Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks and directed by Lasse Hallström, “Dear John” delivers the same structure of “The Notebook.” Starring Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried, “Dear John” is a love story between Special Forces Army Sergeant John Tyree and Savannah Curtis, whom he met while diving into the ocean to save her purse that had fallen off the pier. John smittenly falls for the college student. But as John goes overseas, Savannah promises him she’ll write letters. As time goes by, John re-enlists in the army after the 9/11 attacks, and their love once again is put to the test. The Chronicle’s film critic, David Orlikoff, reviews the film.

Film trailer courtesy of Sony Pictures.