Safe Haven
Relativity Media | Release Date: February 14, 2013
5.8
USER SCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 90 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
41
Mixed:
27
Negative:
22
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User Reviews

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9
KellyCFeb 23, 2013
I usually do not like romance movies, but this one provided a good mix between action and romance. I thought the story line was very good and kept me guessing the whole time. I do not understand why the ratings are so bad, if your not justI usually do not like romance movies, but this one provided a good mix between action and romance. I thought the story line was very good and kept me guessing the whole time. I do not understand why the ratings are so bad, if your not just looking for love, but for some action with it, I would definitely suggest this movie.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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10
MDeffenseFeb 15, 2013
I am amazed how wrong most critics are at rating movies these days. Have they become so shallow and devoid of common sense? If you are a movie buff that likes a great family movie,great story, unusual setting, romance, drama, thriller with aI am amazed how wrong most critics are at rating movies these days. Have they become so shallow and devoid of common sense? If you are a movie buff that likes a great family movie,great story, unusual setting, romance, drama, thriller with a surprise ending go see it, you will not regret it.… Expand
5 of 7 users found this helpful52
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9
CopernicusFeb 15, 2013
I almost missed a lovely movie because of the pitiful reviews. The theatre audience even clapped at the end. How many times do you witness that? I go to the movies all the time and rarely see that. The characters are basically nice peopleI almost missed a lovely movie because of the pitiful reviews. The theatre audience even clapped at the end. How many times do you witness that? I go to the movies all the time and rarely see that. The characters are basically nice people you will like with one exception. That's a relief in comparison to so many movies out there now.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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3
GreatMartinFeb 15, 2013
It being Valentine’s Day weekend Hollywood, naturally, offers a romantic Nicholas Sparks film “Safe Haven” based on one of his many books.. In most films logic has to be left at the door but with this one also leave your brains there.

TheIt being Valentine’s Day weekend Hollywood, naturally, offers a romantic Nicholas Sparks film “Safe Haven” based on one of his many books.. In most films logic has to be left at the door but with this one also leave your brains there.

The opening scene shows Katie (Julianne Hough) running from what could be a murder scene. In the fastest time ever in a film she cuts and dyes her hair, gets on a bus going to Atlanta, even though the police are looking for her, gets off in a small town and within minutes gets a job, rents a cabin, meets a guy Alex (Josh Duhamel) who lost his wife 2 years previously to cancer and is bringing up their two kids Lexi (Mimi Kirkland) who was too young to really remember her and Josh (Noah Lomax) who misses her and, by the way, Alex gives Katie a bike in the middle of the night since she doesn’t have any transportation, though she really doesn’t need it--remember this is a small town--and meets Jo, her neighbor who lives down the way. Whew! We haven’t even gotten into the main thrust of the story.

There isn’t a cliche that the director, Lasse Hallstrom, or the screenwriters, Dana Stevens and Gage Lansky, don’t love and feel they have to put up on the screen. We haven’t even mentioned fireworks filling the sky, children in jeopardy, homes on fire, a policeman who misuses his power, canoe rides, lovers getting caught in the rain not to forget the very unbelievable ending though the lovers and kids will live happily ever after as this is a Hollywood/ Nicholas Sparks movie. There is a thriller aspect added to the love story but adds nothing to the film.

Josh Duhamel goes through the 5 o’clock shadow stage here and there while Julianne Hough looks better as a blonde than a brunette but with either color there is very little chemistry between the leads. Mimi Kirkland and Noah Lomax do a good job while most of the supporting cast blend into the wood.

While you can’t say Hallstrom does a bad job there are one too many poorly edited scenes and as a director he really doesn’t bring anything special to the film.

The star of the movie is really the small town of Southport, North Carolina, which is movie perfect.

