Despite the up-close look at the shooting, we’re still stuck with brief statements that typically fall into the promotional category.
SAFE HOUSE 2 MOVIE
The actors and crew seem to describing a different movie with a lot more complexity. This Blu-ray/DVD combo release includes a significant group of extras that take us behind the scenes. This MacGuffin is just an excuse to bring the duo together and push the bad guys and authorities on their trail. There’s a thin plot about a key file that Frost’s acquiring to spotlight corruption in the CIA. This is also one of those stories where characters shoot at will and speed their cars through crowds with little regard for other consequences. When Weston steers their car into oncoming traffic, it should be a thrilling moment, but instead it just reminds us of better movies. Once again, the downside is that it feels too familiar to other films and doesn’t stake its own claim to this territory. There’s a lengthy chase scene after Weston and Frost flee the safe house that includes some high-flying stunts. It’s a solid production, yet it never offers more than short bursts of mild entertainment.ĭirector Daniel Espinosa and Writer David Guggenheim are striving mightily to deliver a classic action movie, but everything’s so by the numbers. There are a few effective set pieces, particularly one at a soccer stadium where Frost deftly evades Weston. By the time we reach the conclusion, however, it’s clear that they’re covering for a pretty empty film.
Like Washington, they bring weight to material that doesn’t really deserve it and keep the story engaging. It’s too bad that such a competent group is here to become exposition machines. Although all three actors are very talented, their conversations are generic and feel way too reminiscent of the Bourne films. Harlan Whitford (Sam Shepard) leads the office, while his ambitious underlings Catherine Linklater (Vera Farmiga) and David Barlow (Brendan Gleeson) work to prove their value. While Weston tries to keep tabs on Frost, a trio of supervisors attempts to get a handle on the situation. The problem is that we’ve seen this type of material before, so it feels more like a tired retread than an intelligent thriller. Looking especially grizzled and mean, Denzel rightfully explains how the agency functions and destroys its foot soldiers. An interesting battle of wills is hidden somewhere in this story, but it never reaches that level. This begins a cat-and-mouse game between the hardened former agent and the idealistic novice. Weston is in way over his head, but he ends up as Frost’s keeper when vicious hoodlums arrive to kill him. This wish comes true when the notorious traitor, Tobin Frost (Washington), turns himself in to the authorities. He lives in Cape Town with his French girlfriend Ana (Nora Arnzeder) and longs for a chance at field work.
This film’s central character is actually Ryan Reynolds’ Matt Weston, a low-ranking CIA “housekeeper” stationed in South Africa. Washington does solid work and lifts the overall quality, but it still raises questions about why he keeps taking this type of role. This picture isn’t directed by Tony Scott, but it retains a similar feeling of mediocrity that prevails through those films. Joining that list of disappointments is Safe House, which gives him the chance to play the bad guy (in a certain sense). While this collaboration has been commercially successful, it’s also played a role in limiting Washington’s career. Examples include Unstoppable, The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, and Déjà Vu, which were all directed by Tony Scott. Looking at his recent career, however, there are a significant number of roles in forgettable movies. Denzel Washington is a highly respected actor who’s given remarkable performances in films like Malcolm X, Glory, Philadelphia, and Training Day.
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