Safe Haven

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Co D Julianne Hough is not the best actress but I never get tired of watching this one Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/17/25 Full Review Frans B Much better than expected after reading lots of negative reviews. Cast all shines in character, cinematography is great, locations are really stunning. Well made. The plot, well, okay it is a bit predictable and ending is totally "absurd", but still surprising, hey? But, as a movie, really not deserving of all the bad rap, imo ... Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/29/25 Full Review Courtney B I Love this movie, one of my favorites. I've watched this movie multiple times now and the twist at the ending gets to me every time. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/18/25 Full Review Sarah S This movie was so much better than I expected! I am caught off guard by all the negative reviews. The plot twists kept this movie very entertaining. Just the plot twist at the end, I still don’t quite understand the necessity of. All in all, a great movie to watch on a girls night. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 10/19/24 Full Review Samantha L Safe Haven is classic Nicholas Sparks territory, complete with sweeping romance, small-town charm, and those intense emotional beats that tug on your heartstrings. Yeah, it’s predictable—but in that cozy, familiar way, like a warm blanket on a rainy day. It may not break new ground, but if you’re looking for a romantic thriller with a little extra drama, this one’s got you covered.Julianne Hough plays Katie, a woman on the run with a dark past. She lands in a sleepy North Carolina town where she meets Alex (Josh Duhamel), a widower with two kids and a heart of gold. And here’s the thing: the chemistry between these two is legit. Hough and Duhamel make the romantic tension feel natural, their connection pulling you into the story, especially when their budding relationship starts to feel like Katie’s only shot at a fresh start.But then, boom—the thriller element kicks in, and everything shifts gears. Katie’s abusive husband, Kevin (played with unnerving intensity by David Lyons), tracks her down, and suddenly we’re in a game of cat and mouse. Lyons nails the role of the obsessive, unhinged ex. He’s got this wild-eyed, unpredictable energy that brings a darker, edgier tone to the film. You feel his desperation, his insanity, and it’s both terrifying and effective.What sets Safe Haven apart from other Sparks adaptations is that thriller twist—there’s more than just love in the air. Katie’s past isn’t just something she’s trying to forget; it’s actively hunting her down, and that gives the film a suspenseful edge that keeps you engaged, even when the romance dips into familiar territory. You’re not just waiting for the rain-soaked kiss (though, trust me, it’s there); you’re waiting to see how Katie will finally confront the danger looming over her.The pacing is solid, and visually, the film is stunning. Hallström knows how to capture that Southern charm—lush landscapes, beautiful sunsets, and yes, plenty of those trademark Sparks moments with water-soaked kisses. But when the action scenes hit in the third act, things start to feel a little clunky. The big confrontation between Katie and Kevin? It’s tense, but there’s a Lifetime movie feel to it that’s hard to shake. It’s like they tried to mash up a romantic drama with a thriller, but the pieces don’t always fit together smoothly.Now, about that twist ending—it’s the kind of thing that’ll either have you rolling your eyes or nodding along with a satisfied “Ohhh, I get it.” It’s a surprising turn that feels a little tacked on, almost like they weren’t quite sure how to wrap things up. I mean, does it work? Sure, in a “this is totally a Nicholas Sparks movie” kind of way, but it’s definitely not as mind-blowing as the movie seems to think it is.At its core, Safe Haven is still a heartwarming, sweet story. It deals with some real, heavy issues like domestic abuse, and I give it credit for adding that depth. Katie’s journey from trauma to trust is compelling, and her struggles feel real, even if the overall execution sometimes stumbles. It’s one of those movies that tries to do a lot—romance, mystery, thriller—and while it doesn’t always hit every note perfectly, it’s still an enjoyable ride.If you’re a fan of Sparks’ work, you’ll definitely find something to love here. It’s got all the trademarks: star-crossed lovers, small-town charm, and a happy-sad ending. But for those looking for a bit more grit and less fluff, you might find yourself wishing the movie leaned harder into its darker elements. Still, if you’re looking for an easygoing movie night, Safe Haven delivers—just don’t expect it to break the mold.Verdict? A cozy romantic thriller with some solid performances, even if it sometimes veers into cheesy territory. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 10/14/24 Full Review Namita J Why are abusive ane suicidal relationships romanticozed by nicholas sparks? This should be Rated R and away from childrens reach Rated 0.5/5 Stars •  Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 07/26/24 Full Review Read all reviews

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