This week's new movie releases - Feb. 5, 2010

Opening this week are Lasse Hallström's romantic drama "Dear John" with Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried, and Pierre Morel's action thriller "From Paris with Love" with John Travolta.

DEAR JOHN (with Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried)

Synopsis: The film tells story of John Tyree (Channing Tatum), a young soldier home on leave, and Savannah Curtis (Amanda Seyfried), the idealistic college student he falls in love with during her spring vacation. Over the next seven tumultuous years, the couple is separated by John's increasingly dangerous deployments.

First thoughts: I saw this one last week, and although I can't publish my review quite yet, let me tell you how I felt coming out of the film: neither disappointed, nor happy. It has its decent moments and good cast, but the story line comes with some twists that push it all a tad too far. More on this Friday morning!

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FROM PARIS WITH LOVE (with John Travolta)

Synopsis: A low-ranking intelligence operative (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) working in the office of the U.S. Ambassador in France takes on more than he bargained for when he partners with a wisecracking, fast-shooting, high-ranking U.S. agent (John Travolta) who's been sent to Paris to stop a terrorist attack.

First thoughts: I liked "Taken" because it was so entertaining despite its utterly ridiculous plot, and I have a feel this one will be just as stupid. Then again, it may actually be entertaining. I will know more tonight. My excitement meter for this one: 6/10.