No Escape (2015)

No Escape (2015)

In their new overseas home, an American family soon finds themselves caught in the middle of a coup, and they frantically look for a safe escape in an environment where foreigners are being immediately executed.

Director:
 John Erick Dowdle

Writers:
  John Erick Dowdle, Drew Dowdle.

Stars: 
 Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson.

Storyline

When Jack (Owen Wilson) finds an opportunity to move to Southeast Asia to head his water manufacturing company's new plant there, he immediately jumps at the opportunity and moves his family there. When they get there; they seem to be having problems, the electronics don't work and rarely any cars are seen in the streets. When he goes to the market the next morning, he finds himself caught in the middle of a violent rebellion headed by armed rebels executing foreigners. Jack must get back to the hotel and with the help of a mysterious British "tourist" (Pierce Brosnan), must get his family to the American Embassy in the midst of the chaos. But is there any escape?

I went in to this movie not expecting much. having read some reviews online prior i had my hopes set a little higher as many people said the intensity of the movie was high. the reviews did not do that justice. this might be one of the most relentless in your face movies i have ever seen. once things start to go wrong and believe me it does not take long at all, it rarely ever gives you a chance to breathe. This is Owen Wilson in top form. I have seen him take on a serious role before in behind enemy lines so i knew he had it in him but he really takes it to a whole new level here. the children are adorable and really strong actresses for their age. the family dynamic is authentic and you genuinely care about what happens to them. the concept behind this movie is not too far fetched and felt very plausible. John Erick Dowdle does a great job putting his audience right in the middle of the chaos. Many instances throughout the movie i found myself thinking about how i would react in these situations. Some excellent camera-work is used here too, especially on the roof scene. Of course this movie is not perfect. there were a couple of Hollywood moments where someone saves the day at the last possible second and the ending felt kind of abrupt but it was still pretty emotional and shows what this family has gone through. overall i give this movie a 9.5/10.