Starring: Channing Tatum, Amanda Seyfried, Henry Thomas, Richard Jenkins
Directed by Lasse Hallström
Rated: PG-13
Run Time: 108 mins
Genre: War/ Romance/ Drama
2.5 frames out of 5
Can two people fall in love in two week and really expect it to last forever?
In this latest adaptation from the Nicholas Sparks’ collection, Dear John, recounts the story of John & Savannah. Boy saves girl’s purse from drowning. Girl swoons over the chivalry and they fall in love. Oh, but here’s the catch. John (Channing Tatum) is still on active duty in the military and home on leave when he meets Savannah (Amanda Seyfried). Savannah is also at home on break from school so you’d think that this would be a great fling to go back to their respective places to tell all their friends about, right?
During their time together (2 weeks), John and Savannah discover that their chemistry runs deeper than just a fling and real feelings develop between them. As they get closer, she notices that John’s father shows signs of mild Autism. John reacts poorly to this suggestion and he almost loses her. Right before he leave they make up and declare their love for each other, promising to write every chance they can.
As time goes by, the piles of letters add up and John’s term in the Army Special Forces is almost done. Weeks before his finishing, 9/11 happens and he is forced with a difficult decision: get out while he can so he can be with the girl he loves or stand by his brothers in the greatest time of need that our country has known? He has a few days to decide so he goes back home to visit Savannah hoping to gain some clarity. He’s deeply confused and begs her to decide for him. She indirectly gives him an ultimatum – if he re-up it’s not looking too good for them. Keeping theme with Nicolas Sparks’ tear –jerking tales, John reenlists and he ends up getting the “Dear John” letter. She has met someone else and now engaged to be married. John dives deeper into his role in the military and years go by before her can gain any clarity into the after effects of the decisions made.
A few things truly bothered me about this film. Let me state for the record: This is a chick’s version of how a military romance should be. I have not read the Nicholas Sparks novel but I found so many flaws that it became distracting for me. So goof up #1 – there is no way that any special forces military man would beg a woman to decide for him to reenlist for extended duty. There’s no way. I’ve known and dated a few military boys myself; I am fully aware and respect the fact that their unit comes first. Those that they serve with become like one person – that’s a pretty tight bond. If some woman thinks that she can infiltrate that, sorry honey, you are sorely mistaken.
Second distraction – the chemistry between Tatum and Seyfried starts off strong but it fizzles out and never quite reignites the way a viewer would hope. Third thing about this film that really bothered me, that each film that bears Nicholas Spark’s name/ brand, they are promoting it as the author of “The Notebook”. This film does not even come close to having the same amount of chemistry, intensity and romance that the aforementioned film/ book had. I wish that the studios would stop promoting each film that comes out bearing the Spark’s brand against “The Notebook”. It really is disheartening as a fan of Spark’s books and the integrity of the film.
Things to watch for: Chilling 9/11 scene – makes you think about where you were if you can remember.
Who should see this movie: Fans of Channing Tatum, fans of Nicholas Sparks
See it in the Theater or Rent it on DVD: Leave this one for the rental shelf.
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