'Dear John' another Sparks success

The movie is a typical love story with an interesting twist.

By Kayla Alewel

Published Feb. 9, 2010

The release of "Dear John" could not have come at a better time. With less than a week until Valentine's Day, what girl isn't dying for a sappy love story, especially one featuring heartthrob Channing Tatum, who plays title character John Tyree?

"Dear John" was originally a novel written by Nicholas Sparks. Sparks never fails to deliver a profoundly romantic tale. From "The Notebook" to "Nights in Rodanthe," his stories always grip readers and viewers and keep them enthralled until the end. "Dear John" is no exception.

The movie, directed by Lasse Hallstrom, follows the same basic plot lines as its romantic comedy predecessors. Except in this one, "Dear John" put a time limit on falling in love. Savannah Curtis, played by Amanda Seyfried, meets John, and they only have two weeks together before John must return to the army. But they do fall in love.

The prolonged gazing into each other's eyes and a passionate kiss in the rain confirm it. When John leaves, Savannah asks him to promise to write everything down and send it in a letter to her, that way it's like they can always be together. The two write endlessly.

Aside from the adoration between the two, a side story arises pertaining to John's father. A quiet man whose life is contingent on his coin collection, John and his father's relationship is strained, but Savannah immediately connects with him and is able to somewhat bring him out of his shell.

The distance from Savannah tortures John, but he remains focused and faithfully serves his country. For Savannah the separation rips at her soul and her life seems to be on hold waiting for his return. Until one day, or rather, one letter changes everything.

At first, Seyfried playing Savannah seems weird, mainly because she is still tied to her role as Karen in "Mean Girls." But she plays Savannah quite well.

She was unfailingly compassionate and truly embodied the down-to-earth charm of the character. Tatum will bring audiences to the film primarily for his indisputable good looks. Who wouldn't want to see him without a shirt on? He continues to deliver through his acting, portraying the dedication of American soldiers and helping to illustrate the struggles they must endure being separated from loved ones.

"Dear John" is yet another triumph for the Sparks' books turned movies. Although this story does follow the typical plot lines of two lovers, it adds an interesting twist. The film perfectly depicts the struggle of many couples divided by war, which so many people can relate to today.