Iffy for 16+
Interesting characters clash in extremely violent thriller.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Safe House is an extremely violent action thriller about how a young, optimistic CIA agent deals with a seasoned, cynical renegade. Expect lots of guns, killing, and blood, as well as car crashes, explosions, fights, and even torture (water boarding). There's a minor scene of sexuality, but no graphic nudity. Language and drinking are both infrequent (though the former does include both "f--k" and "s--t"), and consumerism is limited to one character's use of an Apple iPhone. Teens may want to see this if they're fans of stars Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds, but it's not age appropriate for younger viewers.
- Families can talk about Safe House's violence. Was it necessary to get the movie's point across? Which scenes were thrilling, and which were disturbing? How does the impact of what you saw here compare to the kind of violence in a comic book action movie?
- Tobin believes that no one is to be trusted and that everyone will eventually betray you. Matt has a lot more hope for goodness to prevail. Is there a happy medium between these two attitudes?
- Do you think organizations like the CIA are susceptible to corruption in real life? Why might some aspects of working there be exaggerated in the media?
The good stuff
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Messages: The movie's main theme is a clash between experience/cynicism and youthful optimism. The conclusion is that both ideals can exist at the same time and that it can be detrimental to focus on just one or the other.
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Role models: Matt Weston is a youthful optimist who's hankering for some action and a chance to prove himself. He's a bit reckless, and he eventually has no qualms about killing people in self defense, but he also risks everything in order to do what he thinks is right. His perseverance rubs off on a few other characters.
What to watch for
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Violence: This movie is a non-stop chase, with lots of shooting, deaths, and blood. There are explosions, car chases, car crashes, knife fights, strangling, and fist fights. Characters are stabbed with shards of glass. There's an intense scene of water torture (a wet towel is placed over the victim's face, and water is poured on top to simulate the feel of drowning).
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Sex: The main character's girlfriend follows him into the bathroom, removes her clothes, and climbs into the shower with him. Viewers see kissing, but no graphic nudity.
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Language: Surprisingly infrequent for this kind of movie; "f--k," "s--t," "hell," and "ass" are each used a couple of times.
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Consumerism: The character talks on an Apple iPhone every so often. The Apple logo is visible at least once.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Denzel Washington's character enjoys fine wine. Viewers see him drinking it twice, more to savor the flavor than to get drunk.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Action Filled, Fast Paced Thriller With A Terrific Cast. by Alon Patterson
This is one of those movies that grabs the audience and keeps them hypnotically suspended for the duration. It's filled with near non-stop action and packed with 'A' list stars worthy of this intricate and compelling screenplay. It's the rare imagination that would doubt the chemistry of a cast that includes Washington and Reynolds, although apparently there are at least one or two critics out there who state this, most likely just to grab some attention for themselves. You simply can't go wrong here. It's worth every cent of today's high ticket prices. The story is familiar but fresh. The action as good as any. See this movie but leave the little guys home because it's too intense for kids. Otherwise, count on one entertaining film. You won't be disappointed.
5
Why do critics even bother watching action movies? Stick to movies that make you depressed and cry ! by rodstohogs
I heard some bad reviews about this movie ..WOW! They are so wrong I am pissed about it. If you dont like everything then you shouldn't review everything! Simple as that! (Just review the types of movies you like)
Now Im no professional critic! However I do watch and see all types of movies and have gone to the movies every single weekend since I was about 10 .Sometimes 2-3 a week? I also see the artistic side as I have made a living as an Artist since high school 25 years ago.
No I am not applying to be the next action movie critic! I am simply asking others to tell critics we are sick of the prejudice.
Here is the correct review...Was similar to the Bourne movies in style and directing. However action packed, edge of your seat entertainment with lots of surprises too (An improvement over The Bourn films.) Acting flawless, special effect perfect,. Much better then Contraband which I thought was an OK copy of Italian Job but not as good. Safe house kicked ass!
5
Denzell does it again! by cinematic-butterfly
Of course, since it's Denzell I had to go see it no matter what. I'm glad I did! This movie pulled you in and you were mad at the ending. I want to see it again, as soon as I can.
4
Safe House, A Safe Bet by crisstlove
As is any movie starring the charismatic and talented Denzel Washington would be, Safe House is a safe bet for a movie gamble. However, don't confuse safe with great! Like an appetizer at a 5-Star restaurant preps your taste buds for the entree to come, this action- loaded drama teases, but never satisfies. With it's Bourne-like action and Training Day darkness, the comparisons to those movies are natural. Unfortunately, this one pales in comparison. Denzel, who plays Tobin Frost, a renegade CIA operative , is as cool as ever, and his presence tips the scale in overall favor of the movie. Ryan Reynolds does a good job as the CIA newbie, Matt Weston, assigned to guard Frost,who has been described as a manipulative traitor who will sell the security of his country to the highest bidder. No issues with action or acting. The problem here is plot vs.story. The plot never lives up to the story. In fact, the story behind the story may have offered us so much more. Can you say, PREQUEL? Please
4
Danzel delivers by luvstainless
On a 1 to 10 scale this is a 6. Worth the popcorn purchase. Danzel delivers as usual. Good action and not too predictable ending.
5
Non stop ACTION - Great Denzel movie by Pammo1949
You are intrigued by the character he plays but even though he is portrayed as a traitor (you emphatize with him). He has that ability in all of his movie and theater roles. Bad can be good even when you want to "dislike" the character played. So much action and intensity - the movie time went by fast. Predictable ending -- but the story development was excellent.
3
Safe House by Hikrdi
Actors were good, plot was predictable, almost from the beginning you can predict who are the bad guys disgused as good guys and who dies at the end. Shaky cam is annoying, seems like an excuse for not choreographing action scenes.
5
Non-stop Action, exciting, thrilling, captivating by nng
This is definitely a rare MUST see movie that is just filled with non-stop action and also has a very intriguing and well done plot and cast. Movies these days just seem to be repititions more or less of each other and other movies, but this one was different and had a great cast, acting, and just a very well done storyline. This movie was so good, and kept you at the edge of your seats, really exciting and the action just never ended. There were some twists and it kept you wanting to know more about everything that was going on. The ending also just left you wanting for more of the movie- the only bad thing abotu the movie is that you wish it was longer so you could witness reynolds in action taking the place of the person before him...really good movie with good actors definitely one to check out for sure
5
Denzel played his part by smightygood
I was so ready to see this movie and I was not disappointed. Denzel and Ryan were a good match up. The combination of acting from them brought the movie out. Of course, being a big baby I was sad watching a few of the scenes. I don't want to give a way much. So go watch this movie. You will not regret it!
3
SafeHouse by TheBlackEbert
It was a familiar formula, a action movie disguised as CIA conspiracy thriller that has plenty of body counts, plenty of twist and turns, and shines best when Denzel is on the screen. No mind bending plot or anything like that but it was a good ride, I didn't even hate RyanReynolds in this as he showed restraint from his wise cracks and beat bad guys like a kid thats tired of being bullied. I give it a B for Mr. Washingtons sake but if their was any other actor in it I say a solid C+ which still isn't bad!