Just about the time you think Matt Damon and Daniel Craig are the two best actions stars in the movies, along comes Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds in “Safe House,” and movie that’s on fire from start to finish with non-stop thrills.
Washington plays Tobin Frost, a fabled former CIA agent gone rogue for nine years selling secrets to the highest bidders. Ryan Reynolds is a young CIA operative whose job is working in hidden, so-called safe houses where CIA employees and agents can seek safety out when in need. It’s a dull job, and Reynold’s character is bucking for a posting in Paris where he can live with his girl friend, played by Nora Arnezeder, who is a physician who will be practicing there soon.
When circumstances bring Frost to Reynold’s “house,” the unexpected happens, a gun fight breaks out and the chase is on for Reynold’s character to protect and hold on to the elusive and very dangerous Mr. Frost.
Vera Farmiga, who made “Up in the Air” here in St. Louis two years ago, plays a Washington-based CIA official trying to bring order out of the chaos that is revolving around Tobin Frost.
“Safe House” is a classy CIA tale that makes you wonder if that agency is really that slick in the real world. The fix is on and the secrets unfold slowly. There are even some nice personal touches about the relationship that develops between Tobin and Reynold’s characters. “Safe House” is one of the best action espionage thrillers you’ll ever see. It shines with first-rate acting and relentless excitement that will keep you guessing right up to the end.
