Safehouse

But at least a house, they got that right - no pun intended either way of course. I really liked this - does it have flaws? Of course, it is a low budget movie, some of the acting may seem off, the story has its issues ... but it is really engaging and you have a main character that you can relate to ... getting herself into a situation she has no or little control over ... and that is only the beginning of her ordeal.

Unlike her I would not be able to offer medical assistance - but when I say we can relate to her, I did not mean her attributes or skills .. but rather her situation as a whole ... and being the seemingly decent human being, trying to help as much as possible, even if there doesn't seem to be anything in it for her ... good action, good thriller, good suspense ... with a few neat twists to help move things along ...

One surprise after another. Great acting by the cast. Very believable. Glad I watched it. No sex scenes definitely stand out as a plus. Reveals how 'safe places' only manifest 'safe' due to just the right place at the right time., versus, wrong place at the wrong time. May cause one to wonder how 'safe' our borders sit, and for who. Glad I watched it. Also makes one grateful for the life they lead knowing others face such horrible obstacles. Such is the life of man throughout the world and throughout time. Shows or may say asks the question, "Who can you trust?". The main character well played.

A very well done low budget suspense/action/thriller that delivers well, the action is well choreographed, and very believable as many are wounded, the good guys miss a lot, so do the bad guys, and the story follows a logical chain of events. Alondra Delgado (Carla Perez) escapes death from those who killed her brother through an old drug smuggling tunnel that happens to come out into the stable of an old desert ranch which now is a government safe house (hence the title of this movie) things are not as they seem as all hell breaks loose soon after Carla arrives. Nothing questionable, no nudity, some foul language, lots of blood and gore. Good solid entertainment that is not too over the top unbelievable. They do run out of bullets and have to reload a lot, which makes it even more correct. It is not a blockbuster, but for the budget the acting was spot on and well scripted. Enjoy!

I was not aware of Paul Street's writing and directing work prior to watching this "Tubi Exclusive" that appeared first on my list, this morning. Now that I am aware of his work, I'll search out his previous films -- and keep aware of his future works (as well as from his great cast).

Courtesy of Street's tight scripting -- as well as his directing, and with great editing -- Safehouse comes in at an appreciated 80-minute running time. The cinematography is effectively framed and crystal clear; so while released as a streaming exclusive, Street delivers us a theatrical-level film. Its battle of wits between CIA agents, drug cartel baddies, and contract assassins is a tale that keeps you guessing -- and watching to see where it will all go.

The casting is also appreciated; Street could have easily dealt us the name-on-the-box switcheroo, you know: like so many of the later-day Bruce Willis, Eric Roberts or Tom Sizemore streamers we've enjoyed (well, I do). Street could have also kept the action male-centric; instead he offers us well-written, strong female roles that belong here -- with one that allows newcomer Alondra Delgado, as our damsel, to shine. Overall, Street gave a wonderful opportunity to a collective of unknown actors -- and there's not a bad performance among them. Robert Seay is a standout as the lead CIA agent who seems dirty, at first, but comes to have a heart inside him.

In the special effects department: Unlike most budget-conscious indie streams that go the CGI route, all of the gun play and blood splatter is all effectively done in-camera -- and if it is not, well, then CGI-made blanks, squibs, and blood packets have gotten better because it all looks real to me.

I am glad I took a chance on that Tubi suggestion as I enjoyed the film.

I gave it ten stars, because it completely entertained me! Now, these reviews are required to be very, very long. And, I really don't want to give away the secrets which the film will reveal, as you watch it. I will say this, most low budgets are terrible. Most low budget movies have too many close-ups, too much unnecessary babbling, and not enough satisfying action. Locations or sets cost money. Low budgets don't have money. And some of these "Tubi Originals" are guilty of all of the above. Including bad acting, to go with the lack of real action. This finely done film avoids all of those shortcomings. The acting is done well. The scenery is fascinating! The action was believable, but also tensely exciting. And like any good Western film, a moral lesson is included; where virtue is rewarded, and evil is punished. Seen on Tubi, the free streaming site; which also has live TV.