REVIEW: Safe House

Safe House had the potential to be a solid film, but because of horrid editing the film loses it's edge and becomes a mediocre bargain bin thriller. I imagine this film  must have had a nice script. The film is action packed to say the least in moments you would least expect it. However due to a chaotic approach to editing, I found it very hard to follow the action at hand. I was always aware of what was taking place, but when the heavier action sequences were taking place, I found myself to be often disoriented. It seemed as though the editor did not have any wide footage to work with. You almost are always in a tight medium or close up during the action sequences. It's like MTV style editing on speed.


With that being said I want to applaud Ryan Reynolds. I really do enjoy the fact that he tries to get roles other than the comedic roles that he is known for. He may not be a great actor, but the more films he does outside of his comfort zone the more I am able to take him seriously. Buried is a great example of what Ryan Reynolds is capable of.

"...from horrible editing"

The film works when it's allowed to breathe. The story is about Tobin Frost(Denzel), an ex-CIA agent who has turned into someone who sells private government information to other rebel countries. Tobin turns himself in to a U.S. Embassy after he is chased by mercenaries through the streets of South Africa. He is then sent to a Safe House located in South Africa for "enhanced interrogation" until he is extradited back to the U.S. where the practice is not allowed.  The person who maintains the Safe House is Matt Weston(Ryan Reynolds). During the interrogation, another group of mercenaries attacks the Safe House and Tobin escapes along with Matt.

As the film twists and turns you find out more about why Tobin sells the material he does, however with the intercutting of action sequences that are almost impossible to follow fluently, any possible involvement one has with the film is demolished.

I can see that the director was obviously influenced by the Bourne trilogy, even as far as hiring the same cinematographer. The action sequences are filmed in a similar manner, however I found myself enjoying the fast-paced action of the Bourne films and despising the action of this film. Despite having a decent ending, by the time you reach the end you really do not care what happens. It's a shame because as I said before the concept is definitely appealing, but the numerous action sequences do translate to good story.

1.5/4 Muffins.