Most CIA themed action films follow a pretty strict formula where the lines are blurred between who the good guys and bad guys are. Lots of bullets, car chases and a mysterious villain are thrown into the mix for good measure. ‘Safe House’ follows the formula but when it strays from the plan there are a few surprises that make it worthwhile.
A young CIA agent, Matt Weston (Ryan Reynolds) keeps watch over a safe house in Cape Town, South Africa. Weston craves the opportunity to show off his skills as an agent but his current posting offers no challenge. When a rogue agent, Tobin Frost (Denzel Washington) shows up seeking refuge, Weston must protect his guest from a group that wants Frost dead.
Frantic action will blast the cholesterol out of your arteries and a very impressive car chase through the streets of Cape Town stands out as a major highlight. Director Daniel Espinosa handles the action set pieces well but it’s the moments outside the explosions that weaken the film. A romantic interest and a predictable plot are huge black holes in writer David Guggenenheim’s script.
Washington brings the intensity and experience while Reynolds brings youth and inexperience playing a rookie agent. They make a good team and it’s good to see Reynolds atone for his bad run in ‘The Change Up’ and ‘The Green Lantern’.
The South African setting and beautiful landscapes are also a welcome change from the traditional American setting of most thrillers, and it was interesting to explore the city and its surrounds.
If you’re craving a bit of action or just want to clear a few internal blockages in your circulatory system, ‘Safe House’ will suffice.
3/5
‘Safe House’ is now showing.
Universal
The Popcorn Junkie
ahah! yes, it is intense!