Director: John Erick Dowdle
Writer: John Erick Dowdle, Drew Dowdle
Cast: Owen Wilson, Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan
Jack Dwyer a devote husband and father uproot his wife and two daughters to Asia for a better life. On the eve of their arrival, the assassination of a high ranking government official causes a major coup. In a matter of hours, the country is embroiled in a civil war with citizens attacking the nation’s army. The marauding rebels prove a bigger foe than anticipated and before long gain control of the country. Armed militias roam the streets on a murderous rampage killing, visitors in an effort to rid their country of all foreigners. The violent revolt forces Jack and his family to fight for their lives as the country explodes in turmoil and innocent blood is shed on the streets.
Owen Wilson is a surprising hero in this action-filled thriller. As Jack Dwyer, he is catapulted from funny man to survivalist as he fights for his family. In one of the most intense, scenes of the film Jack is forced to throw his two daughters’ across a building onto the roof next door. He tosses his first daughter easily by distracting her, but his oldest child is more difficult and nearly falls to her death. Along for the insane ride is Jack’s wife Annie portrayed by Lake Bell. Annie’s devotion to her husband is evident as she doubts some of his choices but follows his lead as they seek shelter from the angry militia. One of the toughest scenes finds Annie throwing herself into harm’s way to save her husband from certain death.
Though filled with pulse-pounding action. The film is at its core when the small family of four face unimaginable odds to survive. No Escape is engrossing and fast-paced from start to finish with some humor weaved in for good measure. Prepare to be on the edge of your seat with each scene as their fight for freedom is thwarted at every turn. Though it may not have been a summer blockbuster, No Escape is easily one of the better movies of the summer season. No Escape opens August 26th.