Non-Stop

7

LowbrowCinemaMar 1, 2014

It may not be high art but it's so refreshing to see a film like NON-STOP that knows what it wants to be and delivers on every promise. NON-STOP is a solid B-movie filled with A-list talent that elevate the proceedings while keeping it allIt may not be high art but it's so refreshing to see a film like NON-STOP that knows what it wants to be and delivers on every promise. NON-STOP is a solid B-movie filled with A-list talent that elevate the proceedings while keeping it all firmly in B=movieland. I was on the edge of my seat throughout wondering who was the "terrorist." A fun cat and mouse film anchored by the oh so manly Liam Neeson who has become our Charles Bronson but with a heart so big, it can climb the moon.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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3

NightReviewsMar 1, 2014

In 2009, actor Liam Neeson starred in Pierre Morel’s surprise sleeper hit Taken, and what begun was an onslaught of early year/before spring Neeson action releases that solidified the star as playing aging, ‘could-be real life’ superheroes.In 2009, actor Liam Neeson starred in Pierre Morel’s surprise sleeper hit Taken, and what begun was an onslaught of early year/before spring Neeson action releases that solidified the star as playing aging, ‘could-be real life’ superheroes. Since then, there are only two things certain about early action film releases; there will always be one featuring kick-ass icon Jason Statham playing the younger, balder super human hero, and one featuring Neeson, usually playing a wrinkled, more seasoned action star who could very well be your father (or grandfather)–which was badass three films ago. Deep down I am secretly waiting for Hollywood to come to their senses and announce a showdown between the two action superstars. Now talk about a kick-ass early year action release that we kinda saw coming. With something as expected as a Neeson release, also comes the expectation for a cliched, unoriginal, and purely entertaining action story line. Unexpectedly collaborating again with his Unknown director Jaume Collet-Serra, Neeson buckles up for an actioner set in the sky. Unlike the highly entertaining nineties guilty pleasure Air Force One, Non-Stop seems to steer more in the direction of the wholly disastrous Flightplan. After all is said and done, the film becomes a constant re-hashing of previous wind-cutting skyline action films without much original altitude.

Neeson plays Bill Marks, an ex-NYPD officer whose life has been riddled by alcohol and pity for his inability to deliver as a father and husband. Taking cues from 2012 Flight, the comparison between Washington’s intoxicated and wholly unorthodox airline pilot Whip Whitaker and Neeson’s drunken Air Marshal Marks is almost impossible to ignore–but with less satisfying results. As Marks boards his next plane, arguing with his superiors on the phone, he is on the look out for suspecting terrorists. Like most flights today, everyone who boards seem to be the same blend of miserable, occupied, exhausted and professional. As the flight takes off and Marks grips his armrest, he befriends his by chance, first-class neighbour Jen Summers (Julianne Moore). As they get to know one another, Marks receives an anonymous message via a secure network on his mobile device threatening to kill a passenger on the flight every twenty minutes. As the plane makes its way over the Atlantic, hours from the closest airport, Marks must figure out who is attempting to sabotage the plane and it’s passengers, as well as frame him for a terrorist attack on the very plane he was hired to Marshal.

Screenwriters John W. Richardson, Christopher Roach and Ryan Engle had the potential to do so much with a script surrounding an Air Marshal in a post-9/11 world, yet the three seemed to diddle-daddle in familiar, mystery/thriller action territory. The characters are just about as interesting as the reasoning behind the terrorist attack. Neeson brings nothing new or special to the role, leaving all that talent behind on the runway. Obvious jabs are directed towards the only clear terrorist stereotype of the film, Dr. Fahim Nasir, played with poise by Omar Metwally, the only Afghan on the flight. Throughout the film, the other passengers questions Marks’ quick and uninterested attitude towards Dr. Nasir, usually resulting in a face with raised eyebrows and a “that’s it?”, even from fellow officer on-board Austin Reilly (Corey Stoll). Non-Stop shows the ignorance and fear that people still carry with them while travelling as so many are still quick to assume terror with Muslims or Middle-Easterners. It was moments like these that make one question the integrity and intelligence of the writers; either they intentionally sought to bring to light this point, or they just felt the need to capitalize on an assumption they figured everyone would make. If you ask me, this alone would make for a much more interesting take on the affects of people on a non-stop flight than what was delivered instead.

The film is a truly safe, by-the numbers ‘whodunit’ with traces of unoriginal directing and half-assed acting. Marks watches his plane fill up with people with hazy eyes and blurry vision, insinuating his drunken state of mind. It’s too bad the film serves nothing interesting once your strapped in and settled.

