Safe House

[George Bellefontaine]

This film stars Denzel Washington as a rouge ex- CIA agent who has a file in his possession that could hurt the espionage operations of most wsstern countries. When things get too hot for him, he turns himself in at the nearest US embassy and eventually ends up in the hands of a rookie CIA agent ( Ryan Reynolds ) who wants badly to prove himself in the field. Well, he gets his wish and more when the cunning and dangerous Washington decides he wants no part of any CIA safe house.

This would just be another one of those " CIA using questionable tactics " type of films if not for Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds, who surprised me with his acting chops here. Also a great supporting cast that included Brendan Gleeson, and old pro Sam Shepard, who stole every scene whenever he was on screen. And because of the cast, I was able to overlook all those overused plot cliches and enjoy Safe House. It runs almost 2 hours, but thanks to a large compliment of action and excellent acting, you won't be bored for a moment.

:T

[aud19]

Funny, before I even got to your second paragraph, I was already thinking "I'm pretty sure I've already seen this movie before a few times"... If I run across it, I'll give it a shot due to your review of the acting...don't think it's going in the que though...

[Ovation]

I saw this one night before seeing Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. Talk about polar opposites. Enjoyed both, but they are as dissimilar as can be and still both be spy movies. (I preferred Tinker… but still liked Safe House).

[George Bellefontaine]

Paul, thanks for reminding me about Tinker Tailor. I keep forgetting I planned to rent it, and possibly even buy it if I like it. I've always been a big John LeCarre fan so I'm pretty sure I'll like it.

[George Bellefontaine]

Funny, before I even got to your second paragraph, I was already thinking "I'm pretty sure I've already seen this movie before a few times"... If I run across it, I'll give it a shot due to your review of the acting...don't think it's going in the que though...

Yeah, you've seen it before, Jason. But the acting does make the whole thing worthwhile. A pretty amazing soundtrack, too. My subs were shaking the walls.

[Chris D]

Surprisingly, I wasn't a fan of the book Tinker, Tailor. It was very highly recommended to me by a co-worker, but I just couldn't get into it for some reason.

[George Bellefontaine]

Surprisingly, I wasn't a fan of the book Tinker, Tailor. It was very highly recommended to me by a co-worker, but I just couldn't get into it for some reason.

Yeah, Chris, LeCarre novels take their time developing plot and character, but I have always found them worthwhile in the end. I didn't read Tinker Tailor, but I understand the film is slow moving, so I'm sure the book must be even more so.

[Ovation]

You need to read the trilogy to get the most out of it (Tinker…, The Honourable Schoolboy and Smiley's People).

As for the film, it is not something to watch when you're tired. EVERY detail counts and the filmmakers presume the audience is paying attention (not very many "recap" moments via longish dialogue between characters). It has no quick-cutting editing, no shaky-cam, no pulse-pounding musical cues. If the actors were not too young to have actually done it in the 70s, you would swear you were watching a movie made in the 1970s rather than simply set in that period. It is a meticulous film, with meticulous performances that tells a meticulously crafted story.

As I said, I enjoyed both Safe House and Tinker… but they are opposites in tone.

[Hdale85]

I was very surprised by Ryan Reynolds performance in this movie as well, certainly a bit of a different role for him. Easily watch this one again, and Denzel Washington has always been a favorite.

[Chris D]

Ovation, well, I definitely appreciate ALL the aspects you point out there. Maybe I'll watch it!