Verdict: "Safe House" should have been a hit. It features two experienced stars in an action movie. It's an espionage spy thriller loaded with supporting talent. The formula for success is there. Unfortunately, this movie is mostly bland with a predictable script. Nobody is bad, but nobody is good, except for maybe Denzel Washington and Brendan Gleeson. 2.5 out of 5 stars is generous, rewarding the movie for sheer baseline competency of filmmaking rather than any sort of spark.

"Safe House" might be the worst type of movie that I've come across in my now 40-week-long Denzel Watchathon: a movie that wastes Denzel's talent.

To be clear, I've seen far worse movies than this action thriller co-starring Ryan Reynolds. To this movie's credit, I've even seen worse thrillers starring Denzel Washington. But this might be one of the most disappointing movies I've seen in my yearlong odyssey through Denzel's filmography, in no small part because this movie should be good.

"Safe House" is remarkably bland, despite its efforts to be thrilling. And even though you can stream it on Netflix right now, I'm not sure I'd recommend it over other Denzel movies you'd have to pay hard-earned cash to buy or rent.

If you want to watch this movie before you read on, I have good news! It's currently streaming on Netflix, one of the best streaming services we've tested.

"Safe House" wasn't a total box office flop, so there's a chance, if you're reading this, you watched it when it came out 14 years ago.

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