Aylmer to Zazzoo and Beyond: Safe Haven

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Safe Haven - Review

Safe Haven
(2013 February 14)
Drama | Mystery | Romance
1 hr 55 min

Rated: PG-13 Thematic material involving threatening behavior, and for violence and sexuality | Read more
Grade: B+

Director: Lasse Hallström
Writers: Leslie Bohem (screenplay), Dana Stevens (screenplay), Nicholas Sparks (novel)
Stars: Julianne Hough, Josh Duhamel, Cobie Smulders | See full cast and crew

An affirming and suspenseful story about a young woman’s struggle to love again, Safe Haven is based on the novel from Nicholas Sparks, the best-selling author behind the hit films The Notebook and Dear John. When a mysterious young woman arrives in a small North Carolina town, her reluctance to join the tight knit community raises questions about her past. Slowly, she begins putting down roots, and gains the courage to start a relationship with Alex, a widowed store owner with two young children. But dark secrets intrude on her new life with such terror that she is forced to rediscover the meaning of sacrifice and rely on the power of love in this deeply moving romantic thriller.

So, what can we say about this movie...generally the critics hate it but the vast majority of moviegoers like it. I did too, like it that is. It seems that anything on the verge of wholesome is to be shunned by the critics and Hollywood. There are no racy sex scenes, no F words, no serious profanity for that matter. The guys will probably find Safe Haven a bit schmaltzy and syrupy sweet just as you would expect from this genera but the gals will love it. It's a chick-flick to be sure, but it is also suspenseful and the acting is at worst adequate and at best engaging. In that regard, it is a little up and down as are most films. On the upside local girl, Julianne Hough, as Katie does a good job and works well with Josh Duhamel, their chemistry is believable. The film is based on the novel Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks and directed by Lasse Hallström. The film was originally set for a February 8 release, but was moved to February 14, 2013.

Safe Haven is very reminiscent of The Lucky One staring Zac Efron and Taylor Schilling but in my view is a little bit better. So buck it up guys, take you gal for Valentines Day. She'll appreciate it and it really isn't all that difficult to sit through it's actually quite pleasant. You may even enjoy yourself.

Katie (Julianne Hough) has stabbed her husband in their home in Boston and not certain if he is dead or alive runs for her life. She escapes, with the help of a neighbor, on a bus headed to Atlanta knowing that the police are hot on her trail. During a rest stop in Southport, a small seaport town in North Carolina , where Alex (Josh Duhamel) runs a tiny market with his uncle Roger (Red West). While watching the other passengers board the bus Katie makes a quick decision not to get back on the bus. She soon has a waitress job and finds a isolated cabin for rent outside of town in the woods.

Alex is a very personable, handsome, recently widowed, devoted father of two young children, Josh (Noah Lomax) and Lexie (Mimi Kirkland), who is just trying to get on with his life. When Katie walks into his life she ignites a little spark down deep in his heart and Alex is ready and willing to expose his damaged heart to a second chance at love. As expected she is not ready to lower her guard having herself just escaped from an abusive relationship. She is determined not to make any personal ties.

Katie meets a neighbor, Jo (Cobie Smulders), in the woods and the two soon are fast friends. Jo convinces Katie to give Alex a chance. Before long Katie and Alex are dating. Not long after they have both fallen in love.

Alex sees a wanted poster of Katie in the local police station, identifying her as a fugitive, a first degree murder suspect. Alex confronts her and their fragile relationship is suddenly shattered. Alex feels betrayed she lied to him, even her name is a lie, she's wanted for murder and he let her into his family, he had left his children in her care. He tells Katie she should leave.

Jo finds Katie packing and tries to convince her to stay but Katie knows the only avenue open to her is to run, the law will certainly find her soon if she stays. Alex is heartbroken but realizes that he still loves her. Meanwhile Officer Tierney from the Boston PD has discovered Katie's location and is no his way to Southport.

There are a few twists and turns as the film builds to it's conclusion including one surprising relevation.

Well now, you don't really want me to spoil the ending for you do you? I don't want to either, so I won't. Go see it, I recommend it.