Visitors Review

Geff (2012-05-24 11:32)

Been there... and a comment on the DEAR JOHN film reviews

I went to see Dear John just to see if they caught the emotion involvedwith this sort of thing. Mine occurred in 1969, and it is stillsometimes painfully disturbing to me. The film caught the intenseyouthful attraction, the relationship that can develop in a shortperiod of time before deployment, the love that resists separation, butonly for so long, the intense feeling of loyalty for comrades thatyou've trained with and fought with, the addition of the 9/11country-at-war component into his decision to reenlist, and the painfulsolitary existence suffered by a youthful female waiting and livingonly by letters and consequently driving her to another relationship,despite her love for her soldier. "Frailty, thy name be woman."(Shakespeare) As to many of the comments, I can say to the negativeones, I saw the film and disagree. The film was right-on. I don't careever about comparing a book to a movie. You can't compare apples andoranges. One should judge a film for its making and its cast andacting. The book is the book, and the film is the film. I'll give youan example of the reverse, a bad book made into a classic film. TheGraduate is a classic film that broke many Hollywood moulds and wassuperb as a film. As a book, however, it was cheesy and redundant and,in my opinion, poorly written. So, one should judge a film solely onits merits, not on a comparison to a book. It is not a legitimatejudgment, nor does it make for a legitimate review. The only time Iwould include a book in a review is if the filmmaker leaves out adetail in the film that is included in the book, and it is a necessarycomponent to understand the meaning of the film or the outcome of thefilm. For example, the ending of 2001 A Space Odyssey, was completelyunintelligible to the ordinary viewer if one had not read the book.That was a major flaw that affected one's ability to understand andenjoy the film. This is an example of when the book can be introducedinto a film's review. Dear John was a perfectly clear andunderstandable film. There's one more thing. Some of the male lead's(Channing Tatum's) detractors said in lengthy reviews that his actingwas abysmal. I thought he was accurate in his portrayal of a youngsoldier living with the thought of imminent combat or deployment to alonely and difficult assignment anywhere in the world. Also, his fatherstole the joy of life from him, and not intentionally. He, as an actor,portrayed that perfectly. I have never seen nor heard of him before,and I've never seen his prior work, but he was right-on for thecharacter he played. Why do reviewers waste their time comparing filmsto the book? It is not a legitimate component of a review other thanwhat I mentioned. Please don't waste your time and mine with commentslike, "The book was much better." Who cares?! Dear John is a very goodfilm.

(2012-05-23 21:57)

Great Love Story

This review is from: Dear John (DVD) Great movie about real life. Shows the vulnerability that lies within all of us. The pain and distance is very evident between the father and son. Savannah was unable to continue with her life without John there by her side, so she chose to take an easier route. That route did not fulfill her life and she came to realize that. Both people learned what life is really about and if lucky it will be wonderful. Not everyone is that lucky.I wish they would have made the DVD in full screen. Not happy with that part.

Chris Knipp (2012-05-22 20:07)