Though “Safe Haven” is being touted as a romantic film the best romantic film available on the big screen today is “Amour” that shows what love really is all about.… Expand
3 of 5 users found this helpful32
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1
BENNEBFeb 20, 2013
Safe Haven? More of crap haven. Unfortunately, this movie falls flat for me. There is just a bland love story, could you even call it love??? Jesus man, come on. The thriller part of it had no 'umph' feeling in it to boost the movie at. So ISafe Haven? More of crap haven. Unfortunately, this movie falls flat for me. There is just a bland love story, could you even call it love??? Jesus man, come on. The thriller part of it had no 'umph' feeling in it to boost the movie at. So I decided to say: F*ck it. A poor movie that falls flat.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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6
ProteusFeb 20, 2013
The definition of haven is "a place of safety", so we have here a safe place of safety. This means that the girl is really really safe in the arms of her guy...which is good. But there are some tense moments before that is confirmed! Yes, allThe definition of haven is "a place of safety", so we have here a safe place of safety. This means that the girl is really really safe in the arms of her guy...which is good. But there are some tense moments before that is confirmed! Yes, all very predictable, but what exactly is wrong with that?… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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3
Movie1997Mar 24, 2013
Why do people still make movies off of Nicholas Sparks books? I just don't understand. But of all the Nicholas Sparks books, this one was the most ridiculous. I mean, Trying to combine romance with thrills, makes this movie fail miserably. NoWhy do people still make movies off of Nicholas Sparks books? I just don't understand. But of all the Nicholas Sparks books, this one was the most ridiculous. I mean, Trying to combine romance with thrills, makes this movie fail miserably. No wonder valentines day movies suck soo bad.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
TheQuietGamerOct 20, 2013
A somewhat awkward romance flick, but it's sweet. Dialog is clumsy at times, side-characters aren't developed, and the more tense action moments near the end of the film fall flat. Still it is romantic and touching even though some momentsA somewhat awkward romance flick, but it's sweet. Dialog is clumsy at times, side-characters aren't developed, and the more tense action moments near the end of the film fall flat. Still it is romantic and touching even though some moments come across as goofy and weird. If you're looking for a movie to watch with your significant other this is a pretty good choice. It may not always hit the mark but when it does it's easy to recommend to fans of this genre. Even as someone who doesn't really have a taste for this kind of thing I found it enjoyable.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
hoops2448Apr 23, 2013
A Nicholas Sparks adaptation unlike most of the others in that it can be at least at times a powerful film with actual characters and you know, purpose. When Katie (Julianne Hough) flees her hometown and takes refuge from her past inA Nicholas Sparks adaptation unlike most of the others in that it can be at least at times a powerful film with actual characters and you know, purpose. When Katie (Julianne Hough) flees her hometown and takes refuge from her past in Southport she meets single father Alex (Josh Duhamel) and begins a passionate relationship while her past begins to catch up to her in the form of detective Tierney (David Lyons). Safe Haven is a decent love story that doesn't feel like the usual Nicholas Sparks drivel save for a final twist that almost derails the whole film. The film counts on Hough and she delivers a touching but hardened performance as a woman who has been through a brutal ordeal yet survived. Her isolation, while short lived is the main problem with the film thriving through character interaction, the time she spends alone drags and because of her secrets she prefers seclusion. Duhamel seems unsure in the role but has good chemistry with Hough so the overall feel is still there. The side characters are paper thin and take up valuable minutes of the film extending a picture with very little story. That's not to say its a simple film, in fact it tries to avoid being generic and formulaic although it only really avoids the latter. The film lacks anything special to make it unique so it comes across as ordinary. The director, having adapted Sparks' Dear John knows how to handle the melodrama rife in Sparks' books and in a way its what makes Safe Haven so light and easy to watch but it also means a film about trust, betrayal, death and fear is about as dark as an episode of the Tellytubbies. The film is so sweet at times its sickly and becomes nauseating. Overall the film is terrific in handling the characters and how they interact but it struggles and ultimately fails to surprise or impress upon the viewer any kind of originality.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
Bruce722Jun 4, 2013
Safe Haven was exactly what I expected. It was a good movie with an interesting plot, sad parts, and solid acting. Unfortunately it wasn't as good as Nicholas Sparks' best film, The Notebook. Julianne Hough is beautiful and a triple threatSafe Haven was exactly what I expected. It was a good movie with an interesting plot, sad parts, and solid acting. Unfortunately it wasn't as good as Nicholas Sparks' best film, The Notebook. Julianne Hough is beautiful and a triple threat but her acting, while capable, wasn't as strong as Rachel McAdams. Josh Duhamel did a solid job opposite of Hough and seems to have more potential as a breakout star. As for the film, the plot was interesting but it dragged quite a bit and had some areas that were just silly. Honestly, the best thing about this movie was the subtle twist thrown in at the end. It changed the meaning of some of the elements of the film and left you with a better feeling for the movie in general. Overall this was an above-average chick flick but it didn't have enough of the thriller element I was hoping for from some of the trailers. Nonetheless, I'm sure most women will enjoy it and some guys, if they are willing to watch it, will probably enjoy it as well.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
SmeeApr 27, 2013
Movie is not that and bad also not that good.Certainly not worth to go to Cinema or buy a Blue ray.Anyhow movie has decent sound tracks at right scenes also camera work is excellent.Story id bit more of same to Lucky one.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
