“Dear John” is a decent, romantic tear-jerker, and much better than I expected. Channing Tatum plays an army soldier on leave for two weeks in North Carolina, where he meets the beautiful Savannah, played well by Amanda Seyfried. They fall quickly in love and then it's back to the front lines for the young soldier, and that's when they begin writing love letters.
“Dear John" is well directed with a touch of intimacy by Lasse Hallstrom. He directed "The Cider House Rules” and "Chocolate." His movie does move at a slow pace because it's about young love, and long distance relationships, rather than war. It's also a thoughtful film, and a movie where people actually listen.
Take a box of Kleenex to see "Dear John," a Valentine’s movie that is far from perfect but better made than most. And look for the great Richard Jenkins as the soldier’s father, and Henry Thomas, the Texas child from "E.T.," as the grown up good neighbor. And remember, it's called "Dear John" for a reason.
E-mail gcogill@wfaa.com
