Dear John (2010)

"Dear John" may not be the best love ever conjured, but it's a lot better than I expected. Normally, I can always tell exactly how a love story like this will end just by watching the trailer, and I'm usually never wrong either. Not to brag or anything, but just stating an observation about myself. However, "Dear John" was surprisingly better than I honestly expected. In fact, this was probably the first chick flick I've seen in a long time where I couldn't predict the ending, as the story does throw in a few clever plot twists to throw me off.

Of course that's not to say that the story is perfect. Like all chick flicks, "Dear John" still falls into a few typical romance and teen drama cliches. Plus, I was a bit sad they didn't elaborate more on Channing Tatum character's past.  Since it seems like John Tyree (Channing Tatum) isn't that close to anyone besides Savannah, at the beginning of the movie, yet the film rarely ever goes over his past to explain it. If that wasn't enough, the story seems a bit rushed and sometimes forced, when it shows how John and Savannah Curtis (Amanda Seyfried) met. Seriously, she only falls in love with the guy during a span of a few days. Granted, I'm not an expert in love, but I doubt seriously any normal person in their right mind falls in love in a few days. Now, before we get into the whole psychological bull s*** about how "love at first sight" exists or doesn't exist, I will say this. Based on my own experiences and every successful couple I've talked to, love doesn't happen over night or in a span of a few days. Love takes time and effort. It starts off as mutual infatuation, but it eventually evolves into love. Where the cute guy/girl you like will slowly but surely turn into someone that you can't live without. That's basically what love is. However, according to "Dear John" love is magical and happens within such a short time frame. Then again, it's a chick flick, so what can you expect? All chick flick movies usually paint a picture of unrealistic romances.

Thankfully, "Dear John" does throw in a few clever and unique plot twists to keep the story from getting boring.

Plus, it did make me realize Channing Tatum is a far better actor than I gave him credit for. After watching his mediocre performance in "G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra", I honestly thought he was another over hyped actor like Taylor Lautner and Robert Pattinson. However, I was glad to be proven wrong, as he really did manage to show off his acting versatility more so than I thought he had in him. I guess there is hope for Channing yet, but he needs to stop starring in over hyped blockbusters like this first.  As for his love interest played by Amanda, I thought she was rather pleasant as well.  Although the various scenes and dialogue, would've probably made any other actress feel the need to over act.  I thought Amanda played her role quite well, as she was able to make her character charming enough to where it's impossible to hate her, even when things don't seem to go well with Savannah and John.

Anyway, "Dear John" may not exactly be one of the best love stories ever told, but it's not a bad film by any means.  Over rated maybe but not so terrible to where the thought of ever seeing it, would make anyone's skin crawl.  No, "Dear John" is a surprisingly decent chick flick, where it doesn't pretend to be anything else.  Definitely worth a rental for all those couples out there, but I wouldn't see it in a theater though.