Blue-chip corn

Nicolas Sparks is a perennially popular novelist who specializes inweepy tales of star-crossed lovers. He's written fifteen. 'TheNotebook' became a movie. So did 'A Walk to Remember.' And 'Message ina Bottle.' And 'Nights in Rodanthe.' Now Lasse Hallström, a specialistin glossy crowd-pleasers, has directed an adaptation of Sparks' 'DearJohn,' a story whose lovebirds are separated by the September 11, 2001terrorist attacks. If you want a simple fantasy about an inarticulatebut brave soldier and a saintly young woman, this will do the trick.Otherwise you may wonder at the lack of rounded character developmentor convincing storytelling. At home by the water in Charleston, South Carolina on leave fromsoldiering with an elite Special Forces squad, John Tyree (ChanningTatum) dives off a pier to rescue a young lady's dropped purse. Itsgrateful owner is Savannah Curtis (Amanda Seyfried).Channing Tatum (of 'Step Up' and 'Public Enemies', and a comer) lookslike last year's Bruce Weber model -- muscular, square-jawed,wide-eyed, all-American, uncomplicated. He photographs as well with hisshirt off as in a tight dress uniform. He has sweet cow eyes. He is theepitome of the manly hunk. He's so tight-lipped it's hardly surprisingthat his father (character actor Richard Jenkins, of 'The Visitor') isfull-on autistic and can talk coherently only of his coin collection.It turns out Savannah is drawn to autistic folks, and one of herfriends is Tim (Henry Thomas), a single dad with an autistic child.Savannah gets along really well with Mr. Tyree, but then she's alsointerested in Tim and young Alan (Braeden Reed, Luke Benward).Well, guess what? John and Savannah spend his two weeks of leavetogether and when it's over and he must return to his secretassignment, they're -- totally in love! So he promises that when hisservice is up in a year, they will be together. And they agree to wait.Their cloyingly repeated wish-fulfillment goodbye is "see you soon."Military service in this movie is strictly an opportunity to engage inpassionate correspondence of the old-fashioned snail mail kind.Savannah and John exchange declarations of love and loyalty revealed tous in voice-overs. But just when John's remaining year of service isover, the 9/11 attacks happen. Poor John! Duty calls. His squadmembers, after a weekend during which John goes all the way back fromsome top secret exotic country to Charleson, all decide to re-up forduty in Afghanistan, and he can't desert them.Again during that weekend John and Savannah spend an impassioned timetogether. In honor of the War on Terror, she (apparently) gives up herabstinence from almost everything -- drinking, cursing (except in hermind) and premarital sex -- to make love with John. And then again theypart, pledging once more to wait and "see you soon." But Savannah's already waited a year, and this time "soon" starts tolook pretty far off. The title gives away what happens, if you knowwhat a "Dear John letter" is, as pretty much everybody does. There areonly tear-jerker scenes from here on -- not that that's much of achange. The epistolary saga ends. There's finally a tiny combat sequence inwhich John takes two bullets. Eventually, though not right away, he'sretired from the service. The time period of this movie is eight years.But Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried are as pristine as ever at theend of them. Time takes its toll on John's autistic dad, and theautistic boy, Alan, is taken over by an older actor. The feel-goodending is far-fetched and trite.It's hard to see how a good movie could be made out of material likethis: Lasse Hallström's good taste, polish, and restraint as a directorare such (A.O. Scott calls him "a blue chip hack") that you think he'sdone the best that could be done. The movie belongs to theinarticulate. Tatum comes through well. John emerges as seething withemotion, but strong in holding it back -- except for one moment ofviolence at home that, it's hinted, was his regular style when he wasyounger. But this is conviction in appearance; Tatum is given nothingrealistic to do. As John's father Richard Jenkins is terribly twistedand mannered, but he has to be to project both the total repression andthe sweetness the story calls for from him. Amada Seyfried is notdistinctive but she is adequate, sincere -- and very pretty. But whenyou remember Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams in Nick Cassavetes' 'TheNotebook' -- though I'm still wondering why an actor of Gosling'scaliber and daring took on such a project -- you realize this kind ofmaterial can be handled better. It's hard to see what Nicholas Sparksis an expert on: not war experience, certainly; not autism. Even thebehavior of his two lovebirds is only minimally convincing. Maybe coincollecting? Lasse Hallström and the writer of the screen adaptation,Jamie Linden, have not added anything to compensate. All that's left usare some acting tics and Tatum's strong silent meaningfulness.

carry-92 (2012-05-21 22:54)

Crying guaranteed!

I was just listening to the Soundtrack and remembered how great themovie was. I'm not really into Romance nor Drama movies but this isdefinitely one of my favorites! I don't even know what made me watch itbut I'm so glad I did. The acting was great, the story was amazing eventhough it was sad, the music in the movie underlined it perfectly. I'mnot really the crying type at movies either but I cried at so manyparts because it was just so touching. It shows the ups and downs oflife, how quickly one thing can end or start, how you should live everymoment to the fullest.There is this man who is fighting for his country and even though heknew he just had a summer with this girl he still wanted to spend itwith her. They have deep feelings for each other but the eventshappening are just so sad that even a strong connection is breaking up.To fight against a disease is hard, having to care for a child whilefighting is even harder. You somehow want John to be with her again butalso feel for the friend.I can only say it again, this movie touched me and I'm in love with it!

