Endless Love

Couples in love. Hollywood certainly has dealt with this arena, especially when it comes to disapproving parents in the wings. Well, with "Endless Love", not only do we have a 1981 film with the same name to compare with, but this concept goes back as far as Romeo and Juliet. Then there's been the Hatfields and McCoys, then, of course, we've seen 1970s "Love Story", so Hollywood has had its fascination with couples in love.

Following their high-school graduation, Jade Butterfield (Gabriella Wilde), a sheltered but privileged teen, becomes enthralled with David Elliot (Alex Pettyfer), a working-class youth with a troubled past. Though Jade and David quickly fall in love, Jade's father, Hugh (Bruce Greenwood) strongly disapproves of the relationship while David's father, Harry (Robert Patrick) advices caution. The strong emotions involved are only reactions to the dysfunction coming from the different parents in the way of control issues, Hugh in particular. However, their parents' disapproval only makes the love struck teens more determined to pursue the intense relationship.

Others to round out the cast are Joely Richardson as Anne Butterfield, Hugh's wife, Rhys Wakefield as Keith Butterfield, Jade's brother, Dayo Okeniyi as Mace, David's good buddy, Emma Rigby as Jenny, Anna Enger as Sabine, and Fabianne Therese as Checka.

This was directed with such emotion and pathos by Shana Feste ("The Greatest" '09, "Country Strong" '10). What she doesn't have in experience, she more than makes up for quality, because "Country Strong" was exceptional. It was written by Feste and Joshua Safran based on a novel by Scott Spencer. Even though there were a couple of places that could have been a bit tighter and pacing a little quicker, this was certainly a better written film than I ever could have imagined. The way she delved into the guilt of Jade's father, and the total jealousy of Keith, Hugh's son was integral in how this father was going to present himself as negative toward David as he was. For a 'fluff' type film, it was well delineated.

The chemistry between Pettyfer and Wilde are certainly enough to get you to see this movie, but the supporting cast was equally talented as well. If you see this film, you'll be rooting for these lovelorn teens all the while trying to understand the reasons keeping them apart.

Out of 4 Stars: 3                        Rated: PG-13                          105mins.