The movie lacks energy and vitality, and the slack direction, courtesy of veteran Lasse Hallstr? ('Chocolat,' 'The Shipping News') doesn't help.Īlso, a few 9/11 trappings (the story starts early in 2001) add a certain distasteful, exploitative quality to the story. Subplots discussing autism and Asperger syndrome - Savannah's neighbor (Henry Thomas) is the father of an autistic boy, while John's father (Richard Jenkins) shows signs of high-functioning autism - are unnecessary, as well. And Tatum and Seyfried, who mumble and mutter through their voice-over moments, have believable chemistry as a couple.īut there are the customary Sparks plot twists and accompanying tragedies, which this story doesn't need. What's really frustrating is that the film's setup is not terrible. So they begin a series of correspondences by letter. Unfortunately, she's about to go back to school, and he's getting ready to return to active duty for another year. John rescues her purse, which is in danger of 'drowning,' and for the two of them, it's love at first sight.

He's spending his break by surfing, which is how he meets Savannah Curtis (Amanda Seyfried, from 'Mamma Mia!'). Army Special Forces soldier who's waiting assignment while at home in South Carolina. Joe: The Rise of Cobra') stars as John Tyree, a U.S. Its competition includes 'Message in a Bottle' (1999), 'A Walk to Remember' (2002) and 'Nights in Rodanthe' (2008).Īnd, with its awful and increasing silly third act, this one definitely pales in comparison to the 2004 hit 'The Notebook,' which is still the most watchable of the Sparks movies.Ĭhanning Tatum ('G.I. While this romantic drama is one of the better cinematic Sparks adaptations, that's really not saying much. That day is not today, however, and that movie is most definitely not 'Dear John.' Someday, someone just might make a truly good movie out of a Nicholas Sparks novel.

DEAR JOHN - ★★ - Channing Tatum, Amanda Seyfried, Richard Jenkins rated PG-13 (violence, sex, profanity, brief gore, vulgarity, slurs) in general release

Dear john nicholas sparks movie