Right. You may not have heard of this film unless you subscribe to the pay cable channel Showtime. First aired in 1999, "Safe House" is the story of a well to do retiree who seems to have a few quirks. His family knows that he was a low...
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Right. You may not have heard of this film unless you subscribe to the pay cable channel Showtime. First aired in 1999, "Safe House" is the story of a well to do retiree who seems to have a few quirks. His family knows that he was a low end employee for the government. But more openly he tries to convince them that he is an ex-agent for a very clandestine intelligence agency, one with a very spotted past, and one now in danger.

Of course the family thinks he's losing his mind and they take him from doctor to doctor to see what is wrong. Soon, the diagnosis is given, and it's not good. Alzheimer's. And fast moving too.

While this little family drama is taking place, two other events are happening in the world. His alleged agency boss is the front runner for President of the United States, and all of his supposed agency comrades are being murdered, one by one. Mace Sowell (Patrick Stewart) apparently holds the key to the murders and to the Presidency, but in his state of dementia, he is sure that everyone he sees or hears is out to kill him. Thus, he never leaves the house because it is "Safe".

The first time you see the film, you won't be sure of anything throughout the movie, as the screenplay is well written and doesn't give away the surprise ending. After seeing the movie a second time, you now know the truth, and the surprise, but it's still an enjoyable romp through the world of secret agents and what possible could happen after they "retire".

Patrick Stewart is perfect for the part and very enjoyable to watch. Kimberly Williams plays his home care giver and is certainly not hard on the eyes. Hector Elizondo is cast as Mace's latest doctor and lends a sympathetic ear to the agent's condition, trying to help him but recognizing what is approaching quickly.

The DVD is attractively packaged and when inserted, seems to reveal a lot of features. But alas, this was a cable tv movie, though very well shot, and the features are short and somewhat disappointing. It boasts cast and crew interviews, but they are two minute sound bites with Patrick, Kimberly and writer/director Eric Steven Stahl. Extra languages are only Spanish. It is closed captioned. The cover says interactive game but it's a simple puzzle that reveals another two minute interview with Stewart. There are a couple of other throw away menu items. And the film was shot 4 by 3, for the small screen. This was after all 1999, so no one then was thinking High Def television and wide screen plasma tvs.

All in all, "Safe House" is a delightful film that any fans of spy-fi, James Bond, and Pat Stewart will enjoy. And most other folks will too. Rent it today!