Why critics panned this romantic drama despite its financial success at the box office
In short: The 2016 film The Choice, based on a Nicholas Sparks novel, turned a profit on a modest budget but faced harsh critical reception. While audiences gave it a B+ grade, reviewers labeled the production a formulaic mess, marking it as the lowest-rated adaptation of the author's work to date.
Directed by Ross Katz and released by Lionsgate on February 5, 2016, The Choice follows the story of Travis Shaw, a veterinarian in Wilmington, North Carolina, and his neighbor, Gabby Holland. Their romance begins with a rocky introduction involving a noisy barbecue and a shared interest in a dog, eventually leading to marriage and a family. However, the narrative takes a dramatic turn when a tragic accident leaves Gabby in a coma, forcing Travis to confront the agonizing decision of whether to remove her from life support.
Despite the film's premise resonating with some viewers, critics were largely unimpressed. The movie holds an 11% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 83 reviews, with an average score of 3.8 out of 10. Metacritic reports a score of 26 out of 100, reflecting generally unfavorable opinions. Reviewers frequently cited the screenplay as painfully formulaic, with some critics describing the experience as the cinematic equivalent of staring at a greeting card for two hours. Others pointed to the pacing and character development as significant weaknesses, with one critic calling the climax brazenly cynical.
Financially, the film performed well relative to its constraints. Produced on a budget of $10 million, it grossed $24.3 million worldwide, including $18.7 million in North America. During its opening weekend, it earned over $6 million, finishing fifth at the box office. While it struggled to win over professional critics, the film found a distinct audience, evidenced by the B+ grade from CinemaScore polls. It remains a notable example of the divide between commercial viability and critical acclaim within the genre of romantic dramas based on popular literature.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: The Choice (2016 film)
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