Let's rank our top 3 Nicholas Sparks film adaptations...

1. The Notebook

The Godfather of romantic weepies. The two leads are so good that you don't really notice too much that the whole thing falls off a cliff whenever James Garner and Gena Rowlands are on screen.

2. Safe Haven

I've gone for a newie in the coveted second spot. It's an excellent Sparks adap... Julianne Hough is really good in the lead role, showing just the right amount of strength and vulnerability. Safe Haven also has a slightly different tone to other Sparks films. The threat of violence, the tension and the supernatual undertones really give this one layers.

Plus, y'know, Julianne Hough is absolutely smokin' in it.

3. The Lucky One

First watched this one because it reminded me of the Gemma Hayes song of the same name. I'm not sure anyone could truly believe Zac Efron could be an Marine and Iraq veteran but even so he gives a decent, if a little too restrained, performance. And his growing bond with Taylor Schilling's son, Ben is beautifully played. Blythe Danner is the real treat here though. She's absolutely excellent, as she always is in fairness.