Review Roundup: Romantic Drama THE LONGEST RIDE Opens Today

Based on Nicholas Sparks' novel of the same name, THE LONGEST RIDE hits theaters nationwide today. The film was directed by George Tillman, Jr., whose credits include BARBERSHOP, BARBERSHOP 2: BACK IN BUSINESS, and BEAUTY SHOP.

The story follows Luke, a former champion bull rider attempting a comeback, and his relationship with Sophia, a college student entering the New York City art scene. As they navigate through their challenging relationship, they are drawn to an elderly man who inspires them with his own story of tested love.

THE LONGEST RIDE stars Scott Eastwood, Britt Robertson, and Alan Alda.

Let's see what the critics had to say!

A.O. Scott, The New York Times: On the Box Office Mojo website, "The Longest Ride" is described in three words: "Brand: Nicholas Sparks." That may be all you need to know.

Lou Lumenick, New York Post: A number of lines drew snickers from the audience at the screening I was at, but coming down too hard on this load of schmaltz - as I said when reviewing my first Sparks adaptation back in 2002 - feels like taking a baseball bat to a sack full of newborn kittens.

Joe Neumaier, New York Daily News: If this is your particular poison, it won't kill you. But anyone averse to Sparks' sappy touch may get sick from all the bull.

Scott Foundas, Variety: Appealing performances by a trio of second- and third-generation Hollywood kids keep this three-hankie twaddle more bearable than it deserves, but "Ride" will surely go the longest with audiences for whom this is not their first Sparks rodeo.

Stephanie Merry, The Washington Post: People don't go to Sparks movies for subtlety; they go to warm their hearts by bearing witness to true love. Of course, that requires a story that rings true. In "The Longest Ride," authenticity is in short supply.

Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune: Even when Eastwood and Robertson, pleasant enough company, threaten to float off the screen, "The Longest Ride" glides along and delivers its reheated comfort food by the ton.

Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times:The two-plus hours is mostly marked by an emptiness born of scene after scene designed to blatantly manipulate emotions rather than trigger them.

Associated Press, The National: The script by Craig Bolotin sets up each couple as sacrificing for love, but Sophia and Luke's struggle just doesn't seem as serious. Still, the film is likely to satisfy Sparks fans.

Jordan Hoffman, The Guardian: It's dumb, it's long, it's dull, but it isn't quite bad enough to be camp.

Richard Roeper, Northjersey.com: You will never see so many slow-mo arcs of flying bull snot, from so many angles, in your life. Ever.

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