Review: The Secret: Dare to Dream

Widowed Miranda (Katie Holmes) is struggling to make ends meet while raising her three children. As she faces one problem after the next, a man named Bray (Josh Lucas) crashes into her life. When a  hurricane hits and destroys her home, he offers help. What Miranda doesn’t know is that Bray has a secret he’s been hiding, and it could change her life forever. 

This is a break-up movie. I say that not because it’s some epic love story but because it’s the movie you put on when you feel depressed, and you’re looking for something cheesy that will possibly inspire you to change your life. This movie is the trigger that leads to making a career change or cutting bangs. 

The plot is decent, but it’s one we’ve seen time and time again, and in my opinion, done better.  It beats the “power of positivity” premise to the ground. I’m usually all for these, because like I said, this is a movie made to inspire. And while it does that, it’s also very predictable. I honestly can’t say I was surprised by any of it. 

Miranda is widowed and struggling. Her kids want things she can’t afford, and her house is falling apart. Bray, plays what is supposed to be a mysterious character, who has a message for her. He keeps missing his window to tell her what he needs to because the universe is fickle and gets in the way. 

The first half-hour all feels a bit off. Miranda meets Bray when she crashes into his car. They don’t even introduce themselves, and he offers to follow her home and fix her bumper. Bray proceeds to charm her and her children with his outlook on life, leading them to think differently about their own. Miranda never questions why he’s hanging around or why he keeps helping her. The only person in the whole film that questions his existence is her mother-in-law (played by Celia Weston). She’s the only one that seems to be wary of his intentions. 

The film, just like the book it’s based on, holds the same message; Think good things, and good things will happen. Bray’s character shows off how well his good thinking is throughout the film. It does come off as whimsical, but that is mainly because Josh Lucas is so charming. That being said, it still feels forced and unbelievable. 

The Secret is a motivational movie, but there is a hint of a romance in there. The problem is there’s barely a build up between the two leads. I found that very surprising considering this film was directed by the same man who made Ever After and Sweet Home Alabama. I never found myself waiting to see these two characters end up together. Instead, I was thinking, “Why are you not questioning this man’s motives?” 

 In conclusion, The Secret: Dare to Dream is charming but very predictable. If you’re looking for romance, The Secret has some, but in my opinion, not enough. The love story felt rushed and unearned. It was almost as if it was forgotten and added in at the last minute. That said, the film does have a sweet message. If you need motivation, this might work. After all, that’s what it’s intended for.