Quotes from "The Notebook" pervade AIM profiles and often are listed as quotations on thefacebook.com. On those rare uneventful nights at Notre Dame, it is not uncommon to see away messages that read "watching 'The Notebook'" or "Ryan Gosling, please father my children." But what is this craze all about? What is it about "The Notebook" that seems to have tugged at the heartstrings of so many? It only costs a meager $2.99 worth of Flex Points to find out, but hopefully by the end of this review the choice between this instant classic and a Subway sandwich will be a no-brainer."The Notebook" is the film adaptation of the bestselling novel by Nicholas Sparks, a Notre Dame graduate whose other work includes "A Walk to Remember" and "Message in a Bottle." The movie begins with an adorable elderly man reading to his wife, who is afflicted with Alzheimer's, from a worn old notebook.Although his wife Allie is completely unaware of the history of their relationship, it soon becomes apparent the narrative Noah is reading to her is, in fact, of their own enduring love story from years past. And what a torrid love affair it is.Allie (Rachel McAdams, better known for her role as the unforgettable Regina in "Mean Girls") comes from a very wealthy and high-class background. She is spending her summer in North Carolina where she meets Noah (Ryan Gosling of "Murder by Numbers").Noah is a local teen from modest roots who dares to challenge her to take risks and make decisions for herself, free from the influence of her overbearing - and at times harsh and judgmental - parents. The two lovebirds spend a memorable summer together - full of many terrific experiences - which comes to an abrupt halt with a dramatic exit initiated by Allie's disapproving parents. Allie is eventually able to move Noah out of the forefront of her mind and begins a new relationship with an injured soldier she meets while working as a nurse during World War II. The soldier is a successful businessman named Lon (James Mardsen, best known for his work as one-eyed-wonder Cyclops in "X-Men").Lon eventually proposes to Allie, who accepts to the great delight of her parents. However, she soon realizes that she must see her first love one last time before taking the plunge. It quickly becomes evident that the sizzling flame, which once burned strongly between them, is nowhere near extinguished. Allie must make the difficult choice between a safe bet and an unbridled passion. The movie follows the book reasonably closely and the onscreen chemistry between up-and-coming actors Gosling and McAdams does justice to the ardor expertly articulated by Sparks in his tumultuous novel. Several twists enrich the plot and leave the audience at the edge of their seats wondering how the movie will end."The Notebook" mania hit Americans of all ages and genders and tells of the widespread desire for searing drama in one's own life. Unfortunately for many students, it often proves a challenge just to find the time to sleep and perchance dream of such scorching passion with the rampant never-ending reading assignments and excruciatingly lengthy and tedious science labs.For those who know what I am talking about, live vicariously through the characters of "The Notebook." After all, "The O.C." is a rerun this week.
