Safe Review

'One man against the world' - Jason Statham has pretty much captured this space and made it all-exclusive for him when it comes to dial-an-action-hero-and-make-a-quickie genre. With as many as three releases last year and four more planned to release before end of next year, the man is happy to feature in films that allow him to get into some quick fire action with a lot of body battle involved as well. This is what one expected from 'Safe' and results are pretty much in accordance.

Just like it happens in most Statham movies, there is no romantic element involved as all Jason has to do (which is quite a lot actually) is get his punches right, indulge in some quick mean street action and last but not the least, deliver one liners that get audience approval. The only company that he keeps is that of a young stranger Chinese girl (Catherine Chan). With a unique ability of deep rooted memory and made to keep account of underworld dealings, she finds herself on the run with mafia behind her. Of course when Statham realises her plight, he is left with no other option but to protect the girl. Needless to say, there is all around mayhem.

Reminding one of Denzel Washington's 'Man on Fire' which was again centred on a man's quest to save and protect a girl, 'Safe' moves at a crackling speed. This is one of the major reasons why one hardly gets time to sit down, relax and wonder about the very plausibility of the plot since the action and drama unfolding at a rapid pace doesn't give you any breather whatsoever. However for those hunting for some dramatic elements, there isn't much in store since the basic plot stays on the action route right through the film's duration.

Moreover, there is hardly any emotional quotient at display here, something that made 'Man on Fire' stand out or for that matter even 'Rumble In The Bronx' (Jackie Chan). Now that's a tad disappointing because for a change one would have wanted to see the other side of Statham as well even as all the bullets flew around him or action of other kind unfolded. Moreover, one can't help but notice the stereotypical elements in the narrative with good cop/bad cop/corrupt cop scenario being brought to fore all over again.

Of course these are the typical elements that form as necessary ingredients for many a action movie. Still, despite the formulaic appeal, it may have been worthwhile to bring in more thrills and the elements of suspense into the narrative. Yes, there are a few newer chapters opened as the film progresses and some secrets are unveiled as well. Still, they are not the kind that stay with you even hours after the film's screening is through.

What (expectedly) turn out to be mainstay of the film are two major factors - Jason Statham himself and then of course the action. It's this very element which has been successful in making Statham's films successful over a period of time. It shouldn't be any different for 'Safe' either.

Rating: ***