Safe Haven – a Slightly Off Kilter Movie Review

I’m a fan of a good Chick Flick.  No doubt.

I also tend to enjoy many Nicholas Sparks movies… although I find that they are hit and miss on occasion.

I absolutely love love love the Notebook.  And a Walk to Remember was another one I loved even before I knew about Nicholas Sparks.

So, when I first started seeing the trailers for Safe Haven, I wondered if it would be on my list of faves or flops.

And what better excuse for an impromptu Girl’s Night, than a chick flick?  I couldn’t think of one so I grabbed one of my oldest friends and off we went.

Now, I should also preface this with the fact that I’ve been a fan of Julianne Hough ever since I saw her on Dancing with the Stars and well, Joshua Duhamel isn’t bad to look at either so at least I was already a fan of the casting.

The premise of the movie isn’t unique.  No doubt.  It was reminiscent of the 1991 Sleeping with the Enemy with Julia Roberts. It’s formulaic for sure.

A young woman with a mysterious past lands in Southport, North Carolina where her bond with a widower forces her to confront the dark secret that haunts her.

and yet…..

There were times I was on the edge of my seat.  There were twists that even my cynical self couldn’t have predicted…. and of course, as with any good Nicholas Sparks story, there were swoon worthy moments interlaced with laughter.

It’s a movie about second chances and living life without fear or regret.  It’s a movie about love and finding that place in your world where you can truly let your guard down and be free to love and be loved in return.

Safe Haven opens today – February 14th 2013.  What a great Valentine’s day movie to catch with your sweetheart.  Or best girlfriend of the man of your dreams is less than excited to run out and catch a chick flick.