The Notebook

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams

Directed by: Nick Cassavetes

RS: 1of 4 Stars

2004 Drama

I have the same allergic reaction to this open faucet of tear-jerking swill as I do to the 1996 Nicholas Sparks novel that inspired it. It's two cringe-worthy love stories for the price of one: Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams star in the 1940s flashbacks, with James Garner and Gena Rowlands -- mom of the film's director, Nick Cassavetes -- doing nursing-home duty in the present day. Their careers will survive, but there's no way to endure the movie without earplugs and a blindfold.