Safe House (2012)

Safe House is best described as a fullblown Jason Bourne copy. That's it's strength and it's weakness. It has got the same sort of chases, suspense, shootouts and a underdog that wins just as in the Bourne movies. Some scenes of the story are literally copied from Bourne. A good copy is better then a bad original, but the flipside is that everything has been done better in the actual Jason Bourne movies themselves. Acting in "Safe House" is very good though. Denzel Washington really delivers. And so does Ryan Reynolds, for his standards anyway. But there is too many shaky cam action. Even in dialogue scenes the shaky cam keeps hovering around. There are no breathers in this movie. I need that to appreciate the action that follows. Now there are just too much fighting scenes following eachother without any breathers, to a level where it becomes tideous.Still it has got a good adrenaline rush to it. And as I said acting is really good. It wont offend or bore you. I certainly got entertained. And sometimes it is just nice to see a B quality action movie just for the sake of it. That's the best advice: treat it as a B movie and you will be pleasantly surprised. If you expect originality, you will be let down...

I'm having trouble finding anything I want to watch on Netflix these days. As I get older, I get pickier with my time. I.e.: I stopped watching the first Captain America partway through and have never resumed it. I'm like that with TV shows too. Sometimes you have enough and are unwilling to put in the time to see how it ends.I decided to give this a go. Realized partway through that I'd seen it previously, but it was good enough to finish til the end.I'm not Ben Aflecks biggest fan, but he was alright. This wasn't perfect, but it was pretty watchable.One of the better action movies I've seen in awhile.

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

'Safe House' is a fast-paced action-thriller, that works at most parts. It entertains ably & doesn't leave you bored even for a minute. 'Safe House' Synopsis: A young CIA agent is tasked with looking after a fugitive in a safe house. But when the safe house is attacked, he finds himself on the run with his charge.'Safe House' has a consistent fast-pace, which frankly is the best aspect of the enterprise. It doesn't waste time & progresses with its story, efficiently. Of course, there are clichés & even the villain's identity doesn't come as a shock, its a tad predictable. But keeping aside a few flaws, 'Safe House' weights heavier on merit.David Guggenheim's Screenplay is well-done, although a few clichés act as a deterrent. Guggenheim's Direction, however, is top-class. He's handled the film exceedingly well. Cinematography is edgy. Editing is twisted, yet crisp. Action-Sequences are super-effective.Performance-Wise: Denzel Washington is powerful, yet again! He steals the show. Ryan Reynolds displays intensity. Vera Farmiga is fantastic. Brendan Gleeson is alright. Sam Shepard is capable. Nora Arnezeder is very good in a brief role.On the whole, 'Safe House' is a good watch!