The Hollywood Reporter informs us that Ryan Reynolds is at the head of the pack of young leading men to star opposite Denzel Washington in Safe House. As the story unfolds Reynolds who plays the only CIA agent who has survived an attack on their headquarters attempts to get Washington to a safe house before the evil forces can finish the job.
The role has reportedly enticed the like of Tom Hardy who is fresh off of his supporting role in Inception. James McAvoy who has already proven that he can carry a serious film, but has had little success with the genre at hand (a la Wanted). Zac Efron a commercially viable pretty boy with boatloads of charisma, yet little acting talent (a la EVERYTHING). Sam Worthington who stared in the highest grossing movie of all time and is clearly capable of block buster success. Finally Shia LaBeouf who has managed to make Micheal Bay look like a competent action director at times, which is no easy feat. However, admits all this talent and commercial appeal Reynolds has managed to beat out them all. No surprise there.
Ryan Reynolds‘ meteoric rise is not without cause or provocation. He has consistently proven that he can deliver, weather it’s his staring opposite a collection of female leads or just kicking ass for the Marvel franchise Reynolds is more than a safe bet, he is a guaranteed movie star. But is he capable of critic praise and award nominations?
I think so. In films like The Nines and Chaos Theory Ryan has shown both audiences and critics that he has the ability to put forth an impressive performance. With the release of Buried quickly approaching in October critical praise may be in Reynold’s future. I am looking forward to Ryan being offered roles that he can sink his teeth into artistically and prove to us that he is more than what he has been given. Safe House may be the vehicle to show another side of Reynolds to a broader audience. Let just hope it’s a more critically satisfying CIA role than the one he was given in Smokin’ Aces.
Is Ryan Reynolds worthy of a more challenging roles?