind of guy who can have any girl he wants, except he doesn’t seem to really want to settle down. That is until Gabby Holland (Teresa Palmer) moves in next door and begins to “bother” him. Lord almighty, Travis gets on her nerves even worse! She’s a medical student just trying to peacefully study in her sweet little old cabin by the water. Other than the problems with her loud, rowdy good timing (and gorgeous) neighbor, Gabby is on track for a picture perfect future. She’s a medical resident at a local hospital, engaged to a handsome young doctor whose family happens to own several medical clinics in the South. The future looks bright. But that neighbor!

Travis is enjoying his life just fine. Good friends, long days sailing, barbeques by the water, loud music and a beautiful on again, off again, on again girlfriend named Monica (Alexandria Daddario) at his beck and call. He doesn’t feel the need to get too serious. He shares a veterinary practice with his widowed Dad Shep (Tom Wilkinson) and has a loving and close relationship with his Sister, Steph (Maggie Grace) who knows more than well that her brother is in deep trouble once he and Gabby come face to face.

Nicholas Sparks is a successful story teller, you can’t argue that. There are those that find his movies to be sappy love stories. Who can forget the Notebook? Even Cine Marcos shed a secret tear or two at that movie. Some have even said that he has created a page-to-screen assembly line. In all honesty, I was not impressed with the last Sparksian issue, The Best of Me. But I have to defend The Choice. The story is complex; I mean their relationship begins while both parties are involved with others. There is a seemingly happily ever after factor. You can’t miss the post-card ready shots of the North Carolina coast! And let’s not forget, there is a serious “choice” to be made in the end.

For me, this is a great date night movie just as the Notebook was. I’m not saying this film beats the Notebook, but it was romantic, cute (adorable dogs) and funny. There were serious scenarios involved and decisions that can change their lives have to be made. This film is just in time, especially with Valentine’s Day just around the corner. Take your date out to see The Choice, have a nice dinner, discuss what you would do if you were in the scenario presented and you never know, you might be the inspiration for the next Nicholas Sparks romance.