Culture

Directed by Lasse Halström
(2.5 /5)


Okay, confession time: I own The Notebook on DVD, I cry every time I watch A Walk to Remember, and I didn’t think Nights in Rodanthe was that bad. So when I heard that yet another Nicholas Sparks’ novel, Dear John, was being adapted for the big screen, I knew I wanted to indulge.
As should be expected, the story is very Mills and Boon/Lifetime Movie saga-ish: Savannah and John meet and fall in love at the beach one summer (Grease, anyone?). John, an officer in the US Army, has to return to service overseas, but they keep in contact by writing letters. Various challenges to their love follow, including rival suitors, over-protective fathers, and even September 11.
The plot progresses in leaps and bounds, sometimes jumping right past explaining important story points and leaving me a little confused. Channing Tatum as John is pretty wooden, but totally hot with his shirt off so he’s forgiven, and Amanda Seyfried is enchanting and surprisingly believable as über-sweet Savannah. There’s also an outstanding performance from Richard Jenkins as John’s autistic father – he provides the film with some of its most tender and sob-worthy moments.
Dear John doesn’t disappoint in the weepy department, but it seems less plush and confidant than other Sparks adaptations. It’s a disappointing turn-out from Academy Award-nominated director Lasse Halström, who’s known for sumptuous productions like Chocolat and Casanova.
Technical criticisms aside, this film has its purpose, and serves it well. If you like Piña Coladas and getting caught in the rain, then this romance is for you.