This is How Movies Should Be Made

Good concept, poorly executed.

Excellent, smart action film.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

Initially I had mixed thoughts on how to vote. But I have deemed the film unforgettable so I had to go with a 10. I really won't forget some of the scenes ever. Performances by Robert Miano, Sheila Cutchlow and Clayton Myers were superb. Robert's Miano's character, Slavatore, is naturally ruthless. Sheila Cutchlow, playing the role of Samantha, is exceptionally polished exhibiting much strength and beauty. She really looked stunning on screen as well. I was mesmerized by her features and seemingly effortless work. I especially enjoyed Myers' character, Teaberry. I will never forget the scene where Johnny Alonso, playing Cooper O'Neil, approaches him for a favor on Teaberry's houseboat. You have to see this movie for that scene alone! Though it is an action movie, it did not lack humor. That scene was HILARIOUS! And who other than Frank Lama could play a better FBI agent? The film is a twisted in my mind as entertaining, interesting and serious yet comedic. Loved the locations. Nice cast!

We recently downloaded Safehouse. Although the story was a little typical I loved the movie and I love the cast. I've been a Thomas Calabro fan since his days on Melrose Place and Robert Miano from Donnie Brasco (he looks like my dad) lol Unfortunately Thomas' character was a bit weak, and the handkerchief prop got real annoying, it wasn't his best performance. But still, it was nice to see him on screen and he was good in the role. Robert Miano always plays a great "bad" guy. I've seen Robert pop up in movies lately and I really like his acting. Half way thru the film, I realized the lead Johnny Alonso is the same actor from One Tree Hill, another show we use to watch a lot in college. His hair was much shorter in Safehouse than it was on OTH, but his boyish looks and charm gave him away. I agree with the other comment that Johnny might have been a couple years too young to play a retired FBI guy, but with his strong acting performance he carried an interesting character all the way thru the film and we viewers can over look the age thing. I think the fat assassin who came to warn Cooper, was a little too old and too fat for that role. But thats just my opinion. Samantha played by Sheila Cutchlow did a nice job too. Sheila and Johnny had good chemistry. I especially liked the "couple bickering" at the end of the movie. Teeberry Jones played by Claiton Meyer was good comic relief. It would have been nice to see what exactly happened to him at the end, but the phone voice on the credits was a good touch. The FBI man who spoke to Cooper and Emily on the dock who looked like a handsome Rock Hudson was good too. I liked the tension Johnny and FBI Rock Hudson had. Wasn't thrilled with Emily. If Johnny was too "young" looking for his role, she was too "old" looking for hers. She had good moments though, but casting could have been a little better for her role. Maybe a Sarah Michelle Geller or a young Jenny Garth looking type? We're FOX and WB fans.:) The rest of the unknown actors were okay, but it was obvious some of them had little or zero experience before this movie. The opening scene was very cool looking and that hooked us into going forward with the rest of the movie. The end scene between Robert Miano and Johnny Alonso was very good too. I think some physical action instead of the gun stand off would have added to the ending. Cinematography and editing were excellent. Nice job guys:)

Retired FBI agent is caught up in a web of danger when his new life is put into the cross hairs of various parties who want a mini computer drive that out hero finds on the body of his ex-partner who turns up at his marina dead. Good but unremarkable action film moves along at a good pace and does what it does before getting off. Its like anyone of a hundred other low budget action films that are flooding the market, only its slightly better than a good portion of them. I like the film for what it is, a nice way to pass an really undemanding evening. I think I would have liked the film better had the casting been a little bit better. Its not that the performances are bad, they aren't, rather its that the actors are too young for what they are doing. Johnny Alonso as our hero is probably ten years too young to be an ex-FBI agent. He's fine doing his heroic stuff, he just doesn't carry the weight of an experienced agent. Worth a look on cable if nothing else.