The Nicholas Sparks’ assault on romantic films continues with “The Choice,” arriving just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Couples would do better to watch a marathon of “Saw” films than engage in this bit of torture – a sappy, manipulative piece of work that feels like a live action Hallmark card.

“The Choice” tells the story of perennial ladies’ man Travis Shaw (Benjamin Walker), who becomes smitten with his new neighbor Gabby Holland (Teresa Palmer).

At first the new neighbors are at odds, but it doesn’t take long to realize there is an attraction – even though Gabby is engaged.

I’ll admit I am not the target audience for “The Choice,” but even the most hardcore Sparks’ fan will be able to tolerate this mess.

It’s the kind of film where people have conversations that feel like a greeting card or a fortune cookie and plot points are thrown in almost on a whim.

“The Choice” could have wrapped up at least a half an hour sooner than its nearly two hour running time, but kept adding more and more conflict with a few plot twists that I found more laughable than tear-jerking.

Walker comes off like a poor man’s Matthew McConaughey, while Walker has been much better in other films like “Warm Bodies” (which has more believable romance than this dreck). 

Walker’s character likes to say to Gabby, “Bother me,” throughout the film as a term of endearment. I found myself quite bothered by this film.

“The Choice” is rated PG-13 for sexual content and some thematic issues and is now playing at the Regal Bowling Green Mall Stadium 12 and Highland Cinemas in Glasgow.

Grade: D