OK for kids 14+
Predictable romantic drama deals with pretty heavy themes.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Safe Haven (based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks) is a romantic, at times suspenseful drama that's heavy on cliches and formulaic plot twists and light on chemistry and inventiveness. While the romantic stuff is pretty tame for teens, save for one session in bed that reveals bare shoulders, the film does deal with heavy subjects such as death and spousal abuse. One character clearly has an alcohol problem (he's shown drinking while driving), which colors his decisions at work and at home. He also turns violent, resorting to guns and worse. There are also scenes with a destructive fire and a bloody knife, as well as some swearing ("s--t" is the worst of it).
- Families can talk about how Safe Haven portrays relationships. Parents, talk to your kids about the signs of unhealthy (and even abusive) relationships.
- Is this a typical damsel-in-distress movie? If so, in which way? If not, how?
- Discuss Katie's decision in the beginning of the movie: Did she have any other recourse?
The good stuff
-
Messages: Safe Haven's message is heartwarming to the core: Surround yourself with kind, good people, and you can emerge from the darkness that you may find yourself in. But you also have to learn to trust and give to others.
-
Role models: Katie is resilient and resourceful and doesn't shy away from the hard work of rebuilding her life. Alex doesn't let his grief overwhelm his ability to be a good father.
What to watch for
-
Violence: Some suspenseful/intense moments. A man stalks a woman; he also tries to choke her and roughs her up. Later, he points a gun straight at her and brandishes it around. A fire consumes an entire building and threatens the lives of three people in or near it. A boy slips on a boat and hits his head, nearly drowning. A woman is shown with a bloodied knife in her hand and stabbing a man with it.
-
Sex: A couple is shown presumably having sex under the covers, but viewers see only their bare shoulders. Some passionate kissing.
-
Language: Infrequent use of words including "s--t," "hell," "crap," "damn," "goddamn," "oh my God," and "for Chrissakes."
-
Consumerism: Logos for Chevrolet, Jeep. The Roxy clothing brand is mentioned during a shopping scene.
-
Drinking, drugs and smoking: One character is an alcoholic who drinks vodka while driving. He's violent while inebriated. Some beer drinking at social events.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Safe Haven by Oarkytown@yahoo.com
This movie was romantic. funny & spontaneous, not including the amazing, beautiful town it took place in. I thought it was alittle slow throughout the middle of movie! However the chemistry between them is thrilling!!
4
Pretty Darn Good. by kfss
This movie brought to the screen beautiful scenery and its a great adaptation of the book. As with the recent movie "Jack Reacher", the adaptation to screen cleaned up the plot and unneeded characters. These actors's have great chemistry together. I thought Duhamel was a bit stiff, but that could have been his yearning for Katie held back by his grief/guilt of a widower characterization. But loved the movie despite this. If you believe in the power Good and Love, then the "plot twist" is easy to accept and touching. Boo to the Critics. Its just a movie. Get over it. Perhaps the audience they advocate for should get a good dose of wholesomeness. Frankly I'm tired of Evil guys battling eviler guys. Enjoy something simple and sweet for a change. Roger Ebert thinks the cop was unrealistic. After this week with the Dorner cop affair maybe Roger should rethink his appraisal. Good triumphs over evil... Love it.
3
The Man Card Review by derek802
Safe Haven works on many levels; mainly engaging the audience with the characters and getting you to feel the emotions of the story. There is an inherent sweetness in the script including a selflessness that seems to be a trademark of Sparks? stories. It does get a little slow in the middle, the foreshadowing is anything but subtle and much of the plot is predictable. Hough and Duhamel are not the next Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks but they are more than workable and give believable performances. Overall it is an enjoyable experience and fits the ?date movie? genre like a glove. I can't imagine a wife, dreamy teenage girl or mother not enjoying this movie and likely there will be many facebook post from guys that start with, "I'm not going to lie..." and then end with saying something good about safe haven.
Man Card Grade: Not confiscated: but if you cry it will be stamped.
(10 stamps is a confiscation)
5
Safe Haven by angwatches
The movie was so good!! I experienced so many emotions watching this romantic mystery. The town it took place in was dreamy ,who wouldn't fall in love in a place like that? I would pay to go see this movie again! Enough said, Go See the Movie!!!
5
Great Love Story by gina22784
I got to see the early screening of Safe Haven, and I enjoyed it very much. The Notebook is still my favorite NS movie, but this one comes very close. It makes a great date movie or a girls night out movie. Bring your tissues!
5
Best Movie so far based on any of Nicholas Sparks' book by revmikemoore
Best movie I have seen in a while! I am not into romance movies that much, I took my wife to see this one as her Valentine's Day gift. We visit Southport, NC every two years for our summer vacation with her siblings. We love the quaint town of Southport! If I could live in any place on a sea coast, it would have to be Southport, NC! We saw so many familiar sights during the movie and the story line was exceptional, a dynamic mix of romance and action/adventure. Nicholas Sparks and the producers outdid themselves on this one. My wife had read the book, so she really enjoyed it. That is all that matters to me. Releasing this movie on Valentine's Day was most convenient for me and probably two or three million other husbands, so to whoever does that, a large thank you from me, try and do it again next year! I would rate this movie on a scale of one to ten, ten being the best, a ten plus!
5
SAFE Haven a Great Date Movie by michael_l_early
I thought this movie had everything it needs, a Chick Flick and action sapience all in one. I recommend it to everyone. No good for a bunch of high school or jr. high girls but adults who love life.
And leave you phones at home!
5
Safe Haven by weezy972
I cried. Everyone was crying when they left the theater. I had read the book before seeing the movie so I was aware of the characters and the change in plot to accommodate the movie but still a great story.
5
Fantastic by martin758
After having read the book, I knew I had to see the movie. All of Nicholas Sparks books and movies are winners. Julianne Hough is amazing. I fell in love with her on Dancing With The Stars and this was amazing. There have been critics who didn't like the cop portrayed as the bad guy. There are men out there who are abusers, being a cop he just had the resources to abuse and find her. This was a great Valentine date night movie. A wonderful, romantic love story! Scenic view added to the romantic level.
4
Great Date Movie by must_love_dogs
I really enjoyed the book and was so happy to see the movie played out so well by Josh and Julianne! To make it even better, they have great chemistry!! This will be a must have DVD (when it is released) so on those rainy Sundays, when I need a sweet, romantic movie to watch (like the notebook or you've got mail) I can pull it out and snuggle in and enjoy the warmth!