“A Walk to Remember,” which religious audiences praised for its positive portrayal of teenage faith, will air on the WB network Wednesday, Nov. 24, at 8 p.m. ET.
Based on the best-selling novel by Nicholas Sparks, “A Walk to Remember” stars Mandy Moore as a shy and conservative Baptist preacher’s daughter. She lives her faith and is given the opportunity to impact the life of a reckless boy in town, Landon (Shane West).
The film, set in the small town of Beaufort, N.C., co-stars Peter Coyote and Daryl Hannah.
The 2002 romantic drama was originally rated PG for “thematic elements, language and some sensual material.” It was released on DVD/VHS in July 2002.
When the movie was released, critic Roger Ebert called it “a small treasure.” He went on to say that the film, directed by Adam Shankman, “is a love story so sweet, sincere and positive that it sneaks past the defenses built up in this age of irony.”
Other critics, like A.O. Scott of The New York Times, hated it.
“I’m still not sure what I did wrong,” wrote Scott, “but for some reason I was sentenced to spend 97 minutes in the wholesome purgatory that is “‘A Walk to Remember.'”
Critics for religious publications, on the other hand, were almost unanimous in their praise.
Douglas LeBlanc for Christianity Today called it “a quiet but remarkable film.” David Bruce at Hollywood Jesus said: “Great film. Good for the whole family. Go see it.” The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said the movie “excels in affirming faith values as a positive and joyous part of life.” (Click here to read what other religious outlets said.)
The WB’s broadcast marks the movie’s first time on network television.
The WB also airs the popular family drama “7th Heaven,” about minister Eric Camden (Stephen Collins), his wife (Catherine Hicks) and their seven children.
The WB is America’s fifth TV network, reaching 92 percent of the country. Click here to find your local WB station.
Cliff Vaughn is culture editor for EthicsDaily.com.