Great performances, poor story

Rating: 6/10 (9 November 2012)

The first half of the movie is a cute love story - young love, deep devotion, remarkable commitment to each other. I really enjoyed the banter between the two main characters. The relationship between John and his father is very tenderly displayed, kudos to both actors for their performance, never thought Channing Tatum can act so well.
Unfortunately the sudden change in direction around the middle of the movie totally ruined the second half - it was never explained just excused as to why happened what happened and the desperate attempt to make every character flawless in the events failed completely.
I haven't read the book so I don't know how it was handled there but I wish it had discussed this change deeper and focused less on the reunion.