Review of Dear John (1964) by Lin D — 31 Jul 2012
Though in its plot a lot less cliched than other films based on Nicholas Sparks novels, Dear John lacks the essential charm to set it apart from your average romantic film.
The main problem is that there is nothing to pull you in.
The characters have no depth. Half-heartedly trying to create a round character by giving the audience the impression of a background that could be elaborated on just does not work. Savannah at some point talks about her "flaws" which are never mentioned again, same with John's supposed "change" ever since he entered the army.
Many elements found in this movie are simply irrelevant and not contributing to it in any way. Yes, it may be unusual for a movie to touch on subjects like autism but if the topic is not elaborated on, it just feels out of place instead of creating depth, as was most probably intended. The coins and horses are only mentioned in a few scenes and never really feel like they are part of Savannah or John.
The pace is very slow; I don't necessarily dislike slower movies but in this case, it just felt like mindlessly stretching a 20 minute plot to a 100 minute movie.
And if I may add, if the movie's framework in itself is as lacking as this, Lasse Hallstrom should have at least considered casting actors with the right chemistry.
All in all, this movie is lacking in so many aspects, possibly because it wanted to be more than it was (by incorporating "heavier" subjects). The large number of topics superficially discussed and elements that are not elaborated on as well as the lack of depth considering the characters and the constant feeling that something is "off", this movie is simply not worth your time.
This review of Dear John (1964) was written by Lin D on 31 Jul 2012.
Dear John has generally received mixed reviews.
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