Dear John (5/25/2010)

Rated PG-13 for some sensuality and violence.

Directed by Lasse Hallstrom (Chocolat)

Starring Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried

Dear John, I wish you were a better movie.

Based on Nicholas Sparks’ bestselling novel, Dear John tells the story of John (Channing Tatum) and Savannah (Amanda Seyfried); a young couple who falls madly in love but only get to spend two weeks together. Afterwards, their relationship is put on hold – John leaving to complete his military service, and Savannah to complete her college education. They pass the time by exchanging a continuous stream of love letters, until they can be reunited permanently a year later. But when war breaks out, their separation is extended indefinitely. Will their relationship survive the greatest test of all: the test of time?

TODD’S WORD: Nicholas Sparks cranks out these tear-jerker-romance novels like Jonathan and I eat Hot Wings.

JONATHAN’S WORD: Amen!

TODD’S WORD: And Hollywood’s been cranking out movies based on his books just as fast. My wife Lynda has read every one and claims the books are way better than the movies. In fact she doesn’t even want to watch the movies anymore because the film makers “ruin the books.” So as we popped some popcorn for our date night with Dear John, I was hoping this one would finally rise up and meet her expectations. But when the credits rolled, she was extremely disappointed…in the movie not the date night.

JONATHAN’S WORD: That’s not what she told me!

TODD’S WORD: What?

JONATHAN’S WORD: Never mind. But I have to agree with Lynda on several notes. One: Books are almost always better than the movie. A few exceptions exist, like Jaws, which was a great book and an amazing movie. But generally, the movie just doesn’t do a book justice.

TODD’S WORD: I agree with her too. I am constantly frustrated by what film makers call artistic license. I understand the need to make cuts and condense certain facts, but why can’t they stay true to the story? Enough about that, let’s get back to the movie.

JONATHAN’S WORD: Well, Lynda was also correct—this movie didn’t deliver. Personally, I liked how it started. It was a great love story with great supporting characters (John’s dad, Savannah’s neighbor…) but both my wife and I were very frustrated by the story’s turn of events.

Was it realistic? Maybe. But come on. This is a love story. Sometimes I’d love to escape the frustrations of the world and see a story where love endures. The Notebook did this for me. Nights in Rodanthe even did this for me. Dear John did not.

TODD’S WORD: I agree. And I’m not even a big “love story” guy.

For the most part, the pace and edits in this film are all good as it covers about 10 years. I know the design of these movies is to pull on your heart strings, but for me, I felt that it was emotionally hollow. I never really connected with the characters and as a result I was never really drawn into their story.

JONATHAN’S WORD: I wouldn’t agree with that at all. I did connect with the characters. But they eventually disappointed me in the end. They betrayed me!

TODD’S WORD: Want some Kleenex?

JONATHAN’S WORD: Nice.

TODD’S WORD: I’ll admit I am still upset with Channing Tatum for ruining G.I. Joe but I was hoping he would show me something in this Nicholas Sparks drama. Unfortunately it was the same empty performance. I am sure the ladies consider him “eye candy,” but that is pretty much all he brings to the table. Amanda Seyfried seems to be popping up in movies everywhere and while her performance is more believable it still left a lot to be desired.

JONATHAN’S WORD: I found them both very convincing. I just didn’t like the storyline. That’s while I give this just a RENTAL.

TODD’S WORD: If you haven’t read the book and you really enjoy “chick flicks,” you may want to rent it, but ONLY IF IT’S FREE.

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
We often talk about imitatable characters, and while both show honorable traits (he serves in the army and she cares for an autistic neighbor) both display poor judgment in their physical relationship. Many teen girls will want to see the movie and you need to be aware of a PG-13 rated sex scene and some other mature subject matter.

Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):

1. What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
2. How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
3. How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?