Sometimes touching, though rather uninspired

Rating: 6/10 (9 May 2011)

John returns to his coastal hometown after completing a tour overseas with the troops. One day on the beach, He meets Savanah, the new face on the block. After two 'magical' weeks together, it's back to school for her, and back to the battlefield for John. The only thing keeping them together is pen and paper, while the forces of time threaten to split them apart
I know now that nothing Nicholas Sparks writes will be inspired, and not even a veteran like Lasse Hallstrom can make a strong movie from his material. We've seen this kind of story before, though usually in historical settings such as with Cold Mountain or Atonement. The history helps a bit. In the late 20th century, there is no real sense of distance between the two lovers. It's a smaller world. Montage editing plays a key role here, and to some degree it achieves effectiveness, while at the same time, it keeps Dear John from going in depth. As a studio production, intended for a pg-13 audience, the film unfortunately must keep within the public attention span. It's a body film not a brainy film, one intended to provoke tears, not thoughts.
On an emotional level, Dear John works a bit, but only a bit. The roles are somewhat beyond the acting range of Amanda Seyfried and Channing Tatum, but a few sparks fly between them. I've seen better and I've seen worse. Dear John is probably good for a weep, but not a huge one. otherwise, it won't be of much use.