The story follows the love story of John Tyree and Savannah Lynn Curtis, who meet while Savannah is on spring break in South Carolina while John is home on leave from the Army. They fall in love, but when John is sent back to his station in Germany, the couple is forced to separate and keep in touch through letters. However, when John’s father is diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, he decides to re-enlist in the army for another tour of duty. The couple struggles to maintain their long-distance relationship, but eventually they grow apart due to their vastly different lifestyles.
One of the highlights of the film is the performances by its two leads, Tatum and Seyfried. Tatum brings his trademark intensity, while Seyfried exudes a classic girl-next-door charm. Their chemistry is palpable, and it is easy for the viewer to become invested in their relationship. However, some critics have also criticized the two for lacking depth in their performances, and for being too stiff and austere at times.
Another strong point of the movie is its portrayal of John’s relationship with his father, played by Richard Jenkins. Jenkins delivers a heart-wrenching performance as a man living with Asperger’s, who is unable to connect with his son in the way he wants to. His performance was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild award for “Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role.”
Although the movie touches on several themes, such as military life and disabilities, at its core it is a romance story. It is about two people who fall in love, but who are ultimately unable to make their relationship work. The film deals with the frustration, hurt, and confusion that can come with long-distance relationships, and how life can change unexpectedly and affect even the strongest of couples.
The movie’s soundtrack is also noteworthy. Composed by Deborah Lurie, it perfectly captures the mood of the film, with its dreamy, melancholic melodies. One song that stands out is “Paperweight” by Joshua Radin and Schuyler Fisk, which is played during a particularly memorable scene in the movie.
In conclusion, Dear John may not be the most critically acclaimed movie, but it is a film that has resonated with audiences around the world. Its portrayal of love, loss, and the fragility of relationships is something that many people can relate to. The movie shows that even the most intense of romances can falter in the face of difficult circumstances. Dear John is a story that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the people in your life, and the value of love and connection.