Best-selling author and producer Nicholas Sparks released his latest film, “The Best of Me,” Oct. 17. Critics raved and Sparks fans cried their eyes out at yet another modern day tragedy. Walking out of the theater, it seemed there was not a dry eye. However, I confess as an avid Nicholas Sparks fan that I was rather disappointed with the adaptation.

Leading man Dawson Cole was played by James Marsden, a familiar face to Sparks fans for his role as Lon Hammond, the almost other guy in “The Notebook.” Marsden was certainly a pretty face to look at for the one hour and 57 minute duration, but his acting was only slightly better than average. Michelle Monaghan played Dawson’s love interest, Amanda Collier. I had not seen her in anything else before, but her on-screen presence wasn’t overly impressive either.

Perhaps both leads would have looked better if the dialogue had been better, but beautiful, flowing phrases such as “yes” and “okay” were frequently the peaks of conversation. At one point I found myself laughing at a scene I was sure was meant to be a tear-jerker. I remembered crying in the book, but the script of the movie took that away.

The soundtrack, as always with Nicholas Sparks’ movie adaptations, was appropriate for each scene and enjoyable. Set in Louisiana, the soundtrack had a modern country sound. Contributors included hit country duo Lady Antebellum as well as many other familiar names such as Hunter Hayes, Colbie Caillat, Thomas Rhett, Thompson Square, Kacey Musgraves, Eli Young Band and David Nail.

The special effects, though used sparingly, were impressive. The movie was as realistic and convincing as real life. The plot was relatable, certainly original and completely unpredictable (unless you read the book first).

Chick flick lovers may still find this movie enjoyable, but I would recommend any other Sparks films over this one. It may have been “The Best of Me,” but it was not the best of the Nicholas Sparks’ movie adaptations.