Nicholas Sparks has cornered the sentimental star-crossed romance market, penning a satchel of novels that have been adapted into movies that inexplicably rank in our cultural consciousness right behind the comic book craze and the young adult fiction movement. His latest, The Longest Ride, features parallel romances — a Sparks staple. Champion bull rider Luke (Scott Eastwood) seeks to woo Sophia (Britt Robertson), a college student with art world aspirations, but their contrasting lifestyles pull them apart, at least until they meet Ira (Alan Alda), an aging accident victim hanging onto life thanks to the thread of memories of his beloved wife during their courtship. The truly surprising aspect of any Sparks adaptation is the seemingly disparate talent holding the reins. This time, George Tillman Jr. (known for Soul Food, Men of Honor and Notorious) joins the directing fraternity that includes the likes of Nick Cassavetes (The Notebook), Adam Shankman (A Walk to Remember) and Lasse Hallström (Dear John). (Opens wide Friday, April 10) (PG-13) Not screened in time for review
