Director: Lasse Hallström
Writers: Jamie Linden, Nicholas Sparks (Novel)
Writers: Jamie Linden, Nicholas Sparks (Novel)
Starring: Channing Tatum, Amanda Seyfried, Henry Thomas, Scott Porter, Richard Jenkins
Running Time: 105 minutes
Running Time: 105 minutes
Rating: PG-13
Dear John,
Stay at home.
I went to this movie expecting a fairly standard romance drama/war film. Well, this certainly isn't a war film. In fact, it's really a love story between an oh-so-altruistic girl and a guy who also happens to be a green beret. There's only one real "war" scene and it was actually the most exciting part of the movie. The rest of the film is drenched in sappy and predictable 99¢ love story. Now, I'm not at all against romance/drama or "chick flicks." In fact, I've seen some really good ones. This one, however, just isn't up to par.
I like Channing Tatum and he usually pulls off his roles very well. He's the standard hardcore buff guy you can throw into a movie and expect great results. He does well in this role and does beat a few guys up. They just could have done so much more with the premise. You basically find yourself begging for some epic war scenes that show what "John" (Channing Tatum) is going through, not a dozen scenes of him loafing around camp daydreaming about his girl and reading her letters. You are pleading for a more believable romance between the girl and the guy or more scenes showing why it was so hard for Savannah (Amanda Seyfried) to wait for her man.
*SPOILER ALERT* The following will reveal some of the plot that actually makes this movie worth renting when it's at redbox and you're bored.
The only redeeming factors of the movie were John's dad and the fact that John didn't just die randomly for cheap dramatic effect points. From the first scene in the movie I got the idea that John was just going to die while at war and the rest of the movie would lead up to that event. He actually doesn't die and ends up with the girl of his dreams (Duh). But, of course, there has to be some twists. John's dad suffers from autism and collects coins. Savannah doesn't "Dear John" John for the guy you think she does either, tricky.
Overall, this movie really isn't that great and very nearly got 1 Popcorn Bucket™, however, since the plot tricked me, I'll throw in another half.
CONTENT: This flick has a saucy love scene and some people get shot. One guy also gets punched in the face. There is very little (if any, I can't remember) foul language.
Dear John earns 1½ out of 4 Popcorn Buckets™
I for one am a sucker for the chick flicks. But this movie was horrible and nothing like the book. But the twist in who she ends up with blew me away. I wasn't expecting that at all. You are nicer than me, I would have only given it one popcorn bucket.
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