Review of Safe House (2012) by Mike

Title: Safe House (2012)

Original UK Release Date: 24^th February 2012

Original US Release Date: 10^th February 2012

UK Rating: 15

US Rating: R

Director: Daniel Espinosa

Genre: Action/Crime

Plot: A young CIA agent is thrown in at the deep end when a fugitive is brought to the safe house he is in charge of. The safe house is attacked and he finds himself on the run and having to protect a man that is desperate to get away.

Mike's Review

I went to see this with high hopes. The two leads have put in some fine performances over the years and I was looking forward to seeing them together.

The film is set in South Africa and follows CIA agent Matt Western (Ryan Reynolds). He has spent the last year maintaining a safe house and desperately trying to get a transfer to a better posting. During one of his normally quiet days a fugitive, Tobin Frost (Denzel Washington), who has been on the run for 10 years is bought to the safe house. During his interrogation the safe house is attacked. Matt manages to get away with Tobin and together they run for their lives with Tobin trying to escape and Matt trying to prove himself by bringing him in.

The two stars of the film Denzel Washington & Ryan Reynolds work well together and as usual Denzel shines. He puts in a great performance and he is always good when playing a ruthless character. The rest of the cast including Brendan Gleeson, Vera Farmiga, Sam Shepard, Rubén Blades, Liam Cunningham, & Robert Patrick bring the film to life. The cast ensures what could have been a mediocre film turns into a great and entertaining movie filled with mystery, action and intrigue. Where we are mostly used to Ryan Reynolds playing a comedic character, here he is serious and professional. It makes a nice change and shows off his versatility.

The setting in South Africa is a good choice as the film doesn’t look like every other movie like this. The trend was set with the Bourne films using settings around Europe. This works well and the setting brings something fresh for the viewer.

The action sequences and especially the car chase are great. The twist and turns of the plot keep you guessing and keeps you interested.

This is a well-made film and a good addition the resumes of the cast members.

There is no real stand out performance apart from the leads in this, but you would expect them to be good from two established actors.

This is a good film and well worth your time to watch it.

8 out of 10

Additional Information

Trailer