cameronmorewoodAug 3, 2013
Safe Haven is NOT about women's independence. It's about the opposite. I would've liked to see a female helmer work this storyline, even a male director who at least sort of understood women.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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0
ThegodfathersonMar 8, 2013
It's doing what a romantic movie is suppose to do but it leaves you hanging with its emotional gaze at love. Safe Haven is whatever a romantic movie fan loves but I think it will disappoint others.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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2
Mr_MuumiJul 14, 2013
"Safe Haven" attempts to pull heartstrings using every trick in the great book of cliches. What we got here is a plot from paperback thriller mixed with storyline out of cheap romantic novel. The actors keep the predictable end result from"Safe Haven" attempts to pull heartstrings using every trick in the great book of cliches. What we got here is a plot from paperback thriller mixed with storyline out of cheap romantic novel. The actors keep the predictable end result from falling flat on its face, yet the good moments are very few and much in between.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
soren40Feb 23, 2013
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie is an okay romance movie that suffers from the crazy plot twists and only a few good actors. Julianne Hough is alright and Josh Duhamel does better here then in Transformers but the ending just ruined it. Its a good movie if u like romantic movies.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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3
BrianMcCriticNov 18, 2013
Safe Haven is just brutally boring mixed with awful plot twists. There is solid chemistry Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough, but the acting isn't sharp. D+
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
EspiancriticMar 17, 2013
This movie is an opportunity to get in touch and feel your emotions and there are many times in the movie to do just that because it is so cleverly put together. The ratings should be much higher than they are. The movie is all about theThis movie is an opportunity to get in touch and feel your emotions and there are many times in the movie to do just that because it is so cleverly put together. The ratings should be much higher than they are. The movie is all about the human interactions that will cause you to feel what it is like to be the characters if you were in the same situations as they were in. I am a male and i cried at times, good thing the theater was almost empty and nobody saw me.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
TheREALdeal1990Mar 31, 2013
This movie was everything I wanted on a Friday night after a busy day at work. It was another one of Nicholas Sparks' masterpieces that kept me enthralled the whole way through. I was kept on my feet the whole way through and the whole, 'Jo'This movie was everything I wanted on a Friday night after a busy day at work. It was another one of Nicholas Sparks' masterpieces that kept me enthralled the whole way through. I was kept on my feet the whole way through and the whole, 'Jo' storyline and ending was really something I didn't expect. Safe Haven is certainly a movie you should see. I give it a 10. Also, this website keeps changing my score from 10 to a 9.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
raulhaez9May 6, 2013
I did watch this on valentines day and it was ok. Just okay because it started off just like a typical love movie and end like they all do. What trally saved this movie from being a complete fail was definetly the ending. I didnt expect it toI did watch this on valentines day and it was ok. Just okay because it started off just like a typical love movie and end like they all do. What trally saved this movie from being a complete fail was definetly the ending. I didnt expect it to end that way.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
LansdenrsJun 2, 2013
Not sure why people are hating on this movie so much. No it's not the best movie but its not terrible. It has action along with suspense and romance. The writing was also good. I give it an 8
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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2
lehugginMay 19, 2013
This movie was very disappointing. There was little to complain about from Hough or Duhamel, but the story lacked much to be desired. It was simply unrealistic and shallow. Girl escapes an abusive relationship, finds her one true love withinThis movie was very disappointing. There was little to complain about from Hough or Duhamel, but the story lacked much to be desired. It was simply unrealistic and shallow. Girl escapes an abusive relationship, finds her one true love within weeks, he promises to solve all of her problems, she takes the place of the mother who died of cancer and together they triumph over the past and everybody is able to move on without a scar on any of them.... Really? Sweet, yes, but what happened to creating stories about people, not ideals?… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
JSnyder90Jun 2, 2013
My girls have read the book Safe Haven and told me how wonderful the book is. Since I never seem to have time to read, I decided the next best thing was to watch the movie. I enjoyed the movie but felt that it was another version ofMy girls have read the book Safe Haven and told me how wonderful the book is. Since I never seem to have time to read, I decided the next best thing was to watch the movie. I enjoyed the movie but felt that it was another version of Sleeping With The Enemy but not as suspenseful. I felt that the story line progressed too quickly at times and more background information could be given. I also felt the love story took off relatively fast in the movie which seemed unrealistic to me considering the information that was given about each character. With this being said I still enjoyed the movie and look forward to a time when I might have time to read the book!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
lyraMJun 2, 2013
My new favorite, since A Walk To Remember and The notebook. I think it's even better than the notebook. Never thought der will be anything better than the two Until I've watched the SAFE HAVEN.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
MarkDetrelSep 20, 2013
