I enjoy watching Denzel Washington movies. No matter what role you put that man in, he seems to give 110% percent effort in everything, and he excels every minute you see him on screen. The last movie I saw him headline was "Unstoppable", as a train conductor trying to stop an uncontrollable unit on a high-speed collision course. He co-starred with Star Trek's own Chris "Jim Kirk" Pine on that one, and the flick was a pure adrenaline and popcorn rush vehicle that saw enjoyment from me. Now, the legendary actor teams up with another young and successful actor, Ryan Reynolds, in a action drama that will offer mind games and wild goose chases for the average buff. Special thanks again goes to Solar Entertainment for the screening of this film.
Movie: Safe House
Starring: Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds
Release Date: February 10, 2012
For first impressions alone, the title "Safe House" sounds pretty harmless, especially when one doesn't have an inkling of what the plot behind the movie itself is. However, it actually refer to "a secure location, suitable for hiding witnesses, agents, or other persons perceived as being in danger". That kind of definition alone tells you it's an action/ adventure flick laced with all kinds of conspiracy and conflict.
Fortunately, movie trailers sum up a lot these days of what films like these have to offer to their target audience. Here's a look at it if you haven't seen it yet.
As the plot goes, Denzel Washington plays a rogue ex-CIA agent named Tobin Frost, who holds valuable information that details the underground activities of various figureheads from government agencies around the world. As a wanted international criminal for almost 10 years, Frost has eluded capture, until a hit placed on his head by a mercenary group forces him to resort to drastic measures and have himself captured by the US authorities. Moved to a safe house in Cape Town, South Africa, Frost is detained and interrogated for what he knows, only to have the facility breached and attacked by the mercenaries after him, killing all the soldiers inside. The safe house's handler, Matt Weston (played by Ryan Reynolds), and Frost are the only survivors, and the young CIA agent is forced to make a drastic choice in order to keep his "guest" safe. Knowing that his protector is a rookie craving for experience in the field, Frost plays his mind games with Weston, and clearly underestimates the young man's determination to keep "by the book" and bring his prisoner to justice. While both men play cat and mouse, a web of conspiracy and treachery plays out, and it forces the two to make compromises and sacrifices, keeping their heads in the game, and staying one step ahead in order to survive.
This movie reminded of CIA/ cospiracy flicks like Body of Lies and The Bourne films, easily making use of conspiracy and action drama to play out the story, albeit with some mixed reactions. As a veteran actor who can pretty much blend in any role he takes, Denzel owns his role as Tobin Frost, and manipulates the situation to meet his needs throughout the course of the movie. Of course, he's constantly pursued and tracked by the equally brash and determined Matt Weston, played by "Green Lantern" actor Ryan Reynolds, who does a good job of presenting the kind of intensity expected of a handsome man with his looks. The film also costars Robert "T-1000" Patrick in a small role, and while it doesn't last very long, it's good to see the man still has his acting chops with him despite his age now.
It feels mediocre at best, but for effort and presentation, Safe House provides a good mix that will appeal to natural viewers looking for some excitement, drama, and intensity. It's not the kind of film that will blow you away, but it's the kind of action film that relies more on the plot rather than all out action, and if you come into this expecting guns and explosions, you'll get that in portions through the acts that follow as the movie progresses. Denzel and Ryan do well in their respective roles, and despite being new to the Hollywood scene, director Daniel Espinosa shows he can usher in a good product that will meet expectations of most moviegoers, provided they want a popcorn flick that makes them think and piece things together.
It feels mediocre at best, but for effort and presentation, Safe House provides a good mix that will appeal to natural viewers looking for some excitement, drama, and intensity. It's not the kind of film that will blow you away, but it's the kind of action film that relies more on the plot rather than all out action, and if you come into this expecting guns and explosions, you'll get that in portions through the acts that follow as the movie progresses. Denzel and Ryan do well in their respective roles, and despite being new to the Hollywood scene, director Daniel Espinosa shows he can usher in a good product that will meet expectations of most moviegoers, provided they want a popcorn flick that makes them think and piece things together.
Rating - 3/5
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