Rated R, 115 minutes
"Safe House" is the latest action thriller starring Oscar-winner Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds, and it's filled with plenty of action and explosions, an enjoyable sight for many. Implausible but entertaining, this is all familiar territory but is seemingly and mostly on target for an above-average thriller. When a group of rebel soldiers from the neighboring region destroy a CIA-operated safe house, the facility's young house-sitter Matt Weston (Reynolds) escapes with rogue ex-CIA agent Tobin Frost (Washington) who is being hidden there, and the two men battle their way across South Africa in order to reach another secure location. Enjoyable but predictable action adventure, with Washington in a part he can play in his sleep: the cheeky, wizened but flawed good-bad guy (think part "Man on Fire" part "Training Day" here), paired well this time with the blandly charming Reynolds. Much like his character in the film, Reynolds has yet to prove his worth, and "Safe House" may be a good start for him. The good news is that Reynolds' serviceable performance doesn't hamper the proceedings, even carrying some of the film's rougher scenes (i.e. he gets beat up, alot). A couple of great action set pieces (the breathless car chase at the beginning is terrific) and well-executed, jumpy explosions elevate "Safe House" as a decent, enjoyable entry in the genre. Washington, a great, albeit overpaid actor as of late considering his modest box-office returns, should have another hit while Reynolds gets a much-needed one on his resume. This one comes recommended, especially for Washington's fan base.
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