Ok, another film based on a Nicholas Sparks novel, Safe Haven isn't perfect, have some good ideas, wich are not fully exploited, but in the development some of these ideas has a great end, the performances are not perfect. but are good,Ok, another film based on a Nicholas Sparks novel, Safe Haven isn't perfect, have some good ideas, wich are not fully exploited, but in the development some of these ideas has a great end, the performances are not perfect. but are good, Julianne Hough is for much the best of the movie, and finally the script, is acceptable. Safe Haven is a good movie, and it's better than the Nicholas Sparks movie of the last year (The Lucky One).… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
SJ-ULTI-ReiewsOct 4, 2013
This movie was actually good, it combines a comedy with a thriller and it works quite well. The ending was surprising i did not expect it. This romantic movie takes a risk by adding thriller elements to it and it pays off.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
lukechristianscDec 23, 2014
Nicholas Sparks tries to make his " romance" novel a little bit of a suspense and adds fight sequences, is this suppose to make it better? .......... nope. Julianne Hough plays a woman who is trying to get away from her domestic violenceNicholas Sparks tries to make his " romance" novel a little bit of a suspense and adds fight sequences, is this suppose to make it better? .......... nope. Julianne Hough plays a woman who is trying to get away from her domestic violence past trying to get away from her crazy husband, moves to a small town then finds a guy how is a widow father of two children, then they both fall in love! but then her husband who isn't dead is a cop trying to find her.This movie lacks action and its fight sequences sucks-yes i get it this movie is a romance/drama movie but apparently Sparks is trying bring a little murder/action into his book and into this movie; Director Lasse Hallström the director of Chocolat and Sparks' previous adaptation Dear John apparently wasting his talents is back for more of Sparks' story, Hallstrom is apparently using his visions in a Nicholas Sparks' tradition oh yeah BOO! this guy can't even direct a fight scene or any action sequence two fromulas which this movie terrible The Writer: Nicholas Sparks The Director: Hallastrom lacking vision and for writer sparks is he doesn't know to make action well for guy who does to many romance novels you expect he would of failed. This movie apparently has a little bit of " romantic cliche". cliche number 1: Star crossed lovers, yes and there is a woman non stops complains about her love life when there litterally is the perfect man in front of her. Cliche #2 " do you want to go canoeing with me ? cliche." yes there is the annoying cliche i can't take in sparks' movies the boy asks the girl do you want to go canoeing with me girl: sure. meanwhile they have a good time, then when their done they kiss after the kiss there is ......... the rain cliche omg! i can't stand that haven't we have seen this cliche? oh yeah we saw this in the **** 'The Notebook' then they laugh then have sex. I can't take cliche's anymore. Nicholas Sparks yes the man is a good author its just can't we have a movie Sparks or his dumb screenwriters ruin it with his cliche's stop with that! please. Grade C- Yes! the movie does have to many romantic cliche's but the ending was surprising, Finally Sparks did something different with his movie and the book. but the romance was creative the actors were ok.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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2
warrenworldMay 4, 2014
At this point, you know what to expect. Seriously, each movie based on a Nicholas Sparks book is so unoriginal, even the books themselves have turned repetitive. Another thing I've noticed is that they always come out this time of year.At this point, you know what to expect. Seriously, each movie based on a Nicholas Sparks book is so unoriginal, even the books themselves have turned repetitive. Another thing I've noticed is that they always come out this time of year. Valentine's Day is supposed to be a time to share love between couples, not give the one you love an excuse to end the relationship.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
horizonbtsMar 15, 2015
OK I am not a film critic, just an average Joe-yep a guy. OK so I have a heart and got sucked into the movie. Amazed that some of the critic's don't have a heart, yes it can be a little predictable and a little sappy, but thought theOK I am not a film critic, just an average Joe-yep a guy. OK so I have a heart and got sucked into the movie. Amazed that some of the critic's don't have a heart, yes it can be a little predictable and a little sappy, but thought the scenery, setting, chemistry, and plot made for a good movie. Not to mention it does have some redeeming value as far as hitting on the subject of battered women and how sometimes it can be difficult for them to find a safe haven in real life. I know because I have a sister who was in a similar situation. For me it was a good movie hitting on all emotions.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
samerikaMar 29, 2015
This is my first review and I even registered extra for this movie here, because the critic score shown can't be the same movie I watched!
How wrong some critics can be is unbelievable!
Great movie, great actors and fantastic story! YouThis is my first review and I even registered extra for this movie here, because the critic score shown can't be the same movie I watched!
How wrong some critics can be is unbelievable!
Great movie, great actors and fantastic story! You MUST WATCH UNTIL THE END!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
erinhealy1022Feb 4, 2018
Safe Haven is a well rounded family movie. It is a very romantic movie but also brings real world struggles into the mix. It is definitely suspenseful as it is it constantly keeping you one your toes. Just when you think you know whats goingSafe Haven is a well rounded family movie. It is a very romantic movie but also brings real world struggles into the mix. It is definitely suspenseful as it is it constantly keeping you one your toes. Just when you think you know whats going to happen they surprise you. The ending truly through me for a loop but I think it was a great way to tie it all together. I would highly recommend watching this movie with your family it is one for all audiences.… Expand
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8
meydianarizki21Nov 28, 2022
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Perfect Date Night Flick for Adults
I was expecting this movie to be just another chick-flick romance, but since this film adds thrill and mystery to a typically cheesy genre, I find myself enjoying it a lot more.

