No Escape: Review

They Dwyer family, Jack (Owen Wilson), Lucy (Sterling Jerins), Annie (Lake Bell) and Beeze (Claire Geare) have just arrived in a new country. Jack has a new job and they’ve uprooted their lives to start this new journey. No sooner have their arrived though, and they’ve made a new friend, Hammond (Pierce Brosnan). Soon after however,  a coup strikes, and people are being attacked and killed all over the city. So begins a harrowing attempt to escape a violent death, at the hands of those who will show no mercy.

No Escape puts the viewer right into the action. It’s tense, and will leave you feeling the urgency of avoiding the attackers, and checking every corner, waiting for the next rebel to take a shot at the family. The action and pacing stay close to the reality of the situation, choosing to avoid great shows of destruction, and over the top action.

This isn’t a film filled with plot twists, and an intellectual plot. It’s a fun escape, placing the viewer into the midst of a situation that we have all likely thought about, given current world events. The Hammond character is a sort of wizard, appearing just as he is needed, and anyone paying attention to the geography of the location, would be left wandering how he found the family. He’s a convenient way to get the family out of a tough situation. You’re also not sure if you’re meant to like him, or not. Although, he’d likely not care, and go on as he sees fit.

As for the Dwyer’s, they manage to overcome their own issues, fears, and relationship problems, and band together to survive. A journey of self. Viewers are likely to relate to at least a few of the issues they overcome.

A competent cast, and a tense ride, No Escape is one for action fans, and those looking for a less cerebral viewing experience. The film opens 20 November 2015 in South African cinemas.

By Andrew Germishuys

Founder of SAMDB | Actor | Armourer | Tech Enthusiast With over two decades in the film industry, I'm a seasoned actor and skilled armourer. I hold numerous certifications in acting and filmmaking, complemented by degrees and diplomas in IT and technology, giving me a unique blend of creative and technical expertise. When I'm not on set or in the workshop, you'll find me immersed in the world of gaming and VR, fuelling my passion for cutting-edge technology. Connect with me: X / Twitter Facebook Instagram Mastodon Threads Explore my work on SAMDB IMDb