This hand-held, up-close-and-personal looking film could be hazardous to your health. Its flat, near gritty look adds to the realism of the situation brings home the life or death aspects of playing in the Big Leagues.
Denzel went off the reservation about nine years ago and did a lot of rogue damage to the CIA and other governments as well. Everybody wants him but nobody can find him or his information treasure trove that can hurts senior people all over the world in the spy game. To avoid getting killed in the street he ducks into an American Consulate in Capetown as a last ditch move. There he is moved to a local "safe house" where Ryan Reynolds is acting as innkeeper and resenting his career slipping away. Upon Denzel's arrival bad things happen. A little water boarding then a full scale invasion of the very place that is so secret it's beyond secret. Through twists and turns Denzel and Reynolds escape as Reynolds slowly realizes he's as good as dead, too.
The action is plenty: fists fly, knives and glass cut, bullets all around, cars crash, allies are enemies and enemies are allies. Vera Farminga and Brendan Gleeson fly off to Capetown to track down the elusive Denzel and his captor, Reynolds who is torn between doing the right thing and smelling the coffee. Only the very ending disappoints due to its ultimate believability.
Ryan Reynolds came dangerously close to impersonating an actor in this one. Better watch out. Denzel astoundingly believable and the whole cast was up for the effort. This one demands something more substantial than popcorn...perhaps raw steak nuggets with au jus.
