You can’t help but compare a movie about a love story involving amnesia to the over-rated Notebook, especially with Rachel McAdams starring in it. Also, take a look at Wedding Crashers and The Time Traveler’s Wife if you want to be more jealous of the incredibly beautiful Canadian actress that gets all the boys. I mean, who gets a headache waking up to Channing Tatum smiling back at you? Oh, what a terrible life she lives.

Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum star in Screen Gems’ THE VOW.

Paige (Rachel McAdams) loses five years of her memory; four of them involved her relationship with Leo (Channing Tatum). Suddenly living with a complete stranger may be a little overwhelming, and you really get a sense of Leo’s frustration. It gets more complicated with Paige realizes her parents haven’t even met her husband. And just to top it off, she still thinks she’s engaged to the older, richer, more successful Jeremy (Scott Speedman). Tough choices.

I have to commend Leo for his undying determination, but I’m even more impressed with his confident sense of self worth. “I’m trying to help you, but I’m not your punching bag.” If only Paige could get there, what with her sweater-wearing, mojito-drinking pretentious self that can’t imagine herself with a dead-beat like Leo. What makes this film truly remarkable is the idea that Paige actually repeats ‘finding herself’ in the present and inevitably returns to Leo (of course, no Valentine’s Day movie ends unhappily). She says, “You accepted me for who I am and not who you wanted me to be.”

I was expecting something like 50 First Dates or Forgetting Sarah Marshall comedy, but The Vow brings in a completely new take on a ‘once in a lifetime love.’ It’s not about getting the girl through grand gestures and cute moments. Instead, think about your favorite book. Now imagine reading it (again) for the first time — would it still be your favorite?

[star v=4]