The Notebook

By PETER CALDER

(Herald rating: * * )

Too high-minded to be dismissed as complete sentimental eyewash, the screen adaptation of Nicholas Sparks' bestseller is still sugary enough to warrant a warning for diabetics.

Love stories are meant to tug the heartstrings, of course, but this film tries nothing even slightly interesting - its narrative twist is obvious about three minutes in - and is extraordinarily listless.

In the Carolinas in the late 30s, Noah Calhoun (Gosling) falls for Allie Hamilton (McAdams) even though she's a blueblood southern belle and he's a dirt-poor hick. Her parents contrive to keep them apart but - stop me if you've heard this one - love conquers all. This story is told by an old man (Garner) to an old woman (Rowlands is director Nick Cassavetes' mum) in a rest home and you get no prizes for working out who they are.

The film is most notable for its trailer which seems to have been screening since January and from which even the most dimwitted may deduce the entire story. When it comes to depicting the breathless wildness of young love, the two leads generate some chemistry (though the film is about as erotic as The Sound of Music) but it's a plodding affair.

CAST: James Garner, Gena Rowlands, Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, James Marsden, Sam Shepard, Joan Allen
DIRECTOR: Nick Cassavetes

RATING: PG (adult themes)

RUNNING TIME: 124 mins

SCREENING: Hoyts, Village, Lido, Berkeley, Bridgeway, Rialto cinemas.