Opened February 5, 2010 | Runtime: 1 hr. 48 min.
PG-13 for some sensuality and violence
Based on the best selling book by Nicholas Sparks (also author of The Notebook), Dear John follows the long-distance relationship of Savannah and John, a soldier stationed overseas. It’s a romantic drama set against the backdrop of 9/11 and the ensuing wars.
There’s a sweetness, gentleness and tenderness to their 2 week courtship and the letters they write. I think I cried here the most, the innocence and naivety of young love got to me. I remember waaaaaay back when the world was new and open and life was all laid out in front of me. Before I became hurt and jaded… well, anyway. It reminded me of a time I can never have back. Maybe not the movie’s objective, but that’s where it hit me.
The movie takes a few turns you definitely don’t expect. And it was all the better for them. I think it does well to show how torn our soldiers were during this horrible time. Their patriotism, loyalty, sense of duty – in a lot of ways, this is a love story to them. The sacrifices they make for all of us is well honored here. No one’s the bad guy in this movie, it’s a series of circumstances – how would we choose in that situation?
Bring a big ol’ box of Kleenex for this one. I went with my 18 year old and she was literally sobbing at the end. I managed to keep it a little better in check… but not much.
My overall review: the ultimate chick-flick. Go with your girlfriends, that way you can openly drool over Channing Tatum’s abs without harshing your guy’s manhood.
Dear John movie website
Tags: Amanda Seyfried, Channing Tatum, Dear John, Movie Review, Nicolas Sparks, Sony Pictures
This would be my kind of movie. Not sure if I could get my husband to go to it but for sure I will get this on Netflix.
I will be sure to have a box or two of Kleenex beside me.
I am really out of it because I had never heard of this book.
The previews make me want to watch it. It seems like such a pure love story. But Nicholas Sparks has a tendency to rip my heart out and stomp on it so I don’t know if I can handle another one of his tear jerkers.
But Nicholas Sparks has a tendency to rip my heart out and stomp on it so I don’t know if I can handle another one of his tear jerkers. – Samantha@IW
I know the feeling. I still love “The Notebook” though…..
I was thinking about seeing this last weekend. I am not sure if I will make it to the theatre, but it is definitely in the Netflix queue. A good cry can be therapeutic.
Tatum is nice eye candy, but I think Amanda Seyfried is really one of our better young actors and Richard Jenkins is good in everything!
Thanks for the review.
I totally forgot to mention Richard Jenkins – he is OUTSTANDING!!! Ah, I’m tearing up just thinking about him, his portrayal of John’s father is sooooooo touching. See it just for him, if nothing else. Well worth it (but definitely a Netflix worthy flick.)
Richard Jenkins captured my heart in “Flirting with Disaster” as Josh Brolin’s partner – the one no one wanted to ride in the car with. Poor guy.
He was also great as Nathanial Fisher Sr. in “Six Feet Under”.
I will see it for him, for sure!
I am so behind on my movie watching and I also feel out touch because I don’t know any of the names. I do love Richard Jenkins though. Anya, he was great in Flirting W/Disaster. I loved that movie. Pam, I am not familiar w/the book either.
Thanks Tiffany, I have another one to put on my list. I want to start quilting again (it’s easy quilt in a day stuff) and that means MOVIE TIME!!