An action film is currently captivating numerous Netflix users – despite mixed reactions. According to some opinions, even Ryan Reynolds couldn’t save the film.
Action is the genre of the moment on Netflix: Four of the current top 5 films in the Netflix charts as of June 6, 2024, offer bullet-filled and explosive entertainment. The exception is the mystery thriller “Colors of Evil: Red” at the top, followed by the sci-fi action films “Godzilla Minus One” and “Atlas” in second and third place, and the action-thriller “Sniper: Rogue Mission” in fourth place. Another action-thriller joins them in fifth place: “Safe House.”
“Safe House” boasts a truly promising star-studded cast: The lead roles are played by Ryan Reynolds (“Deadpool”) and Denzel Washington (“The Equalizer”). Additionally, Vera Farmiga (“The Conjuring”), Brendan Gleeson (“The Banshees of Inisherin”), Liam Cunningham (“Game of Thrones”), and Robert Patrick (“Reacher”) also appear.
The plot description also sounds quite gripping (via IMDb):
“Matt Weston (Ryan Reynolds) is a CIA rookie guarding a safe house in Cape Town, South Africa, when Tobin Frost (Denzel Washington), the CIA’s most wanted rogue agent, is captured and brought to the safe house. During Frost’s interrogation, the safe house is attacked by mercenaries targeting Frost. Weston and Frost escape and must stay out of sight of the armed men until they can reach another safe house.”
This trailer gives you a first glimpse of “Safe House”:
Opinions on “Safe House”
Despite the star cast and the promising, tension-filled premise, “Safe House” received rather mixed reviews from critics and viewers alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, critics gave it a 53% approval rating. Reviews like these are therefore not surprising:
“Tolerable, thrilling spy drama, but with a predictable plot. Washington and Reynolds are watchable but not fully utilized in their roles.” (Kim Newman, Empire Magazine)
“The film fast-forwards through the usual elements: bloody fights, crashing shootouts, a chase through a crowded soccer stadium. Some of it is well done, and some has been done much better.” (Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly)
“Anyone looking for a relatively entertaining spy movie with some solid action sequences will probably not be too disappointed by ‘Safe House,’ as the film follows the textbook.” (Edward Douglas, ComingSoon.net)
Viewers found a bit more to enjoy in the film, as evidenced by the 63% rating. However, their opinions are also mixed:
“An interesting mix of character motives, but ultimately unclear and forgettable. Gripping action, but the seemingly inexplicable plot lines cause the film to lose momentum. Washington’s dark performance is the only standout aspect.” (Griffith J, 2.5/5)
“It’s a ‘Bourne’ knockoff. Camera angles and such. Still entertaining. Lots of fun.” (3.5/5)
“Nothing we haven’t seen before, but it was well made and provided me with two hours of good entertainment.” (3/5)
“Safe House” is available on Netflix, for example, with a MagentaTV subscription as a stream. Thanks to a current offer, you get a Netflix Standard subscription with ads, as well as RTL+ Premium and more. In the first six months, this offer is completely free of charge.
