PRINTMovie Review: Dear John
Courtesy of Screen Gems
Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried star in this letter-writing love story.
February 6, 2010 | 10:57 a.m. CST
Like the couples in wars of decades past with letters shoved away in hatboxes and bound in string, Savannah Curtis (Amanda Seyfried) and John Tyree (Channing Tatum) revive the lost art of letter writing in Dear John, based on the novel by best-selling author Nicholas Sparks. This love story weaves its way into believability by reviving memories of 9/11 and serving as a reminder that life and love go on, even in times of war. However, gasp-inducing plot twists and love-story clichés tarnish its reality.
Tatum, a soldier on leave, wastes no time going shirtless when he jumps off a pier to rescue Savannah’s purse that fell into the ocean below. From this chance first meeting, John and Savannah develop an unforgettable relationship.
Related LinksAfter two weeks of blissful dates, a rain-soaked make-out session (à la The Notebook) and one smack down delivered by the Green Beret, John must return to his military duties. Cue the montage of letters scrolling across the screen while the two narrate their notes, progressing the plot and learning more about each other with each letter.
With their expressive faces, Tatum and Seyfried succeed in making Savannah and John come to life. Seyfried displays her musical abilities with a serenade of “Little House,” and Tatum shines as a special operations officer. If you go into to this movie expecting sappy aspects, the reality of this modern day love story should leave you happy. Characters, with all their flaws, are complex and well developed. It’s worth a weekend showing with your girlfriends. Even a few guys were grinning and baring it in the theater.
The ending is abrupt and open to interpretation, but the love story spun by Sparks satisfies the audience with the cloying sweetness one might expect from the author of "The Notebook."
Vox Rating:
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