No Escape (11/24/2015)

Rated R for strong violence including a sexual assault, and for language.

Starring Owen Wilson, Lake Bell and Pierce Brosnan

Directed by John Erick Dowdle (As Above, So Below, Devil and Quarantine)

No Escape is one of the most intense films of the year.

An international thriller, No Escape centers on an American businessman (Wilson) as he and his family settle into their new home in Southeast Asia. Suddenly finding themselves in the middle of a violent political uprising, they must frantically look for a safe escape as rebels mercilessly attack the city.

John Erick Dowdle has a gift for making his audience feel really uncomfortable. Films like Devil and As Above, So Below, put the audience right in the middle of terrifying situations. And it doesn’t take long for him to do just that in No Escape. The opening scene sets the stage for the civil unrest that this very average family is about to find themselves in the middle of.

The film kicks off and never lets up, ratcheting up the tension quickly and forcing the characters into a series of life threatening situations. And those moments are surprisingly violent for a film with two young girls involved. As a result, the peril feels very realistic… uncomfortably realistic.

Owen Wilson and Lake Bell ,probably best known for their comedic roles, hit this one out of the park. I still cannot believe how believable they were and how I cared about them immediately. They hold their own in the face of horrific situations without ever turning into silly action heroes. And their family bond adds a strong emotional undercurrent.

Then there is Pierce Brosnan who is fantastic as the wild card. He plays his role perfectly making you wonder if there is more to him than meets the eye.

The script may not be the strongest, but the director and cast more than make up for it. The whole movie is a non-stop, frightening, white-knuckle ride, which makes it “Theater Worthy.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There is no sex or nudity, but there is an attempted rape scene that is very disturbing.

As far as violence and gore, we see many characters shot, beaten to death and run over. We see a man commit suicide as well as explosions and chaos.

There are a few F-words and other profanity throughout the film.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. How would you describe the Dwyer’s as a family?


2. What were some of the scary situations the Dwyer family found themselves in?


3. How do they respond in each situation?


4. In one scene Annie says, “If we die tomorrow, it would have been all worth it,” why do you think she feels that way?

Read John 15:13

The greatest way to show love for friends is to die for them.


5. Besides dying or being will to die for them, what are some specific ways you can show your family you love them?