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Safe House
Surprisingly very little on here about the new Denzel Washington film Safe House. Is this being given a wide berth by cinema-goers? If so, it certainly doesn't to be.
Safe House features solid performances from both Washington and Ryan Reynolds, who salvages some credibility after the dismal Green Lantern. If you're after a cracking, break-neck thriller with gritty (Bourne-a-like) realism, Safe House should be on your radar. Although it does tread similar ground to recent films like Salt and Haywire, it's no less deserving of a watch and Denzel is always good value for money. This could have been more of a traditional shoot, but the filmic choice ramps up the realism and definitely adds to the urgency and impact. Multiple car chases and shoot-outs are blisteringly loud and both leads acquit themselves admirably in the numerous physical confrontations.
Yes, there are problems - a slightly obvious plot, Reynolds rapid elevation from a wet behind the ears CIA nanny to some almost super-human field operative, plus a twist you can see a mile off.....but these all work within the conventions of this type of spy thriller.
The supporting cast includes Sam Sheppard, Vera Farmiga and Brendan Gleeson - all seemingly pulling strings from their respective stations, so the film has a pretty heavyweight and decent cast. But it's the action in the film, engaging turns from Reynolds and Washington (varying from mutual respect to hatred...), and location shooting (South Africa) that makes this better than it really ought to be.
The Sunday afternoon showing I attended yesterday had about 20 people in the screen; there's usually far more for a new release and patrons wanting to see a decent film, so it was surprising to see so few really.
Anyway, if you like Bourne-style filming, are a fan of either Denzel or Reynolds, then I would heartily recommend this. Rating - 8/10.
Safe House features solid performances from both Washington and Ryan Reynolds, who salvages some credibility after the dismal Green Lantern. If you're after a cracking, break-neck thriller with gritty (Bourne-a-like) realism, Safe House should be on your radar. Although it does tread similar ground to recent films like Salt and Haywire, it's no less deserving of a watch and Denzel is always good value for money. This could have been more of a traditional shoot, but the filmic choice ramps up the realism and definitely adds to the urgency and impact. Multiple car chases and shoot-outs are blisteringly loud and both leads acquit themselves admirably in the numerous physical confrontations.
Yes, there are problems - a slightly obvious plot, Reynolds rapid elevation from a wet behind the ears CIA nanny to some almost super-human field operative, plus a twist you can see a mile off.....but these all work within the conventions of this type of spy thriller.
The supporting cast includes Sam Sheppard, Vera Farmiga and Brendan Gleeson - all seemingly pulling strings from their respective stations, so the film has a pretty heavyweight and decent cast. But it's the action in the film, engaging turns from Reynolds and Washington (varying from mutual respect to hatred...), and location shooting (South Africa) that makes this better than it really ought to be.
The Sunday afternoon showing I attended yesterday had about 20 people in the screen; there's usually far more for a new release and patrons wanting to see a decent film, so it was surprising to see so few really.
Anyway, if you like Bourne-style filming, are a fan of either Denzel or Reynolds, then I would heartily recommend this. Rating - 8/10.
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As for Ryan Reynolds, I like him. I just thought his character was a bit of a sap.
I liked Salt more than Safe House. I had very high expectations for Safe House but it just wasn't as good as I'd hoped.The lead actors worked well together although the action scenes weren't that great IMO, with the exception of the car chase. I'm not sure I'd watch it again.
For what it was it's a good action film, the two leads work very well together and it has a brilliant supporting cast but after you've seen it it's instantly forgettable. That's my main negative. I just wish it was better than what we were given. It's still a decent flick though and a step-up for Reynolds after the terrible Green Lantern.
For fans of The Killing there is a superb fight scene between Reynolds and Joel Kinnaman.
Expected this to be a great movie but was disappointed. I'd only give it one star of 5.