The Vow

About those "Vow" critics. They haven't been kind, calling the characters poorly sketched and the film generally a maudlin affair. Other reviews, however, have lauded Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams' performances, as well as the film's tonal similarities to Sparks-adapted fare like "The Notebook."

The Story
"Despite the sweet story — lovely couple, car wreck, brain injury, she forgets him, he loves her anyway — and the beautiful scenery — cool converted warehouse spaces, snowy Chicago streets, Lake Michigan in the moonlight, and of course Tatum and McAdams — this is a movie that leaves you wanting more. Inspired by a true story, it begins with a date night at the movies for young marrieds Paige (McAdams) and Leo (Tatum). — Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times

— Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune

The screenplay, though, pulls things into gooey Nicholas Sparks territory (familiar turf for McAdams, who starred in the film of Sparks' novel, 'The Notebook'). The Valentine's Day Reality

"Arriving for Valentine's Day weekend, 'The Vow' is a cinematic box of candy wrapped in bright red cellophane. — Ty Burr, Boston Globe