millerwade3
Judging this movie strictly on the basis of entertainment value would surely give a 10/10. The action is non-stop and certainly intense throughout. The fight choreography is also extremely well done, while they don't adopt the "Bourne" method of just shaking the camera rapidly throughout the scene to give the impression of quicker and more complex fighting moves. The fight scenes with Ryan Reynolds, in particular, are shot in a way that show each individual move, which was incredible to watch.As for the acting, Denzel needs no description and was absolutely ideal for the role. I knew exactly what kind of stellar performance I was going to see immediately upon his first line with the MI6 agent. Ryan Reynolds was the surprise here, as I had little to no respect for his acting ability prior to this role. His casting as the protagonist actually slightly deterred my interest in seeing the movie initially. I've now been on the Reynolds bandwagon since viewing Safe House due to how well he portrayed this character. His acting specifically after the last fight scene in the desert safe house was quite impressive. The chemistry between Denzel and Ryan carries the film and makes their gradual character development all the more believable. Safe House should be recommended to any viewer hoping for some action packed entertainment.
kennethraine
We all watch action movies, some good some bad, I expected the usual but was pleasantly surprised. The action was very good, the crowd scenes were exceptional, it looked so real with hundreds of people instead of just being suggested with close up shots.Then something else, it was not a vehicle for gratuitous action,it did not insert any old dialogue just to pass the time or impress.It was made by people proud to produce quality, if the writer does not have first hand experience in the field, he really listened and understood someone who has. You could sense all the guys wishing they could trust in something, but knowing if they did it would make them vulnerable.If you are not easily impressed this will impress you. The cynicism and lack of trust, really help to illuminate the tacit meaning. Tense,subtle,brutal first class.
Python Hyena
Safe House (2012): Dir: Daniel Espinosa / Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Denzel Washington, Vera Farmiga, Brendan Gleeson, Sam Shepard: Interesting idea about trust. Ryan Reynolds plays a safe house agent assigned to watch an ex CIA agent turned criminal, played by Denzel Washington who possesses files that are sought after by people from both sides. After a massive blood bath shootout, Reynolds escapes with Washington and from there the screenplay becomes one big chase and violent encounter after another but we know these two will be on the same side. One problem with this film is its making Washington a hero figure simply because viewers like him period. That is not to say that the film isn't entertaining. Washington and Reynolds are an electrifying pairing with Washington's soft spoken presentation that conceals a deadly consequence for those who oppose him, verses Reynolds's frantic race to maintain composure in the midst of turmoil. The ending works and director Daniel Espinosa allows for several great action sequences but perhaps supporting roles could have been broader. Vera Farmiga and Brendan Gleeson are two effective actors but here their roles seem more like props leading to revelations that many viewers will likely already see coming. Sam Shepard is a veteran actor lost in cardboard material. While the film doesn't always work, it maintains an entertaining pace thanks to its two leads that rise above what the material might have been without them. Perhaps next time the screenwriters will spend more time in the safe house and produce a more convicting film. Score: 6 / 10
FilmBuff1994
Safe House is a good movie with a well developed storyline and a very impressive cast.Throughout the movie I really enjoyed the action sequences and the performances,particularly Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds,who worked very well together.Howvever,I kept feeling like there was something missing,something that was making me not enjoy this movie as much as I could have,eventually it hit me,that it's simply not compelling enough,the characters are taken in to this big adventure way too quickly and the audience aren't given enough time before hand to get to know them,and because of this we are left feeling little affection or care for them as they are taken on this journey.I felt there were definitely scenes filmed that would have helped with character development but it felt quite obvious to me that it was poorly edited,because there were certain scenes missing that I couldn't put my finger around why they were not there,then it hit me that the editor made a few big mistakes,for this type of story it certainly could have been at least twenty minutes longer.Though it has its flaws,Safe House is still a very enjoyable film that I would recommend to anyone looking for a good action or crime film if you ever see it on television.A seasoned CIA agent must go rogue while an idealistic rookie tries to figure out the truth.Best Performance: Denzel Washington
AD
