This was a reasonably interesting flick, though the ending was not a huge surprise. Also, I felt a little irritated with the film's negative references solely to Republicans, i.e., Iran Contra and Watergate. The evil politician was a Republican as well. It get tiresome to see this persistent Hollywood PC in so many otherwise laudable films. Why not reference Koreagate, Travelgate, Interngate or Chinagate? Talk about old scandals! Patrick Stewart is a fine actor and Kimberly Williams very accomplished and lovely to behold. The supporting cast was good as well. The script, too, was tight and moved right along.It's sad that Hollywood is so politically paranoid.

"Safe House" shows us a public service retiree (Stewart) with early Alzheimers secluded in a suburban home with a fantastic maze of electronic surveillance equipment, an armory, and a beautiful young caregiver (Williams) to protect him from what he believes to be a plot to get him and what his grown kids believe is simple disease-related paranoia. What could have been a good thriller/suspense/psychodrama is unfortunately brought to the small screen as a comedy cum drama cum farce cum whatever. Although the flick has its moments, they're few and far between and a good premise sinks under the awkward one-man-band execution.

Unsure whether it may be considered a spoiler review, but I guess this is the proper context: SPOILERS FOLLOW; The reason I liked it is because I supported operatives not unlike him, it was done well without compromising the USIC, and the "spy" sub-genre is one of my favorite. Although the actor cannot truly convey the paranoia that is a constant reminder of what he was, he brings across very convincingly for the audience what it was like to be a spy on the inside. He plays the part of a retired Defense Intelligence Agency operative who apparently moved to the DIA from Naval Intelligence. The movie concentrates on his fight of what appears to be the onset of dementia and his disarming family and friends. His only ally, his intelligence - he constantly tries to prove to himself he is not failing using technology extensively in testing his memory. Although it does not compromise the true Intelligence Community, like some other movies of the recent past, it gives an insight into the mind of the average retired spy. BTW - Paranoia was a prerequisite, the author probably should have done research internationally "in the field", but that would be not only difficult, but impossible. A great suggestion for a very small Vietnam to Present look of the CIA, Officer to Field Agent; "Spy Game".

What a brilliant idea: A former secret agent, who'd lied to his family about his real career, can't make anyone believe that his life is in danger from his old colleagues. Plus he's suffering from Alzheimer's, so is the conspiracy all in his head or for real? You sure want to believe him, but it gets harder as the film goes on. I was amazed and touched by Patrick Stewart's vulnerability as this proud man realizes he can't remember names and faces. Kimberly Williams was impressive, and I enjoyed Craig "Love Master" Shoemaker in the supporting role. Originally aired on Showtime. Go rent it!