SAFE HOUSE

Photos courtesy of Universal Pictures

Ryan Reynolds attempts to turn over Denzel Washington to the federal authorities in the action, spy thriller SAFE HOUSE.

Reynolds is Matt Weston a CIA operative who runs a safe house, an area where fugitives or fellow agents are held, a secure and safe haven for those the CIA deem dangerous and valuable. Matt’s latest inhabitant is Tobin Frost, played by Washington, a former agent gone rogue, one who is suspected of dealing nuclear secrets to nations for big bucks.

Frost isn’t your average safe house occupant, and during an infiltration of the house by a band of terrorists, Frost flees the confines. With all other CIA operatives killed during the attack, Matt is the only one able to track down Frost and deliver him to the CIA.

Spy thrillers have enjoyed a bit of a resurgence. Whether it’s the adrenaline-infused action of the latest MISSION IMPOSSIBLE or the more cerebral nature of TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY, the genre has experienced a rebirth of sorts.

SAFE HOUSE attempts to mix both brains and brawn, and despite some well executed action sequences and two strong lead performances it doesn’t add up to much.

The film is more or less a cat and mouse game, with Washington as a lethal mouse and Reynolds as the timid cat. Washington is fine, bringing the same dangerous and intense aura that he brought to his roles in TRAINING DAY, MAN ON FIRE and AMERICAN GANGSTER, but Reynolds is what makes SAFE HOUSE nearly work. Typically playing arrogant and pompous roles, Reynolds ditches this act as Matt, a somewhat naïve, strong-willed and anxious CIA op who’s typical day ranges from tedious to boring. It’s through Matt’s eyes, and Reynolds performance, that SAFE HOUSE has an air of originality, even if the plot feels recycled and repackaged.

Mixed motives and outlandish action sequences are laced throughout the picture, and are hit and miss, much like SAFE HOUSE itself. In a genre that is coming of age once again, SAFE HOUSE doesn’t quite make the grade.

Grade: C+