Adapted from Nicholas Sparks’s novel of the same name “Dear John” is another melodramatic tear-jerker similar in nature to “The Notebook.” Although the film has moments of emotional poignancy and realistic drama it fails to live up to its potential by falling prey to cheesy cliches. But when all is said and done the movie will appeal to a wide range of viewers due simply to its nature and the attractive lead actors.
When John played by Channing Tatum (“Step Up”) returns home from the Special Forces he meets Savannah played by Amanda Seyfried (“Mean Girls”). And of course after Savannah sees John’s rocking body it’s love at first sight.
John a young man with a troubled past finds solace in Savannah’s innocent demeanor and enjoys spending time with the sweet girl who doesn’t drink or smoke. At one point John asks her if she has any faults whatsoever. After hitting it off they spend a glorious two weeks together at the end of which Savannah asserts her love for John. Their love is solidified during a scene in which they make out in the rain. It seems this action regardless of the film is a sort of covenant that somehow magically unites the lovers in an inexplicable aura of wet romance.
As fate would have it John must return to the Special Forces and Savannah to college. They decide to write each other as much as possible since John works primarily in Third World countries where there is no possibility of Internet or phone contact. Therefore as the film progresses the two protagonists push through the painful year apart solely on the comfort of each others’ letters.
Refreshingly surprising however is that after this point the filmmakers throw a curveball that is quite comparable to real life. At the risk of ruining the movie let’s just say things don’t work out as planned.
“Dear John” has elements of both a great and awful film. Firstly the acting was surprisingly above average. Both Tatum and Seyfriend convey the angst of long-distance lovers in a decently impressive way. Furthermore Oscar-nominated Richard Jenkins who plays John’s dad gives a wonderful performance as a loving but mentally troubled father. In one particularly poignant scene John is sitting by his father’s deathbed crying when his father who never reveals his love through physical contact finally grabs his son’s hand. The moment was both well-directed and well-acted.
Secondly the movie as expected delivers the mushy melodramatic qualities one would expect in a chick flick (such as making out in the rain and love scenes in barns). Like “The Notebook Dear John” succeeds on this level; these aspects provide the touching nature of the film.
On the other hand though the film has multiple disappointing qualities that negate its otherwise impressive status. For one— even considering the type of film it is— the screenplay is often too cheesy for comfort. Moreover the movie is unrealistic in many ways requiring an impossible suspension of disbelief.
But the worst part of this film is its lack of essence. Besides the emotionally melodramatic moments the movie is often boring without any poignant fuel to drive the movie forward. It just doesn’t quite find the right note to resonate with the viewer. No amount of attractive leads can overcome this fault.
So although the movie succeeds on some levels it also fails on just as many. But knowing the movie-going trend in America and the types of movies that succeed “Dear John—” albeit a mediocre movie— will inevitably appeal to a wide span of viewers.
Score: 2 1/2 stars out of 5
