The chemistry is lacking between the two stars (Channing Tatum, Amanda
Seyfried) of 'Dear John'

Another one of Nicholas Sparks' book-turned-movie is now playing in theaters. "Dear John" stars Channing Tatum as a rough around the edges boy who falls in love with a goody-two-shoes college girl (Amanda Seyfried) on spring break.  The romance between Savannah and John blossoms over a two-week period until John has to return to the army to finish up his service.
 
Savannah and John only spend a small amount of face time together during the movie, and their chemistry isn't very convincing; it seems almost contrived. The two meet in a small South Carolina beach town in one of the first scenes in the movie. In an all too convenient meeting, Savannah's purse falls into the ocean and, surprise, surprise, John jumps in after it. After a semi-awkward first encounter, Savannah invites John to a beach party. John's stammering and shyness toward Savannah is a bit endearing, and he finally gets up the nerve to ask her out. Their romance progresses from there.

The gorgeous couple fall in love quickly, but are torn apart when John leaves. John promises Savannah that his tour will only last one year--then 9/11 happens. Despite Savannah's plea, John decides to re-enlist in the army and serve his country. The "Dear John, Dear Savannah" letters continue.

The first scene of the movie involves John being shot, so it's safe to say that things don't go as planned. But it's not what you'd expect. The plot has many twists and turns; however, one thing is lacking--chemistry between Seyfried's Savannah and Tatum's John.

The character's depth isn't showcased immediately, and only as the movie continues on do we actually start to feel for John and Savannah. John's father, played by Richard Jenkins, adds some depth to the story. Jenkins plays a borderline autistic man with an obsession with coin-collecting, which ties into John's childhood and how he was raised.

Sparks writes amazing stories (A Walk to Remember, The Notebook, The Rescue); however, "Dear John" doesn't transmit as well on screen as some of his other movies. The movie moves forward in an unexpected way, and the intensity of the plot thickens. It successfully tugs on viewer's heartstrings in some parts, but the ending leaves the viewer a bit confused.