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.
Comments (0)
Leave comment