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
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!!