Nicholas Sparks’ movies are renowned for being over the top, romantic stories that are sure to leave viewers in tears. His newest movie, “The Best of Me,” directed by Michael Hoffman, doesn’t disappoint in this regard.

Released on Oct. 17, this movie tells the story of a high school romance between Dawson (Luke Bracy), the rugged, physics loving country boy and Amanda (Liana Liberato), the caring, popular sweetheart who loves Dawson despite the obstacles placed before them.

The viewers are taken on a journey as Amanda and Dawson struggle with their differences in social class. Amanda is incredibly ambitious, determined and has vast goals for her future, with a father’s bank account to match. Dawson, on the other hand, begins his story by running away from his abusive and law-breaking family. Amanda helps lead Dawson down the right path. However, just as when it seems that their love will be strong enough to survive anything, one fateful mistake tears them apart, forcing them to ride the roller coaster of life without each other.

They go their separate ways, living their separate lives until the death of a mutual friend forces an adult Dawson (now played by James Marsden) and Amanda (now portrayed by Michelle Monoghan) to spend a short weekend together. While they sift through their friend’s possessions, they relive the romance they once possessed before. While they attempt to rekindle the flame that burned between them, they end up healing wounds they didn’t even know existed.

Hoffman pulls out all the stops, showing the intricate act of two different love stories through present day scenes and flashbacks to Dawson and Amanda’s high school years. However, some of the scenes ran a little longer than was necessary while sometimes glossing over important plot points.

Opening weekend, this movie was ranked #5 and grossed over $10 million. While the hopes for this movie started high, many viewers left the theater disappointed.

While the acting was top-notch and portrayed Nicholas Sparks’ novel beautifully, nothing could hide the predictability of the story. “The Best of Me,” while entertaining and compelling, followed the same formula as all of Sparks’ other stories: Boy meets girl. They fall in love. Something goes wrong. They reunite. Their past catches up with them. Everything somehow resolves itself. The screen goes black.

If you’re looking for a typical romance story that makes your insides go “Awwwwwwww…” then “The Best of Me,” is the movie to watch. However, if you want something a little less predictable and not so mushy, I would suggest choosing another movie to watch on your Friday night.