By the time the big twist comes and the baddies are revealed, there are only a few questions that are left running around non-stop; is there anything Moore can’t be good at? How was Collet-Serra able to round out a cast that includes Scoot McNairy, Nate Parker and Lupita Nyong’o? And why the hell is Neeson so inclined to collaborate with his formulaic and unoriginal director a third time in the upcoming Run All Night feature that is set on February 6th 2015, where, as expected, much of the same uncreative action antics will surely take place?… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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10

masterjohnson1Mar 1, 2014

This is one of the best films to come out this year, I really enjoyed this film and I don't think the critics know what is good these days by the low scores a lot of them are giving this film, everyone should watch this film it is great andThis is one of the best films to come out this year, I really enjoyed this film and I don't think the critics know what is good these days by the low scores a lot of them are giving this film, everyone should watch this film it is great and you will not be disappointed… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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8

MovieGuysMar 1, 2014

Non-Stop, the latest Neeson action thriller, isn't as "non-stop" as the title suggests. The beginning does drag a bit, and the movie is implausible. But, the movie is very enjoyable and exciting throughout the middle parts, and will keep youNon-Stop, the latest Neeson action thriller, isn't as "non-stop" as the title suggests. The beginning does drag a bit, and the movie is implausible. But, the movie is very enjoyable and exciting throughout the middle parts, and will keep you thoroughly entertained.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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8

AgscreenMar 1, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. While Non-Stop doesn't break any boundaries when concerning originality, it does make up for it by taking its namesake as literally as possible. The film (which sees air marshall Bill Marks attempting to stop a killer on board a trans Atlantic flight) manages to dabble in a lot of different areas, ranging from action and suspense to comedic one liners, and does so mainly successfully. While i wasn't gripping the arms of my seat as much as last year's Captain Phillips, most of the film's success comes from the tension created when Marks (Neeson) desperately tries to uncover the murderer whilst simultaneously attempts to keep the crowd in check. The acting is grounded throughout, with Neeson taking the fore as a unkempt man simply trying to stop what appears to be an impossible scenario from unfolding along with some impressive dramatic moments between the marshall and his increasingly worried passengers. While I won't name characters, I personally feel that the inclusion of a love interest (which felt luke warm and unnecessary) was jarring and superficial and this was one of the aspects of the film that resonated with me the least. However, there were more than a few moments that made the film stand out, particularly a climactic gun fight which sees Neeson fly down a plane aisle in zero g firing a hand gun. Overall Non-Stop is highly entertaining thriller that will certainly keep audience members guessing and one that I highly recommend and while it may not be nominated for any Oscars, it certainly has proven to be one of the more enjoyable films of this year so far.… Expand

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6

David_HMar 1, 2014

Well I went in with mediocre expectations because i didn't really like the theme where a "good guy" seems to get blamed unfairly for a bad behavior as the movie trailers suggest. However, I was pleasantly surprised there were complexities toWell I went in with mediocre expectations because i didn't really like the theme where a "good guy" seems to get blamed unfairly for a bad behavior as the movie trailers suggest. However, I was pleasantly surprised there were complexities to the plot that go a bit further than you expect. All in all a pretty good action film, but i have to give it a six simply because I'm not sure I'll be raving about it a couple weeks from now.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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7

GreatMartinFeb 28, 2014

As Matthew McConaughey turns from a nude bongo romantic comedy lead into a very respected Oscar nominated 'serious' actor Liam Neeson has gone from a serious actor to an action star and he continues in that mode with "Non-Stop". With his hangAs Matthew McConaughey turns from a nude bongo romantic comedy lead into a very respected Oscar nominated 'serious' actor Liam Neeson has gone from a serious actor to an action star and he continues in that mode with "Non-Stop". With his hang dog, sad sack face you know within minutes of the film starting this man has had a rough time and along with fighting possible alcoholism he is fighting past demons.

Bill Marks (Neeson) is a Federal Air Marshall who within minutes of the plane he is on he gets a call on his cellphone demanding millions of dollars or every 20 minutes someone on the plane will be killed. Bill is being set up as the hijacker of the plane and the money and his boss, along with others in the government, suspect it is true.

The Marshall suspects everyone on the plane except an eight year old girl. Becca. (Quinn McColgan) that gives him a chance to show his tender side. We meet his seatmate Jan (Julianne Moore), flight attendants Nancy (Michelle Dockery) and Gwen (Lupita Nyong'o) along with a teacher, doctor, pilot and co-pilot, a New York policeman and as varied a crowd as you would find on any plane and Bill, along with the audience, try to figure out who is behind it all. You know a film is working when you suspect the child could be behind it all, if only for a minute.

