Nicholas Sparks and Lasse Hallstrom -- two names you wouldn't expect to say in the same sentence, in terms of movies. For Sparks creates films dripping in romance, heartache and melodrama (see: The Notebook). Hallstrom is known for creating Oscar bait-y arthouse fare (see: The Cider House Rules, What's Eating Gilbert Grape). Now the two have collaborated on Dear John, whose trailer alone should have you reaching for the Kleenex.
Channing Tatum -- yeah, that tough guy from G.I. Joe -- plays a bit against type as a soldier on leave who meets the ravishing Amanda Seyfried and falls in love with her. They spend the summer exchanging wanting glances and smooching in the rain or on the beach, take your pick. Then -- ba-ba-ba-BUMMMM -- he's called back into active service and the couple begins a heartwarming correspondence, hers beginning with "dear John." Plus there's some side story regarding John's dad in the hospital and him getting all weepy at the prospect of leaving his girl. If you have tears in your eyes just reading this, go, go, GO see this movie.
Release date: Feb. 5
Chance of box office success: Might be decent -- it's up against a John Travolta action flick and a Jim Carrey film that's WAY against type for him (he plays a prisoner who falls for his cellmate -- Ewan McGregor -- and escapes from prison four times to be with him. Hmmm, let's take a look at that trailer next time, shall we?). After The Notebook, women and couples seem to know to flock to Sparks' films.
Should you see it?: If you're a Nicholas Sparks fan, sure. Otherwise, I'd wait for it on cable. Not even premium cable, just regular cable.
School Boy Humor follows in the fun and youthful pop-rock footsteps of 3OH!3 and Forever the Sickest Kids. This outfit from Arkansas can bring both wistful and angsty lyrics to life. With Days Difference and Disco Curtis. 7 p.m. House of Blues, 2200 N. Lamar St. $10. ticketmaster.com.
Why? performs with Au and Serengeti & Polyphonic at Hailey's, 122 Mulberry St., Denton. Doors at 9 p.m. $12-$14. haileysclub.com.
The Q Network and The Silent Partner presents Ken Hamlin's Super Bowl Mondays at the Geisha House. Complimentary sushi from 6 to 8 p.m. with drink purchase. DJ Steve Nice spins. Afterparty hosted by Hamlin and his teammates. 6 p.m. 2600 Cedar Springs. No cover. 214-986-3494.
It's '80s Dance Party night with DJ Leeds at Rubber Gloves, 411 E. Sycamore, Denton. Doors at 10 p.m. Free. rubberglovesdentontx.com.
Tommy C Productions presents Detour Mondays at Mick's Bar. Each week features a different guest DJ who spins dance and hip-hop. 6 p.m. 2825 Greenville Ave. No cover. 214-827-0039. myspace.com/micksbar.
Schwa, Fugita 5, Hot Flash and Big J supply the music at Cool Out Mondays. Happy hour specials all night. 10 p.m. The Cavern, 1914 Greenville Ave. Free. thecaverndallas.com.
Paul Slavens performs his weekly show in Denton. 10 p.m. Dan's Silverleaf, 103 Industrial St., Denton. Free. 940-320-2000 or danssilverleaf.com.
Comments (0)
