Denzel can't save 'Safe House'

About 20 seconds after Tobin Frost (Denzel Washington) makes his first appearance in “Safe House,” he is chased by a group of unidentified Middle Eastern men with guns. Thus, the pace is set for the subsequent hour and a half of barely engaging action.

Jargon and secrecy define spy-type movies and pull us into the gambit. This, however, seems to be the downfall of “Safe House.”

There is no shortage of violent action, backstabbing plot twists and clandestine operations, but the background story to make it all fit together is notably absent.
Frost’s relationship with the CIA is never fully developed, nor is any other bit of relevant information. We are aware that he is selling some sort of classified intelligence to the highest bidder, but we don’t know what or to whom.

Washington’s knowing smirk is one of the only reasons this film is worth watching. If only the plot were developed enough for us to find out what’s behind that smile.  
“Safe House” is an unintelligent espionage thriller that is too vague to make us actually care.