As an action film "Non-Stop" fits all the requirements including a few, well many, illogical monents, fights, guilty party going from one suspect to another, fights, manufactured but effective suspense, fights, a possible past and future love story and, oh yes, did I mention fights?

Neeson does everything the questionable hero is expected to do and all the cast support him though the women are more or less wasted, especially Moore and Nyong'o, the latter given very little to say but shows off that Grace Jones hair style with class.

As Allen said while walking out "I'm exhausted," being pulled into the film as most of the audience was. Many people stayed for the ending credits to see who played what role as many faces were familiar but not quite a name!

Director Jaume Collet-Serra keeps the action moving including a very believable 2 man fight in the plane's restroom. The screenwriters John W. Richardson, Chris Roach and Ryan Engle keep the story going maintaining suspense, if not always logical, while the score by John Ottman almost unnoticeable adds to the tension.

For those who like action films this is a good one and even those who don't (me) will enjoy it.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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8

ThegodfathersonFeb 28, 2014

Liam Neeson reunites with Unknown director Jaume Collet-Serra for this high-flying whodunit Non-Stop that requires Neeson's alcoholic air marshal to crack heads to stop a murder plot. The film works for the most part until it's final act. TheLiam Neeson reunites with Unknown director Jaume Collet-Serra for this high-flying whodunit Non-Stop that requires Neeson's alcoholic air marshal to crack heads to stop a murder plot. The film works for the most part until it's final act. The didactic tone of Non-Stop's final third serves to amplify its passable hokeyness. Does Marks really need to be an alcoholic and a grieving father and the victim of conspiracy? Does he really have to be the protector of a plane-load of innocents and the father figure to a little girl flying alone for the first time? As Non-Stop answers its narrative questions, it cranks up the action dial to preposterous proportions. It resists its natural tendency to be slick, simple, and tense. But when Collet-Serra hands it off to the talent, Non-Stop is a gripping battle of banter. Agatha would approve.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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3

foxgroveFeb 28, 2014

This is a preposterous and laboured actioner that only comes to life in the final twenty minutes when the bad guys are unmasked. The editing tries to create suspense, but the absurdities of the story are strongly resistant to this. There areThis is a preposterous and laboured actioner that only comes to life in the final twenty minutes when the bad guys are unmasked. The editing tries to create suspense, but the absurdities of the story are strongly resistant to this. There are also attempts at crowd pleasing humour which is woefully unfunny and includes a few jokes which are blatantly racist and homophobic. Liam Neeson should have rested on his laurels instead of trying to be a new Jason Bourne. In fact this film is worse than 'Taken' and that's saying something. Only the landing of the plane offers some genuine excitement. As for poor Julianne Moore, this is certainly 'Far From Heaven'.… Expand

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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9

JakeRobbsFeb 28, 2014

I really enjoyed this film. The premise of the film might put you off, as it is the typical one man rescues a lot of people cliché, but you should give the film a chance. Neeson plays the character brilliantly and had a great supporting cast.I really enjoyed this film. The premise of the film might put you off, as it is the typical one man rescues a lot of people cliché, but you should give the film a chance. Neeson plays the character brilliantly and had a great supporting cast. Sure the story could have been a bit tighter but it still offers an exciting, tense and interesting film that kept the audience guessing. I mean at one point I was even suspecting an old lady! If you get the chance go see the film, it's worth a watch.… Expand

8 of 10 users found this helpful82

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8

SmissimisFeb 28, 2014

I was surprised how this movie got me. When you hear that its another story about a one-man army that stops innocent people from dying you think this movie is going to be really bad.Only few movies have something interesting in every minuteI was surprised how this movie got me. When you hear that its another story about a one-man army that stops innocent people from dying you think this movie is going to be really bad.Only few movies have something interesting in every minute from begining. There is no space for boring conversations just pure airplane thriller. And even with some cliche moments that appear in every movie like this it's good to see that somebody older than 40 can also play a real badass. You won't regret watching it !… Expand

5 of 7 users found this helpful52

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5

LamontRaymondFeb 28, 2014

The Metascores seems to be right on for this film. It's a nice set-up, the supporting cast is excellent, but the ultimate explanation as to what is happening and why it's happening is highly unsatisfying. It's a good solid vehicle for LiamThe Metascores seems to be right on for this film. It's a nice set-up, the supporting cast is excellent, but the ultimate explanation as to what is happening and why it's happening is highly unsatisfying. It's a good solid vehicle for Liam Neeson's new superhero persona. If only the story were a bit tighter.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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Non-Stop

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