Mei, a young girl whose memory holds a priceless numerical code, finds herself pursued by the Triads, the Russian mob, and corrupt NYC cops. Coming to her aid is an ex-cage fighter whose life was destroyed by the gangsters on Mei's trail.
Like the title suggests, there’s not much that’s daring about this formulaic fare...ut it boasts an unstoppable, adrenaline-fuelled energy – from street-level chase scenes to shoot outs in hotels, bars and restaurants. Coupled with Statham’s gruff machismo, it makes for a surprisingly satisfying slug-fest.
Jason Statham, yet again hewn from solid machismo, strives to entertain us by kicking multitudes of ass in a fast-paced action thriller that can’t let go of a proven formula.
With Yakin's all-action plot operating like clockwork, an on-song Statham proves anything but expendable in a genre he dominates. Predictable, sure, but equally pleasurable.
The massive body count is no compensation for a coherent story or memorable action.
While Statham plays to his strengths, Safe allows him to expand his range a bit.
A rough, exhausting, exhilarating action picture with a payoff which would have delighted Sam Fuller or Howard Hawks. The Stath — an actual Olympian, remember — is on top form.
Crisp, frill-free, unambarrassable.
It's tough delivering an action performance with heart. Statham's cracked it.
Profoundly trashy and violent, Safe clatters along with a thrilling seat-of-its-pants propulsiveness. There’s no messing around and that’s why it works; Statham just beats, shoots and leaves.
No-one can beat Statham when it comes to a hard-as-nails hero with a strawberry creme centre. Consider your position safe, Mr S.
Throw in corrupt cops and a dodgy mayor and you've got a pretty crowded house, which Statham proceeds to trash with fists, firepower and flying high-kicks.
Efficient? Yes. Surprising? You must be kidding, surely.
A hard-boiled New York crime thriller which is just as efficient, unpretentious, and wryly aware of its own silliness as Statham himself.
Only goes to show you can't make silk Speedos out of thick ears.
Whip-smart pacing and breathless photography mask the silliness admirably.
General release. Check local listings for show times.