Review of Safe House (2012) by Stephen B — 19 Dec 2012

When Denzel Washington is cast to portray a badass antagonist, the director has to make sure not to spoil the talent- in this case, it seemed easy to do just that. Well, somehow Daniel Espinosa managed to develop an underwhelming display from two should-be great leads. Ryan Reynolds was somewhat impressive, playing to his natural strengths, a victimized man caught in a tough place. Denzel, on the other hand, gave his standard, high-caliber of acting but wasn't given much to begin with, and it's quite shameful because Safe House had so much potential, but ended up merely a passable action flick with nothing memorable or extraordinary.

In conclusion, Safe House could've been so much more-- perhaps a deep and thoughtful thriller consisting of a dutiful man finding purpose versus a twisted mastermind criminal whose brutality knows no bounds-- but settles with providing only momentary thrills.