By Tiffany

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