No Escape Review

This is a very interesting movie in the sense that I think it was marketed wrong. From my perspective, it looked to be an action film based on the trailers and poster, but after watching it I must admit that I wouldn't think it an action film, but maybe closer to a thriller. For those who don't know, No Escape is about a family who has to move to an Asian country because of the dad's job, Owen Wilson. There, a sort of civil war breaks out and now Owen has to get his family out of there, because people are now killing foreigners.

Having the feel of a survival thriller, No Escape really gets under your skin in how far they take things. The scene in the trailer that solidified my decision to go see this was of Owen throwing his daughter from one building to another. In the film, the scene was much longer than I thought, but I really liked what they did. It felt so real with everyone trembling in fear as their doing everything in their power to get their daughters to safety. It was actually quite shocking to see at what lengths they took to throw the girls off the roof.

Ever since the attacks first start you feel this uneasiness beneath your skin, and it doesn't go away. The film did an excellent job in amplifying that fear as the family journey's through the war torn streets. What plays a part in this, is the fact that at times it feels very real. You start wondering if you'd do the same if you were in that position, and every time the kids are involved your heart rate picks up a little, because they don't shy away from the kids. When the kids are in danger it looks like they are in serious danger, which is why I don't think a lot of people would like to see this film.

While I did think it was well done, it's not for everyone. When Prisoners came out, a lot of people were saying that if you had kids you shouldn't watch that movie. In a way I'd say this film is similar. Or, at least, people who do have kids would feel much more fear when watching this film, because like I said earlier it's shocking to see how much the kids do in this film.

Speaking of the kids, I have to give them tons of kudos, because they did a wonderful job at being afraid and acting in those intense situations. Everyone did a wonderful job when acting, and it was really nice to see Owen Wilson back on the screen in  a non-comedy role.

Overall, this film isn't for everyone, and it's definitely not a happy film. Immediately you are shown an American family in a strange land, and you start to feel as afraid as they are once the fighting and killing breaks out. Unlike most modern films, this one doesn't go too wild with the blood. In fact, a lot of the gruesome scenes are either far away or hidden making the deaths complete with our imagination. If you want a good thrill, a small adrenaline rush in your system, then I'd definitely say check this one out, because I'm afraid this will be one of those films that doesn't get enough credit it deserves.