Jeffrey Lyles (2012-05-19 11:30)

... accomplishes everything you'd expect from an unapologetic "chick flick," but could have worked for the male contingent as well if not for a few unneeded story twists.

Victoria Alexander (2012-05-18 20:29)

Ponderous direction cripples Tatum with crying like a newborn. Belongs in the dead letter bin.

(2012-05-16 19:02)

Heartwarming

This review is from: Dear John (DVD) My favorite movie of all movies hits in the soul in the heart. It touches on so many feelings, but most of all it touches on sacrifice. Another incrediable story from Nicholas Sparks. Each character performed incrediably.

(2012-05-15 23:26)

"Dear John" hits all the same Nicholas Sparks notes and will make women weep

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(2012-05-13 01:52)

Just the Perfect Amount of Cheesiness

Last night I decided to indulge myself and watch the new Nicholas Sparks' film Dear John starring Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried. I really enjoyed the Notebook and attempted to watch other Nicholas Sparks' films but always found them to be too sappy with not enough plot and character development. Dear John falls right in between the excellence of The Notebook and the terrible disappointment of Nights in Rodanthe. Though it was very over the top at times, I was overall pleased with the film.The film starts with Savannah, Seyfried, accidently dropped her purse off of a pier. Her date runs down the pier to enter the ocean and retrieve it when John, Tatum, jumps off of the pier into the ocean and gets the purse. From this moment on, the two have a connection and begin a two week relationship while John is on leave from the army. When John's leave is up and he must return to Germany, he and Savannah decide to stay together. He only has a year left after which they will be able to be together. However, September 11th happens soon after and his troop decides to reenlist. Though John wants to remain with his troop and defend his country, he knows that he will have to stay in the military for another four years. Such a decision seems impossible for the couple and will push them to the breaking point. What I liked about this movie is that it was more realistic than other Sparks' novels and movies. Of course there was a layer of cheese, as there is with all Sparks' films. But I found some of the sappiness endearing. You have to be in the right mood for this film, but when you're ready for a little mindless romance...check it out!

(2012-05-12 10:21)

A Touching Romance

Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried star in this wonderful adaptation of Nicholas Sparks' novel.Tatum stars as John. John is home for 2 weeks' leave from the war in Iraq. While home, John is staying with his autistic father, who enjoys his rare collection of coins. Seyfried stars as Savannah. Savannah and John meet, and a romance soon develops. Too soon, however, John must return to Iraq and Savannah heads back to school. But, John promises to come back for Savannah once his tour of duty is up. In the meantime, Savannah checks in occasionally on John's father and she and John communicate by letter. Everything seems to be going along fine until September 11, 2001. The other members of John's group are eager to extend their tours due to the terrorist attacks, but John, torn between Savannah and his desire to serve his country, isn't sure what to do. After discussing the situation with Savannah, John follows the lead of his fellow soldiers and extends his tour. But, things don't go as planned.Savannah has begun seeing another man and John's father passes away. However, the connection between the two is still there. Will love ultimately conquer all?I thought this was a very good movie. The story is relevant to events happening in the world today, and Tatum and Seyfried give very good performances. I haven't read Sparks' book, but if the movie is any indication, the book is probably very good, too. Highly recommended.

pettingillp (2012-05-11 20:49)

Solid movie

Another reflection of our times! The theatres seem crammed with moviesrevolving in some way around 9/11 now, and I don't think I have seen abad one yet. This may not be a great movie but it is worth seeing.Of course there is the love story, and I think there is great chemistrybetween John and Savannah, and it starts with his chivalry from thevery beginning on the beach. Fantastic! Then there is the historicalvalue. Pay attention to the dates! (Your watching a movie about asoldier that starts in "Spring, 2001.") And then there is the autism.Another incredible piece of work by Richard Jenkins.The three themes are all very realistic, there is no mushy fantasy inthis film. In fact, there is the hardcore reality. Savannah is revealedas a girl who just wants to do the right thing, John is damaged goods,suffering from the same neglect by his mother, that little Alan is. Somgreat, intimate conversations throughout the movie, lots of littlenuances only the astute will pick up.Don't be getting up and down during this movie because you will misssomething.I was glad that they did not belabor the war effort here. We got a goodflavor of it but it was more about the pain of leaving love onesbehind, then the pain of the war itself.I almost forgot to mention the coins, What a phenomenal use ofsymbolism. "I was minted in 1980." Just beautiful.I encourage anyone to watch this movie. Touching, riveting, and justdeep enough to choke you up every now and then.

