Safe Haven

Safe Haven

Rated PG-13 and Released 2/15/13

Reviewed 2/23/13 at Celebration North in Grand Rapids, MI

with Gary, Danelle, Aaron

3 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

I really like Nicholas Sparks books and the movies sometimes hit it like one of my favorites, The Notebook. This film doesn't come close, but it was a charming story. It's probably going to be a hit with most gals. We all know Sparks movies are going to be chick flicky and have the predictable obstacles. I kept good watch and Gary did stay awake, giving it a close 3. That might have been due to Julianne Hough (Katie), which he said was the best part of the movie. Danelle and Aaron thought it was closer to a 2.

Danelle just read the book and said doing so might have ruined it a bit for her. Aaron didn't know what movie he was seeing until he got there, but him and Gary stuck with us in our female-dominated theatre.

Katie needs to make a run for it after fighting off her abusive husband. Landing in a harbor community in North Carolina, she quickly sets up house in a woodsy remote area outside of town. I kept thinking she'd be much safer surrounded by houses, people, or at least set up a perimeter Doomsday Prepper style. But no, she just went to bed there every night waiting for Mr. Ex to come find her in the woods. Anyway, Katie cuts another break and lands a job in town that keeps her crossing paths with the gorgeous Josh Duhamel. He plays Alex, a widower with two cutie kids who runs the local gas station and convenience store which has perked up suddenly. Duhamel, who I was hopeful would be in every scene, makes it easier to get through the sleepy parts. Of course him and Hough are adorable together, but back to the movie. A gentle neighbor Jo (Cobie Smulders) tries to befriend the meek Katie and keeps edging her to think about her decisions. Katie, because of her past, initially rebuffs Alex and tries to avoid Jo, her only other connection. There is some chemistry between the two lost love birds, while Katie is getting closer to Alex's children. In the background is Katie's police hound husband who is searching relentlessly for his wife. He's obsessed and apparently doing nothing else at his job but this. You know where this is all headed - a showdown in the small town. They even have a parade and fireworks to add to the irony. As to be expected, the ending is sentimental and touches even the cold-hearted. Although the added sweet twist, if nothing else, made the ending memorable. I enjoyed Safe Haven and think most gals will agree and, if nothing else, appreciate watching Josh Duhamel on screen. And guys - if you were drug to this movie like Aaron and Gary, there is always Julianne.

QUIET Rating system: 3 Js

Quality: JJJ

Understood story:  JJJJ

Interest: JJj

Entertainment:  JJJ

Time:  JJ