Commentary – The Vow

by Le Anne Lindsay, Editor

That saccharine sweet holiday is upon us again.

Truly, I’m tired of being a bitter, single person whose luck it seems to always be without a suitor when V-Day rolls around.  Someone told me this week, that even though they are single, they still enjoy the decorative display of Valentine’s Day – store windows adorned in pinks and reds, the theme of hearts and love exhibited in boxed chocolates, lace doilies and construction paper.

I can certainly appreciate aesthetics; perhaps this will be my key to enjoying every holiday; focusing in on the adornments and garnish, my head so full of whimsy, it leaves no room for unmet expectations.

Speaking of expectations, (a long way to go for a segue) you might expect Rachel McAdams‘ latest flick, The Vow, (Director: Michael Sucsy / Writers: Jason Katims, Abby Kohn) to be a total Lifetime movie. After all, it’s about a young, beautiful couple (Paige & Leo), newly married with their whole lives ahead of them; then tragedy strikes in the form of a car accident which robs Paige (McAdams) of all her memories of Leo (Channing Tatum) and their life together.

What drew me in, is an underlining theme which explores do-overs. When Paige wakes up from her comma, she can remember who she is, how to walk, talk, eat – however, she’s lost the last 5 years of her life.  She believes she lives at home with her wealthy, polished parents (Jessica Lange and Sam Neill), she’s in law school and about to marry a handsome, business-minded guy from her social set (Scott Speedman).

Therefore, Paige not only doesn’t remember marrying or knowing Leo. She can’t remember the Paige that left law school to pursue being an artist of large sculptures and she doesn’t recognize her choice of bohemian clothes or friends. 

The question becomes: if you had the chance to go back and make different decisions, would you wind up making the same choices all over again?

Unfortunately, because the story is told mostly from Leo’s point of view, earnestly trying to win back the love of his life and wife. And because the character of Paige is played by perfect Rachel McAdams, instead of someone more relate-able like Amy Ryan – this “do over theme” is not played out to its full potential.

 But judging on romantic entertainment, and the fact that it veers away from banal predictability… T&T @largeassmovieblogs rating: 3.5 outta 5