This weekend I went with two friends to see The Longest Ride, the newest movie based on a Nicholas Sparks novel. I had seen a preview for the movie when I saw 50 Shades of Grey. I knew nothing about the plot, just that I wanted to see a mostly naked Scott Eastwood.
The movie has two story lines - present day and a series of flashbacks. In the present, Scott Eastwood stars as rodeo champion Luke Collins.
For those who are not aware, Scott is Clint Eastwood's son. Let me tell you, I would watch Scott on mute.
I don't have much to say about his performance, other than he's outrageously handsome.
Britt Robertson plays his love interest, Sophia. I wasn't familiar with Britt Robertson, but apparently she's been on three TV shows: Life Unexpected, The Secret Circle and Under The Dome. Her character is a sorority girl with a passion for art. At the time she meets Luke the rodeo star, she has already accepted a position at an art gallery in New York City.
All three of us agreed, the chemistry between Luke and Sophia just wasn't believable. And that's saying a lot, considering Scott's abs! And butt. And smile.
Though the film is being promoted as a cowboy love story, it was actually the secondary story line that stole the show. Alan Alda plays an elderly man recovering from a car accident. His character, Ira, develops a very sweet relationship with Sophia. He winds up sharing many stories about when he first met his wife.
The young Ira is played by Jack Huston (who looks like a slightly broader Johnny Deep) and his wife is played Oona Chaplin. Yes, as in, the granddaughter of Charlie Chaplin.
Ira and Ruth's love connection completely steals the show. Going into the movie, I didn't even know there was a secondary story line, and coming out, I wished it had been the sole focus!
At the end of the two hour and ten minute saga, I was disappointed in the predictable ending for Luke and Sophia and wishing we had spent more time with Ira and Ruth.
This is a movie that you don't need to spend $13 dollars to see in the theater, but would make a nice Netflix or iTunes choice for a rainy day or a plane ride.
Now I am looking forward to Pitch Perfect 2 (May 15) and Aloha (May 29).
