The Vow

Normally when we see a romantic drama or comedy, for that matter, it is typically predictable. It has a start, a middle and an inevitable, predictable ending all tied up in a nice pretty bow. But with "The Vow", I actually got more than I bargained for.

This story starts fairly typically in that Paige (Rachel McAdams) and Leo (Channing Tatum) meet and subsequently get married, vows and all. While parked in their car, a truck accidentally plows them in the rear and Paige goes through the windshield experiencing an ICH (Intra Cranial Bleed) which is a traumatic brain injury. While in a coma, she wakes up with severe short term memory loss. This, of course, affects Leo, whom she doesn't remember. So it is up to Leo to win her heart back again, especially with Paige's parents Bill & Rita Thornton (Sam Neill & Jessica Lange) trying to get her to move back into their home.

Others to round out the cast are Scott Speedman as Jeremy, Paige's ex-fiance of years ago, Wendy Crewson as Dr. Fishman, Jessica McNamee as Gwen, Paige's sister, Lucas Bryant as Leo's buddy, and Tatiana Maslany as Lily, Leo's associate at the recording studio he owns.

It was effectively directed by Michael Sucsy ("Grey Gardens" (TV movie) '09). This guy doesn't have a lot of experience, but considering that the chemistry between McAdams and Tatum was amazingly real, this has to reflect on the directing to some degree. It was written by Jason Katims, Abby Kohn, and Marc Silverstein based on a story by Stuart Sender. This was based on true events on a real couple, but there must have been some liberties Hollywood must have taken to make this story happen.

If you want to see a nice romantic drama of a young couple who is totally in love, and their fight to 'make it' after the tragic accident with a credible, real approach, this is one film that will have you on that relationship roller coaster.

Out of 4 stars: 3                       Rated: PG-13                        104min.