It is directed by Lasse Hallstrom, who also directed "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" which is one of my favorite movies. I really enjoy Lasse's style when it comes to scenery and direction, so I find the cinematography in this film to be very beautiful and picturesque. I also enjoy the soundtrack to this movie because it has the perfect balance of sappy romantic melodies, as well as suspenseful pieces to fit the mood of each scene.

The one thing that really bothers me about this movie is the end. There is a pretty substantial plot twist in the middle of the movie, but then another one is thrown in at the very last scene. It is completely unnecessary and takes the film from being relatively realistic, to being totally unrealistic. I hate to say this, but it's just dumb.

My favorite character is Tierney (David Lyons.) He is a detective who plays a major part in the plot, and he has by far the most convincing performance. Every time he comes on the screen, I get this creepy feeling that he isn't exactly what he seems. The main thing I look for when it comes to acting is whether or not the actors are able to make the audience feel something, and David definitely succeeds.

I recommend Safe Haven for audiences ages 13 and up, due to mature content, such as violence and abuse. Ages 13-18 will get the most enjoyment out of it, but it would also be a perfect date night flick for adults. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars, so go check out Safe Haven! Raven Devanney, age 15, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic..… Expand
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10
AT9Mar 17, 2019
I really fell for this film. The location was stunning (and so is Julianne Hough) and her journey was inspiring. This was an adorable little romantic flick that seemed realistic.
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2
MahmusOct 21, 2020
The dumbest ending for one of the dumbest romance movies of the past decade.
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