Safe Haven

I will not compare this movie with the novel on which it is based because I have not read it. "Safe haven" is not innovator at all, it is one more romantic drama with a quiet predictable ending, but at the same time, with some mystery and some twists that kept me amused and paying attention during its entire length. It is not as good as "The notebook", but it is better than "Dear John" and "The lucky one", in my opinion. Anyway, these four are very alike to each other and based on the respective novels written by the same author. Lasse Hallstrom proofs again he is an efficient director of dramas (I cannot say versatile, because he has not directed more genres ). He has been able to take advantage of the cast, which is not particularly great, but good enough. The photography is one of the best elements of the movie. It is mainly located in Northern Carolina (in a quiet coastal village) and I really liked the environment. The pace is fluid. It made me pay attention from the beginning. It does not obviously have the same pace that action movies should have. The plot contains just a few good unexpected twists and some flashbacks. The plot is easy to follow and adds no confusion, which is good. The acting is good enough. I am not a fan of any actor from this mo vie, but they all did a decent job and are believable in their respective roles. Josh Dushamel and Julianne Hough are the two leading ones, specially her, who is not famous at all. In conclusion, those who really like this sort of movies will surely enjoy this one even though it is not a top romantic drama. The intrigue and photography are added value. The cast is not great, but good enough. The film is well-paced, but it is not original at all. 7,25.

I watched Safe Haven knowing that Nicholas Sparks wrote the story, and not having read the book. This movie completely exceeded my expectations. As I write this, the tears are drying on my face. I believed the chemistry was there with the actors and the romance had a good build-up (not rushed). I like that the story was easy to follow. The actions scenes were well-directed and realistic. I like how the story incorporates action, suspense, drama, and romance, all in one. What really moved (shocked) me was the ending. It was so beautiful and I just started bawling. It was so moving. As a whole, I really enjoyed this movie.

I just read a few negative professional critics' reviews of this movie, and I'm still wondering why they're so clueless. This is a combination of a damsel in distress story and a fairy tale aimed at female romance readers/viewers and should be evaluated as such, not as a story requiring the utmost in verisimilitude. The earnings for the movie show that it has reached and pleased that kind of audience. If you suspend disbelief, you'll be able to enjoy it and occasionally be moved by it. Some movies are meant for niche entertainment (like this one), and others are designed to reveal important truths about life, history and human nature. It's the old apples and oranges comparison, guys. In reviewing a fairy tale in terms of a serious story, you reveal your misunderstanding of both.

I really enjoyed this romantic thriller, as it kept me guessing until it's explosive end! I appreciated how colourful the filming locations were and the look and feel like a real film. I also liked the plot, one where a mysterious young woman named Katie (Julianne Hough) escapes from somewhere and arrives in a delightful town called Southport, North Carolina. The town, itself, feels like you could live there. Although the Katie character is so secretive about the reason why she's there, she has bits and pieces of memories of a life she left behind, but as she falls in love with a store owner named Alex (Josh Duhamel), everything comes to a head. The few characters were great and supporting actors. Sadly, it was noted that this was actor Red West's final role before he passed away in 2017.

Great suspenseful romance, great casting and beautiful location. Acting is great, characters are great- in the mood for a good romance- Nicolas Sparks is your man. Can't see how anyone can have anything to gripe about in this film.