Review of Endless Love (2014) by Panta O — 05 Jul 2014

The latest American romantic drama directed by Shana Feste and co-written by Feste with Joshua Safran is a remake of Franco Zeffirelli's 1981 film of same name and second adaptation of Scott Spencer's novel. Featuring British actors Alex Pettyfer, Gabriella Wilde, and Joely Richardson, it is typical representative of its genre.

The story of Jade Butterfield (Gabriella Wilde), a shy gorgeous young lady and David Elliot (Alex Pettyfer) is one you've probably seen before. The young man has had a crush on her throughout high school, but never had the courage to speak to her. But, the opportunity shows up when Jade, her parents Hugh (Bruce Greenwood) and Anne (Joely Richardson), and her brother Keith (Rhys Wakefield) stop at an upscale restaurant for lunch after the graduation. While exiting the car, Jade bumps into David, who works as a valet at the restaurant... and there the love story starts. I won't bother you with the rest of the details, but you can probably guess... poor guy, rich girl...

This could be a perfect movie for Chinese market because in China the "love propaganda," or films that show the only way someone could be complete in life is if they have someone to cling to and embrace the goofiness of a relationship with, are very popular! For me, this was very bland film, with underdeveloped characters which will leave you wanting... a lot! Even the novel author Scott Spencer, after reading the screenplay for the film, said that the story "has been even more egregiously and ridiculously misunderstood" than in the 1981 film. Girls will love it, though...