Once-celebrated director Lasse Hallström has been on a downward slide for years, making ever more shlocky films. However, his Dear John was a surprise hit in America earlier this year. The film is based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks, his fifth book to be adapted for the screen. It includes the usual elements: passion, sacrifice, untimely death, and the chance at redemption. John (hunky Channing Tatum) is a young green beret meets Savannah, the daughter of a wealthy family. She is played by Amanda Seyfried, star of Mamma Mia and Hollywood's current "it" girl. Over two weeks they fall in love. But she must return to school and he to his unit.

In an old-fashioned way they write to each other, and promise to reunite. But after 9/11 he signs on for another tour and she writes him a "Dear John" letter – for an unbelievable reason. Naturally their story is not over.

The writing, acting and pacing all leave something to be desired. Nevertheless there is a refreshing lack of cynicism. That and the glamour of the stars seem to have struck a chord with young romance-deprived film-goers.