The Notebook, 2004
Book: The first Nicholas Sparks love story is a true-blue love-conquers-all story. Noah Calhoun and Allie Nelson are star-crossed lovers who find their way back to each other despite all odds.
Movie: It's hard not to fall hard for a movie with a plot like this, especially when you cast Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling as the young lovers.
Verdict: Another point for movies…and perfect casting. Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling flesh out the characters and the characters' passionate romance. They're so perfect for their roles, you can almost feel the electricity vibrating between them, and in that MTV Award-winning kiss, they practically sizzle.
Marley and Me, 2008
Book: Marley and Me is a tale about a young family and the dog who taught them what matters most in life. Marley may well be the worst-behaved dog in history; but what he lacks in manners (he's a chronic crotch sniffer and he steals the neighbor's lingerie), he makes up for in heart.
Movie: The movie is also called Marley and Me but is more My Wife and Me and Our Dog Marley. While the book feels almost like it's all Marley, the movie doesn't have enough of him. Its saving grace is that scene with Owen Wilson and Marley saying goodbye at the vet's clinic. Forget tugging at the heartstrings, it yanks.
Verdict: The book has so much more humor and heart than the movie. And while the book is about the life of a young family, Marley figures prominently (hence the title). In the movie, he is relegated to a supporting role, which is a shame since he is the heart and soul of the story.
