IHGB Movie Review: “The Longest Ride”

funny entertainment blog-The Longest Ride

The Longest Ride
Rated: PG
Starring: Scott Eastwood and Britt Robertson
The Trailer:

The Gist:
I will read and I will watch anything that has Nicholas Sparks’ name attached to it. I’m not ashamed. I concede that he’s working hard to recreate the MAGIC known as The Notebook. I admit that he has not even come close in the last decade. I also understand that diving into a Sparks book means that I have to prepare myself for one of the main characters to die. Also, an old person will impart wisdom, our leading characters will have some sort of revelation in the rain, and only ridiculously hot individuals are considered for the movie adaptation. Bring it on.

The Longest Ride was a decent film. I kept my expectations low as I drove my way to the movie theater. In fact, my friend Emily and I asked for tickets to see “The Last Ride” before I doubted even further wondering if it was “The Lucky Ride?” The sweet box office girl used context clues to secure the correct tickets, and we were on our way.

I know there are individuals out there who feel that these types of movies portray unrealistic views of romance. I have one thing to say to the haters out there:

COWBOYS ARE REAL!

funny entertainment blog-The Longest Ride

My Thoughts:

  1. Let’s begin with the obvious: Scott Eastwood is extremely handsome. E-X-T-R-E-M-E-L-Y handsome. Everything works. The eyes, the jaw, the mouth, the shoulders, the chest, the hair on that chest, the FOREARMS, the smile and the jaw again. Is he going to win awards for his stellar portrayal of rodeo champion Luke Collins? Probably not. Will he land the cover of GQ? Most definitely.
  2. Rodeos make me happy.
  3. Most cowboys are saddled with the stereotype that they are all southern gentlemen. They are saddled with this stereotype because it’s true. Luke opened doors, brought Sophie flowers on their first date, got her a blanket when she was cold, and offered her fresh/clean towels when she “fell” in the lake.
  4. It makes me sad that Sophie and her sorority sisters were surprised by Luke’s chivalrous nature. Sophie mentioned multiple times that she wasn’t used to a man treating her with such respect. I’m not sure what’s going on in the dating world, because I haven’t been on one since the Clinton Administration. Have manners ceased to exist? I remember telling my grandmother about a date I had in college. I gushed how my suitor attended to my every need. He held my chair, he navigated me through a crowded room, he took his hat off at the table, he introduced me to guests with thoughtful consideration, and he walked me to my door. I can still recall what Doodle said that day, “That’s nice Lincee. But don’t you give him any extra points for being a gentleman.”
  5. With that said, Luke did drive up to Sophie’s work once and honked the horn. Flashback to my mother standing in front of the door of our house, refusing to let me leave because the boy honked his horn to let me know he was there. We weren’t dating, so I didn’t mind. Mama said I had to wait. “This boy needs a lesson in manners.”
  6. Chivalry is not dead.
  7. If my mother has anything to do with it…
  8. My least favorite “cowboy” moment was the length of Luke’s jeans. Also, I think I should point out that most cowboys I know don’t lumber sluggishly in their boots.
  9. funny entertainment blog-The Longest RideI was fully prepared to endure Sophie processing through the very hard decision of choosing between her city job or the country boy with whom she fell in love, blah, blah, blah, watched it a thousand times, blah. Because, look! Manly forearms and Mason jars!
  10. Note: She’s wearing shorts with her blazer.
  11. Additional Note: This movie was not set in 1987.
  12. Extra Note: He’s wearing a pearl snap.
  13. FYI Note: Pearl snaps are my kryptonite. And manly forearms.
  14. Moving on…
  15. What I didn’t expect was the enchanting  B-storyline, featuring Oona Chaplin and Jack Huston as Ruth and Ira Levinson.
  16. Ira knew he loved Ruth from the moment he saw her in his father’s store. She was a pistol! They were meant for each other! And then, because it’s Nicholas Sparks, war screwed everything up.
  17. funny entertainment blog-The Longest RideRuth made sacrifices. Ira made sacrifices. He didn’t understand her world, but he loved how her world made her alive and happy. That’s all that mattered to him. He loved her completely. With everything inside of him.
  18. Old Ira teaches Sophie that love requires sacrifices. In some cases, you have to switch your ’80s shorts for ranch appropriate jeans. Or in Luke’s case, you have to walk away from bull riding forever because it’s easier to love someone when you’re not suffering from a head injury.
  19. In the end, we learn that sacrificing for love is never easy. But it’s definitely worth it.

Survey Says
Cowboys on the big screen. Enough said. Also, download the “love montage” song “Desire” by Ryan Adams. It’s one of my favorites. Trust me.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
11 Comments
oldest
newest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Sarah
Sarah
April 13, 2015 6:15 pm

You forgot that almost every Nicolas Sparks movie has a canoe/boat ride down a lake or river 🙂 [Did this one?]

I’ve been going back and forth about seeing it in the theatre — I’m now sold.

Thanks!

Robin McCullough
Robin McCullough
April 13, 2015 6:24 pm

“Have not had a date since the Clinton Administration”

Cathy
Cathy
April 13, 2015 7:12 pm

Can’t wait to see this…. Wondering if it’s appropriate for my 13 year old daughter? I do believe it’s PG-13 thou you have it as PG.

Julie
Julie
April 13, 2015 9:46 pm

THANK you for addressing the length of jeans! Ha!

Brenna
Brenna
April 14, 2015 10:54 am

“you have to walk away from bull riding forever because it’s easier to love someone when you’re not suffering from a head injury.” – Best line!

“Pearl snaps are my kryptonite.” AMEN!

Susan
Susan
April 20, 2015 7:29 am

I saw this movie and thoroughly enjoyed it,even with all the hyperbole. The black hat was an homage to Debra Winger in Urban Cowboy. Here’s my prayers you will date before the Obama Administration is over!

11
0
Would love your thoughts! Click here to share.x
()
x