From James Bond to Jason Bourne, spies have been a staple in the movie industry for a long time. There’s something about their sneaky nature that we just can’t get enough of. Sometimes the movies are action packed, and other times they are slow, methodical mysteries, but regardless of their type they are usually full of intrigue. Safe House is the former type, and it brings the star power with Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds.
Matt Weston (Ryan Reynolds) is a young CIA agent assigned to keep watch over a safe house in South Africa. He’s ambitious and wanting tougher assignments, but none are coming his way. One evening operatives bring fugitive CIA agent Tobin Frost (Denzel Washington) in to be interrogated, but before they get the information they are looking for the safe house is attacked and they are all killed. Weston has no choice but to go on the run, with Frost in his custody. Around every turn however there are people trying to kill them both, and Weston finds himself having to try and figure out who he can trust and how to keep them both alive.
Perhaps it’s Denzel Washington’s frequent affiliation with director Tony Scott that has this feeling like another Tony Scott movie, but it’s not. This is in fact Swedish director Daniel Espinosa’s first North American film. It’s high octane with nonstop action and incredible fight sequences. It’s a little short on plot, and you will find yourself pushing hard to suspend your disbelief, but it does its job and keeps you entertained. It’s not too hard to figure out what is going to happen either, so it’s best to not think about it. Going in you know what to expect from the main actors as well, and neither one of the leads really push themselves to any new levels.
Safe House is a great movie to watch if you are looking for action and not wanting to think. Unfortunately with its restricted rating it may not draw in as much of a crowd as they would like, but it should still do well. And will probably do even better when it’s available to rent.
Tags: daniel espinosa, Denzel Washington, mATT weston, ryan reynolds, safe house, tobin frost, tony scott