An enjoyable action movie let down only by the predictability of the denouement.
All involved do a great job: acting, cinematography, the South African locations, everything is top class. Best of all--and this is where this film really delivers for action movie fans--the chase sequences, shoot-outs and fight scenes are all fantastically well done. Even the sound effects--the sound stage I believe is the correct term--are so realistic and very effective in making you feel every bullet whiz by and thud into a door frame or shatter a window. When Ryan Reynolds grapples with an assailant they are so convincing in their struggle, that you can feel the stress and strain of every muscle pushing back the blade from plunging into your throat.
While I most certainly enjoyed watching "Safe House" (and my 7/10 score reflects that), I was disappointed with the identification of the 'baddy'. At the very beginning of the film I knew it would be him. When it was finally revealed to us that it WAS him, it felt cheap and clichéd. Perhaps I've seen too many of these type of movies, but I can spot basically from the actor choice who it will be. Maybe I'm wrong in knocking a point off just because of my jaded cynicism. But the fact remains, I was right! Many others too, I'm sure, will make the same prediction.
Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable action-packed ride through the streets and townships of South Africa.
All involved do a great job: acting, cinematography, the South African locations, everything is top class. Best of all--and this is where this film really delivers for action movie fans--the chase sequences, shoot-outs and fight scenes are all fantastically well done. Even the sound effects--the sound stage I believe is the correct term--are so realistic and very effective in making you feel every bullet whiz by and thud into a door frame or shatter a window. When Ryan Reynolds grapples with an assailant they are so convincing in their struggle, that you can feel the stress and strain of every muscle pushing back the blade from plunging into your throat.
While I most certainly enjoyed watching "Safe House" (and my 7/10 score reflects that), I was disappointed with the identification of the 'baddy'. At the very beginning of the film I knew it would be him. When it was finally revealed to us that it WAS him, it felt cheap and clichéd. Perhaps I've seen too many of these type of movies, but I can spot basically from the actor choice who it will be. Maybe I'm wrong in knocking a point off just because of my jaded cynicism. But the fact remains, I was right! Many others too, I'm sure, will make the same prediction.
Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable action-packed ride through the streets and townships of South Africa.