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Notes:
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.
Drama Romantic - Like other films based on Nicholas Sparks novels, this is a romantic
drama aimed primarily at women, but there is also a bit of a darker
mystery/thriller element attached. This is, as usual, mostly a
showcase for the two romantic leads, Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough.
Mild language, some violence, and adult themes make the film of
caution for parents of young children.
Berardinelli, Internet CriticFull Review Average The film isn't awful but it's tiresome in its relentless lack of originality.
Roger EbertFull Review Below Average This film is nuts. Not in a 'wacky comedy' or 'outrageous adventure' or 'insanely effective romance' kind of way.
USA TodayFull Review Average With a mystery at its core, this film deviates somewhat from the usual progression in Nicholas Sparks movies, but hits many familiar notes. Mostly it's dogged by bad performances.
Washington PostFull Review Below Average 'Safe Haven' is one of those Valentine's Day confections that satisfy your sweet tooth until you get to their weird, off-putting center. The problem with movies is that you can't put them back in the box.
Note: The rating
above is our interpretation of what the critic would give this movie based on
their review. We are not affiliated with these critic's in any way.
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DETAILED OPINIONS
The positive and negative comments made by moviegoers are very
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OPINION OVERVIEW The following is the original "What's Worth
Watching" write-up for this movie.
Moviegoer Opinions:
Based on a theater exit polling of 84 moviegoers:
FANTASTIC REVIEWS! The major movie critics rated this movie Average and Below Average. I love it when they are SOOOO WRONG! Average moviegoers LOVED "SAFE HAVEN." Only a very tiny percentage rated it somewhat low (which happens with virtually every movie). Despite what the so-called "professional" movie critics say, "Safe Haven" is a movie not to be missed!
A mysterious young woman arrives in a small North Carolina town and reluctantly finds new love with a lonely widower in SAFE HAVEN, a deeply moving romantic thriller from Nicholas Sparks, the best-selling author whose novels inspired the beloved films THE NOTEBOOK and DEAR JOHN.
Katie Feldman (Julianne Hough) arrives in the tiny coastal town of Southport, North Carolina, looking to make a new, quiet life for herself. She rents a rundown cabin and takes a job waiting on tables in the local cafe, hoping to keep a low profile. But despite the almost impenetrable emotional walls she has built to protect herself, she is drawn in by the genuine warmth and caring of the tight-knit community, especially the town's grocery-store owner, Alex (Josh Duhamel), and his two young children.
As Katie gradually learns to trust again, Alex and his little brood teach her to experience the joys of love once more. But nothing is as simple as it seems and her newfound happiness is threatened by the terrifying secrets that still haunt her. When a mysterious stranger arrives in town asking questions about Katie, her past threatens to reclaim her. Although every instinct tells her to run, Katie decides to do whatever she must to protect her new life, as she rediscovers the meaning of sacrifice and commitment in a gripping and suspenseful story of hope, survival, and the power of true love.
