Film Critique

Rating: 7/10 (24 April 2017)

*May Contain Spoilers*
Out of 10 stars, I would give this star a 7. While it was a well- done movie, there could have been more development is some of the sub- plots. Overall, I enjoyed watching the movie and would be willing to watch it again, I would not consider it one of my favorite movies.
Dear John is the tale Savannah and John who show that while love may have obstacles, it can travel around the world and last a lifetime. Savannah is a college student who met John in South Carolina during a volunteer trip. John is a resident of South Carolina who is in the United States Army and lives with his Dad who may be on the autism spectrum, even though it is not confirmed in the movie. As stated in the movie, it only took two weeks for Savannah and John to fall in love but when those two weeks were up, the reality of life settled in an Savannah and John had to face long distance, deployment, friends who have fallen ill, and accomplishment of personal dreams through letters written to one another. While some may believe that love has no bounds, Dear John sends that message the life will throw obstacles at love and choices need to be made that can affect the relationship despite the love shared. I found that Dear John portrayed a realistic version of love for young lovers who not only come from different experiences but also have different goals. Dear John showed that while someone may love another, sometimes other responsibilities need to take priority but the love one has for another will never truly disappear.
The main character that was perceived to have a disability was John's father. It was hinted by Savannah that he may have autism because he is obsessed with coins, has a schedule for dinner, and lack social skills. However, when she addresses this with John, John reacts negatively and automatically assumes that Savannah thinks that something is wrong with him. This is considered a negative barrier because it promotes stigma that autism means not right. However, a positive advocacy if autism occurs in the movie through the love Savannah has for her neighbor who has autism. Savannah shows that autism is not bad and through interventions such as horse-back riding, children with autism can build connections.
Overall, I would recommend this movie for those who enjoy love stories. Since this movie is based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks, I would highly recommend this movie to those who enjoy Nicholas Sparks's works.