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Movies based on Nicholas Sparks romance novels always feel formulaic — take two gorgeous people, put them on the North Carolina shoreline, add a tragedy and mix well — but the seams haven't been as obvious as they are in "The Choice."
When beautiful med student Gabby ("Point Break's" Teresa Palmer) moves in next to hot veterinarian Travis (Benjamin Walker, star of "Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter"), she's put off by his joshing manner and constant flirting. Time, and a bond formed when Gabby's dog has puppies, leads Gabby to break up with her doctor boyfriend (Tom Welling) for Travis, who also gives up his on-again, off-again relationship with an old flame (Alexandra Daddario).
The story spans years, through marriage and kids and some typical Sparksian tragedy, but director Ross Katz ("Adult Beginners") and screenwriter Bryan Sipe overplay the early courtship and reduce the long-term stuff to a simplified montage.
The puppies and babies become a key factor in distracting us from the fact that there's zero chemistry between the vibrant Palmer and the stiff Walker.
'The Choice'
Opening Friday, Feb. 5, at theaters everywhere; rated PG-13 for sexual content and some thematic issues; 111 minutes.