Here is the premise: Based on the bestselling novel by master storyteller Nicholas Sparks, THE LONGEST RIDE centers on the star-crossed love affair between Luke, a former champion bull rider looking to make a comeback, and Sophia, a college student who is about to embark upon her dream job in New York City’s art world. Sophia and Luke make an unexpected and fateful connection with Ira, whose memories of his own decades-long romance with his beloved wife deeply inspire the young couple. Spanning generations and two intertwining love stories, THE LONGEST RIDE explores the challenges and infinite rewards of enduring love.
Great love story with bull riding as the backdrop, The best part of THE LONGEST RIDE lays in powerful storytelling and the chemistry between the two actors. Eastwood and Robertson do a fantastic job bringing the two main characters from Nicholas Sparks to life. With the amount of chemistry and passion that was displayed on the screen, I could see these two acting together in other films in the future. Eastwood is definitely a chip off the old block, not only is he a great actor like his dad; but he has the killer eyes that made women swoon for Clint many years ago. Robertson is sweet and smooth, and brings a wonderful dimension to Sophia, to round out the cast is the always awesome Alan Alda, who has the warmth I know Sparks wanted for his character Ira, it is always great to see Alda in all his acting glory.
The story is a wonderful tale of two people from very different backgrounds falling for each other and willing to put their lives on a different path to make the other one happy. Again, although it is different than the book, I think Nicolas Sparks would be very happy with the outcome. I highly recommend this film and it would make the perfect date movie or for a girls night out.
