by Izzy Kalman (February 2003)
My ten year old daughter, Ayala, recently urged me to watch what she said was the best movie she ever saw. As usual, I tried to worm my way out of it because I feel I have better things to do than watch another teen film. And, as usual, I ended up watching because she has learned how to manipulate me better than any of my other family members.
When I actually sat down to watch “A Walk to Remember,” I realized I need to give Ayala more credit for her taste. Ayala recognized that this movie is not only beautiful, it brings to life everything I am trying to teach. She knew this movie was made for me.
Virtually all movies dealing with bullies is of the “Revenge of the Nerds” type. Victims of bullies finally have their day by finding fantastic ways of getting even with their tormentors. While these movies are great fun, they are totally unrealistic, as any victim can tell you. The juicy revenge fantasies never materialize. If you were to actually try the kinds of things the victorious “nerds” do in this type of film, you would end up in deep trouble.
“A Walk to Remember,” starring the teen singer Mandy Moore, is different. It is the story of a high school girl who turns a bully into a buddy by treating him with respect. See it. It is a real gem. And show it to everyone, kid and adult alike!
Two warnings, though. It is a tear-jerker, and the melodromatic ending is a bit too drawn out. But there are few movies that will give the right message about how to live as well as this one does.
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