Julianne Hough and Josh Duhamel Seek Refuge in Nicolas Sparks' Latest Cheesefest, "Safe Haven"

Nicholas Sparks keeps writing cheesy novels and, for some reason, folks keep running to the theater to watch their lame film adaptations.

I just don't get it. The trailers alone are enough to traumatize you from stepping near the movie.

But, alas, the bestselling author has cranked out another bomb hit for his devoted fanbase, and Relativity Media scooped it up.The new movie, titled Safe Haven, will unite Josh Duhamel (last seen in last year's festive flick, New Year's Eve) and Rock of Ages star Julianne Hough. The two will play essentially star-crossed lovers in a small town. And, if it's anything like Sparks' other tales, something really melodramatic will happen.Relativity describes the story like this:

Safe Haven is an affirming and suspenseful story about a young woman’s struggle to find love again after she arrives in a small North Carolina town. Her reluctance to join the tight-knit community raises questions about her past. Slowly, she begins putting down roots, and gains the courage to start a relationship with Alex, a widowed store owner with two young children. But dark secrets intrude on her new life with such terror that she is forced to rediscover the meaning of sacrifice and rely on the power of love in this deeply moving romantic thriller.

The film will start production in Southport, North Carolina, next month,and is slated for a February 8, 2013 theatrical release date. Oscar nominee Lasse Hallström (The Cider House Rules) will direct the film, which will be co-produced by Sparks' own, Nicholas Sparks Productions. The screenplay was written by Dana Stevens (City Of Angels) and Les Bohem (Dante’s Peak).

Despite what you may feel about B-listers Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough headlining a film together, Sparks seems to be all about it. He says, “I’m thrilled that Josh and Julianne have agreed to come aboard Safe Haven—it’s hard to think of an actor better-suited to play the character of Alex than Josh, and Julianne will bring a combination of vulnerability and strength to the role of Katie. They are both such talented and charismatic individuals – and best of all, they have tremendous personal chemistry, which is essential for this film.”

Ummmm....yeah. So, thoughts?