(2012-05-11 00:34)

Dear Loveless John

The following is the story of Dear John: Boy meets girl. Girl is like an angel - if leeches were angels and angels fed off of people with issues. Boy has freaky dad. Dad collects a bunch of coins and then dies. Boy writes girl a bunch of letters (see the Notebook). Girl reads letters and writes back. Girl marries another guy with cancer, leeching off of his suffering until he is dead. Boy returns. They have a dinner and.... The end. I just saved you two hours! Two hours void of any love. Light some candles and dump a bucket of chicken on your dinner table - FAR more romantic. You're welcome.

pjogg (2012-05-09 09:20)

If you give it a try you will realize

I watched it last night, although i was supposed to do it weeks ago,and the main reason it took me a while to watch this is because i not avery fan of this type of movie, a heavy drama, and romance. But i gaveit a chance and when the movie is over i was amazed by its contents.Some people said that this was a bad movie and for those who think thatyou should reconsider, and consider the tag line of the movie, thattrue love never goes away. Sure there it is different from the book,that has some issues in the screen play, but if you consider this at acritical level you find all movies at a rating lower than 6. A goodmovie is the one who make you think about if after it ends, and i amstill thinking about it, and for those who haven't watched, do it, andyou will realize that this movie shows a message that compensate allthe other mistake.

Keith Cohen (2012-05-08 19:17)

Despite the story running out of gas and a hokey tacked-on ending, women of all ages constituting the intended target audience could not ask for a better alternative to the Super Bowl. Guys should strongly consider this movie for a romantic date night out

(2012-05-07 00:35)

Mediocre

This review is from: Dear John (Amazon Instant Video) All in all a bit dull. I didn't like the ending and they wasted hiring a fine actress in Leslea Fisher and giving her virtually no lines in the film. What a waste of talent.

xoxoJuliexoxo (2012-05-06 05:13)

Poor Nicholas Sparks........ Another One of His Stories Wasted

I feel terrible for Nicholas Sparks. The only one of his books that wasdone correctly on screen was The Notebook and that was only because ofthe amazingness of Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, and the rest of thecast and crew. That dedication that The Notebook cast had was missingfrom this movie. First of all, putting two big names into a movie can be both good andbad. For the good, they will bring interest to the movie, but they aresometimes not the best for the part. When The Notebook was casted(Sorry to keep bringing it up, but it is a good comparison.), I don'tthink I had really heard much of the two leads. Dear John on the otherhand has Channing Tatum (Step Up, She's The Man, movies that people whowill watch this movie have seen) and Amanda Seyfried (Mamma Mia, MeanGirls, Big Love). These two are well-known in the chick- flick genre.I'm pretty sure that both Tatum and Seyfried were most likely offeredthe roles. (Spoilers) Getting down to the actual movie, the beginning was great.It showed how John and Savannah were falling in love quite well. But,unfortunately, it failed to show the relationship between Savannah andTim, therefore, shocking most of the audience who had not read the bookwhen it is revealed that Tim and Savannah had gotten married. Also, Iwould have preferred to see less of the military life, and more ofSavannah's story back home which might have held my attention a littlebit better. So overall, I give it a six. It could have been way better, but itcould have been worse. So, although disappointed, I recommend you seefor yourself.

Dave White (2012-05-04 06:04)

You could hate it for being cynically tear-jerking... [but] it can't help itself.

Moira MacDonald (2012-05-04 00:08)

Mostly, this movie is about two pretty actors moodily looking at each other with their pretty eyes -- and, for those seeking a little romance at the multiplex, that's often just enough.

Karen Krizanovich (2012-05-03 05:42)

Despite its flaws, this is a wonderfully filmed romance that will have even the toughest of guys dabbing away the tears.

Derek Malcolm (2012-05-03 03:41)

Tatum makes what use he can of his two expressions, Seyfried does her best to perk things up and much the best performer is Richard Jenkins...