Behind the Scenes with Rachel McAdams, Channing Tatum and Scott Speedman at The Vow Premiere

Rachel McAdams, Channing Tatum and Scott Speedman turned out to massive (and boy do I mean MASSIVE) crowds last night for the premiere of The Vow at the famed Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Hearing loss aside, it was a classy and romantic affair (thanks Ralph Lauren!), complete with a pink and white ‘red carpet,’ and the best romantic dramedy to come along in a long time.

I would not want to be responsible for cleaning this!

Throngs of fans lined Hollywood Blvd. for a chance to see their favorite stars!

Jenna Dewan-Tatum walked the red carpet ahead of hubby, Channing, in order to let him share the spotlight with co-star McAdams. The Tatums have to be one of the cutest couples in the world, each one speaking more highly of the other. I asked Jenna if Channing dances for her (hello, did you see Saturday Night Live?), and she said yes, but after watching him perform on SNL, it’s clearly not enough! She recommended next time he dance with the wig and yarmulke he wore in the Bat Mitzvah skit. (Now that we’d like to see!)

Scott Speedman, looking as dashing as ever (Hello Ben Covington!), remembered me from our run-in in the Four Seasons LA elevator a week ago at the press junket. Displaying a shy charm, he said my questions crack him up and definitely make him think! (That is good, right?) I told him that when I first saw the movie a week ago at a media screening, some invited fans in the audience literally shrieked when he first appeared on-screen. (Hey, it’s been a long time since we’ve seen him in a romantic role!). He got a kick out of that and admitted it was very sweet. (For the record, I think that made him feel better, because he admitted he has trouble watching himself on screen–“especially when you’re eight feet high up there!”)

Rachel McAdams (gorgeous in pastel green–seriously, this girl can pull off anything) and Channing Tatum charmed the press line with their hilarious tales of working together. In fact, in one scene midway through the movie (ahem, it involves eating chocolate), their chemistry was more than evident when Rachel committed a blooper and because it’s so genuine and charming, it stays in the movie. (Trust me, you’ll know when you see it!)

As for the movie itself, I can’t say enough good things about it. Based on true events, Paige (Rachel McAdams) and Leo (Channing Tatum) find their vows tested like never before when a devastating car accident causes her to lose her memory, and struggle to gain control of her past life–and current life with Leo. It’s poignant, it’s charming, it’s witty, and most of all, I’m pleased to say, not predictable. Life isn’t always tied with a neat little bow, and this movie (thank goodness) understands that.

On a personal note, it could not have hit closer to home. When I was 13 years old, my Mom had a horrible car accident and went through the windshield of her car before winding up in a ditch. Miraculously she survived, but the doctors and brain surgeons warned us that it could be years before she ever fully recovered, if at all. She was conscious when my Dad, sister and I arrived at the hospital, but did not know who we were and for a full week, lived in an alternate reality. Devastated and scared, I faced the possibility that not only might my Mom not survive, but if she did, it could be without any memories of her life with us. Without giving away what happens to the characters in The Vow, my Mom truly was a miracle, and not only regained her memory, but recovered fully, and was released from the hospital weeks later. To this day, it is the moment that has shaped me more than anything, and has reminded me of how precious life really is. The Vow gets that, and explores how difficult a situation like this is not just for the victim of the accident, but for the family members involved. And somehow, even in the midst of so much unknown, life can give you a better outcome than you’d ever have imagined.

Ok, but let’s get back to light-hearted fun, shall we?

The after-party, sponsored by Ralph Lauren Romance at the Roosevelt Hotel, was truly a sight to behold. Scott Speedman held court near the gourmet buffet while Channing and Jenna entrained the couple whose life inspired the movie at a back table. But the real star of the party was the extraordinary cake that had industry execs posing next to it all night. (And you thought all Hollywood folks banned sugar from their diets!).

On that note, I’m hungry. Maybe Speedman wants to share a piece.

The Vow opens nationwide on Friday, February 10th. Do yourself a favor, and vow to see it opening weekend (sorry, I had to!) But really, go for the stars (who are all excellent–including a comedic-timing revelation in Tatum), and stay for the life lesson.

__Ok, guys, who’s so excited to see this movie? Are you Team Tatum or Team Speedman? Fill me in–I want to hear! __

More Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams News:

Channing Tatum’s severe burn ‘down there’

Rachel McAdam’s wedding ring–well, her character’s at least!

Jenna Dewan and Channing Tatum’s matching tattoos!

Photos: Getty Images

Photos: Jessica Radloff