Dear John Review
“Dear John” is based on a Nicholas Sparks’ novel. This is a love story about John (Channing Tatum), a young soldier, and his long distance romance with Savannah (Amanda Seyfried), a dedicated college girl. They met in the late 1990‘s on a South Carolina beach when John was on a two week leave, and Savannah was on spring break. After 2 wonderful weeks together, the smitten couple had to part ways, as Savannah went back to college, and John went back to combat. Knowing they’re going to be apart for twelve long months, they promise to write letters and keep in touch, with the plan to eventually get married. Then September 11, 2001 occurred, and that changed their plan. With John’s loyalty to his fellow soldiers and his country, he reenlists in the Army, hoping to continue his long distance romance with Savannah.
Rating: Four out of five buckets
Release Date: May 25, 2010
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 13+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
Talking Points:
This movie portrayed the difficulties of a long distance love affair, especially one with a soldier at war. Over the course of seven years the couple stayed in touch through their letters, but rarely met in person.
Savannah is a loving, nurturing girl with wonderful qualities that teens may admire. She doesn’t drink or smoke. She has a special relationship with her life long friend’s autistic son, and dreams of someday working with children who have special needs. She also teaches John how to be patient, and care for his dad who struggles socially and emotionally.
John is also a wonderful character. He loved Savannah deeply and would do anything for her. Though, in the countries time of crisis, the call of duty came first, he couldn’t abandon his country or fellow soldiers.
Sexual Content: Mild
The PG13 rating is appropriate. John and Savannah have many passionate kisses, and the movie shows them undressing each other, as they eventually have sex. This is tastefully done, with the viewers only seeing them kissing passionately in bed.
Violent Content: Mild
- There are a few violent war scenes, and TV coverage of 9/11 is briefly shown.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- Some swear words used.
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
- Some characters drinking, though not much!
I would recommend this movie for teenage girls, it’s also a great date movie. Because of the subject matter, I don’t think tweens would enjoy it. My 13 year old daughter, and many of her friends saw it. They all loved it, but cried throughout the movie. When I asked the girls how many buckets I should give it, one girl replied, “seven”.
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