Thoughtful with likeable characters

Rating: 7/10 (10 July 2019)

Having not read the novel, and having no expectations, Dear John is about what expected it to be. It's passable due to the characters and their motives. Several critics claim Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried didn't have great chemistry but thought it was believable.
The film may be slower than other romantic dramas but there is a pay off in the end, and unlike many of these types of films, Dear John isn't completely predictable. Then the twist in the film happens regarding a tragic event (9/11) which took off guard but was plausible.
Though what did not completely like was near the ending in regards to Savannah ending the relationship with John because her close friend and neighbor Tim was sick and his son needed care. This has obviously been brought up by reviews but made little sense as to why she needed to marry him in order to take care of him. There didn't seem to hint at any romance with one another throughout the film.
Then of course in the very end more years have now passed and she's writing a letter to John mentioning that Tim has passed away from cancer. And eventually (at least what is implied) is that John and Savannah end up with each other at last- when he meets or sees her in a coffee shop. So in the end, a sad yet happy ending.