Sunday, February 12, 2012

MOVIE REVIEW ... SAFE HOUSE

 

safe-house-movie-poster-2012Over the last several years South Africa has increasingly become a destination of choice for film-makers.  A locale full of untapped potential and beauty provides a stunning backdrop to any production.  ‘Safe House’ utilises this natural gift with great skill.  Amidst a cavalcade of action and drama, the location looms large over frenetic activities.

A house-sitter for a CIA-operated safe house in South Africa, Matt (Ryan Reynolds) meets its newest occupant Tobin (Denzel Washington).  Tobin, a criminal of high intellect and cunning, and Matt go on the run when a group of rebel soldiers destroy the premises.  Trying to reach another secure location, their journey becomes tortuous as they bond amongst a litany of gun-play and bullets.

Knowing it has fine actors in the main leads, ‘Safe House’ heavily leans on their talents.  Both successfully convey the determination of their characters in completing opposing missions.  Where Tobin wants to sell some secrets worth killing for, Matt’s agenda is carry out his duties by any means possible.  This battle of wills provides the main pivot of intrigue in a mostly diverting production.  The action is suitably hectic and the gritty photography maximises the surrounds well.

Filmed in an intense low-key style by director Daniel Espinosa ‘Safe House’ suffers from lethargic pacing.  Where certain sequences should fly they drag diluting some of its much needed emotional impact.  It also adheres to many clichés found in this genre with certain ‘revelations’ being anything but.  Other areas are top class however and there are enough fine moments to ignore some of the story’s plot holes. 

Once again South Africa looks amazing in a movie using its landscape well.  ‘Safe House’ may be a somewhat forgettable film overall although it does a competent job of distracting viewers for a few hours while it races its way towards a furious conclusion.

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Movie Review Rating 6 / 10

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

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