When the previews for “Dear John” first appeared, the title itself raised eyebrows. Why name a romance movie after the phrase synonymous with break-up letters? Throughout the trailer, Savannah (Amanda Seyfried) pens letters to her soldier boyfriend John (Channing Tatum), each beginning with the fateful words, “Dear John.” As anticipated, this title and recurring line heavily foreshadow a pivotal plot point in this Nicholas Sparks adaptation.
The movie opens with the meet-cute between John and Savannah on a picturesque North Carolina beach. Savannah is on spring break from college, and John is on military leave. Their connection is instant and intense, blossoming into a whirlwind two-week romance. Duty calls, however, and they part ways, returning to college and the army respectively, maintaining their bond through numbered letters. The events of 9/11 dramatically alter John’s path, leading him to re-enlist, a decision that deeply impacts Savannah. Their correspondence eventually dwindles, culminating in Savannah’s own “Dear John” letter, marking a significant turning point in their love story. From this juncture, the narrative unfolds with familiar romantic drama tropes, guiding the audience toward a predictably sentimental conclusion.
Having some prior experience with Nicholas Sparks’ cinematic universe through glimpses of “The Notebook,” my expectations for “Dear John” were admittedly low, bracing myself for potential unintentional comedy. Surprisingly, “Dear John” surpassed these modest expectations, albeit by a small margin. The overarching plot trajectory is undeniably predictable, leaning heavily into melodrama and clichés inherent in the romance genre. Similarly, the screenplay embraces dramatic and saccharine dialogue, yet it manages to avoid descending into complete absurdity.
One unexpectedly strong element of “Dear John” is the performances. Amanda Seyfried, already recognized for her acting prowess in projects like “Big Love,” delivers a nuanced portrayal of Savannah, grounding the character without resorting to excessive theatrics. Channing Tatum, known for his roles in dance films like “Step Up” and action flicks such as “G.I. Joe,” showcases a surprising depth in his portrayal of John. He convincingly embodies the romantic lead, proving his capabilities extend beyond action and dance, revealing himself as a capable dramatic actor.
Furthermore, the film’s production quality, particularly its cinematography and editing, is notably well-executed. While not necessarily Oscar-worthy, “Dear John” demonstrates an artistic sensibility often absent in typical romance movies. The film also attempts to tackle complex emotional themes, including the impact of war, the devastation of cancer, and the challenges of Asperger’s syndrome. The subplot concerning John’s father, a coin collector with rigid routines, is particularly poignant. Savannah’s suggestion that he may have autism triggers a volatile reaction from John, initially reverting to past aggression. As the narrative progresses, John grapples with Savannah’s observation and endeavors to understand and support his father, providing Tatum with ample opportunity to display his expanded acting range.
“Dear John” is far from a cinematic disaster. It offers entertainment value, commendable performances, and polished visuals. It may not resonate with all viewers, and its sentimental core is undeniably present, yet it’s not so overpowering as to alienate a broader audience. Ultimately, “Dear John” fulfills its purpose: it’s a dramatic “chick flick” engineered to evoke tears from its target demographic, and in that, it largely succeeds.
Rating: 3/5
Directed by: Lasse Hallström
Starring: Channing Tatum, Amanda Seyfried
