Let’s
face it. I usually like Jason Statham even though he has starred in
more bad films than good ones. I did love THE BANK JOB as well as the
first CRANK and TRANSPORTER films. Aside from those, I can name about a
dozen stinkers that he has churned out in the last twelve years. Even
with his good movies, he has still managed to put out an average of one
bad movie a year. Good news Statham fans, we have a rare treat here.
A good Statham movie, actually a very good Statham movie.
Going into the new film SAFE, I honestly did not expect much. Writer/director Boaz Yakin is also responsible for the screenplays for such Razzie-worthy-gems as PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE SANDS OF TIME, DIRTY DANCING: HAVANA NIGHTS, & a direct-to-video sequel to FROM DUSK TILL DAWN. Aside from his debut film 1994′s FRESH, there is not much positive to be said about his body of work. That is why SAFE was such a surprise. unsecured loans This is an action film, with a solid and tight screenplay that moves along at a brisk pace.
Statham plays Luke Wright, an ex-cop with a mysterious background. After failing to take a dive in a cage fight on the mixed martial arts circuit and costing the Russian Mafia millions by doing so, his wife is murdered and he is left homeless and friendless. At the same time, twelve-year-old Mai (Catherine Chan) , a math prodigy is kidnapped and brought to New York’s Chinatown to work for the Triads as a counter. Mai can memorize any numerical code which allows the Triads to avoid using computers or anything else that might leave a trail. Unfortunately for Mai, not only do the Triads want her, but so does the Russian Mafia and a group of corrupt cops. bad credit loans
During an Mai’s attempted escape, she and Luke cross paths in a New York subway station. Luke was about to commit suicide by jumping in front of a train but when he turns around and sees Mai, he suddenly steps back and notices she is being chased by the same men that took everything from him. Of course, he decides to step in and help the girl. This is where we get our first awesome fight sequence showing that Statham still can kick some serious ass.
There is quite a bit going on in SAFE with all the different people after the little girl, but it does a good job showing both Luke and Mai’s story. Another plus is that even the bad guys’ characters are just a tiny bit better than most films of this type. At least the Triads are, the Russian’s not so much. I even liked the corrupt cops and the Mayor, played by Chris Sarandon
.
Though there is plenty of action here to keep the fans happy, it really does not kick in till quite a bit into SAFE. The build-up which shows what brought Luke and Mai together is actually where SAFE excels. These are two desperate souls that need each other to survive. SAFE does have its flaws and at some points the action can get a little over-the-top, but there is nothing wrong with that. We don’t get as many gritty B-grade action movies in theaters anymore so when a good one comes along, fans should take notice. SAFE is a pretty safe bet.
Going into the new film SAFE, I honestly did not expect much. Writer/director Boaz Yakin is also responsible for the screenplays for such Razzie-worthy-gems as PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE SANDS OF TIME, DIRTY DANCING: HAVANA NIGHTS, & a direct-to-video sequel to FROM DUSK TILL DAWN. Aside from his debut film 1994′s FRESH, there is not much positive to be said about his body of work. That is why SAFE was such a surprise. unsecured loans This is an action film, with a solid and tight screenplay that moves along at a brisk pace.
Statham plays Luke Wright, an ex-cop with a mysterious background. After failing to take a dive in a cage fight on the mixed martial arts circuit and costing the Russian Mafia millions by doing so, his wife is murdered and he is left homeless and friendless. At the same time, twelve-year-old Mai (Catherine Chan) , a math prodigy is kidnapped and brought to New York’s Chinatown to work for the Triads as a counter. Mai can memorize any numerical code which allows the Triads to avoid using computers or anything else that might leave a trail. Unfortunately for Mai, not only do the Triads want her, but so does the Russian Mafia and a group of corrupt cops. bad credit loans
During an Mai’s attempted escape, she and Luke cross paths in a New York subway station. Luke was about to commit suicide by jumping in front of a train but when he turns around and sees Mai, he suddenly steps back and notices she is being chased by the same men that took everything from him. Of course, he decides to step in and help the girl. This is where we get our first awesome fight sequence showing that Statham still can kick some serious ass.
There is quite a bit going on in SAFE with all the different people after the little girl, but it does a good job showing both Luke and Mai’s story. Another plus is that even the bad guys’ characters are just a tiny bit better than most films of this type. At least the Triads are, the Russian’s not so much. I even liked the corrupt cops and the Mayor, played by Chris Sarandon
.
Though there is plenty of action here to keep the fans happy, it really does not kick in till quite a bit into SAFE. The build-up which shows what brought Luke and Mai together is actually where SAFE excels. These are two desperate souls that need each other to survive. SAFE does have its flaws and at some points the action can get a little over-the-top, but there is nothing wrong with that. We don’t get as many gritty B-grade action movies in theaters anymore so when a good one comes along, fans should take notice. SAFE is a pretty safe bet.
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