No Escape (2015) MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +3 Content: -3

Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson. Action/thriller. Directed by John Erick Dowdle.

FILM SYNOPSIS: An American family soon finds themselves caught in the middle of a coup in a nameless South East Asia country. The couple and their two little girls frantically look for a safe escape, aided by a British agent, amidst an environment where foreigners are being immediately executed.

PREVIEW REVIEW: Some may be perplexed that yet again modern-day movie villains are represented by groups other than the Taliban. ISIS already rape, enslave, and decapitate; I guess Hollywood is worried about what they might do if they get upset with a movie representation. So, here we have Asians at war with a nice white family.

I was also a bit confused by the filmmaker’s intent. From the trailers and posters, I was set for a straight-up action/adventure. Suddenly, I realized it’s meant as drama, serious drama, with a slamming indictment concerning American capitalism. Does this mean that the world of today is in chaos as the result of Western corporate business dealings? Who knows? I want to defend our country in every way, but where a buck can be made, very often greed and abuse follow. So, this is a message film about our corruption. Not exactly a fair and balanced theme.

If you’re a bit tired of hearing how awful America is, especially by security-protected Malibu residents, you might be perturbed by the film’s point of view. But one element that held me to my seat was the determination and cleverness of an average American attempting to protect his family and even show compassion for others. Is this a trait found worldwide? Perhaps. It is definitely an example of the American spirit.

Be warned, this is the most intense film I’ve seen in many years, perhaps due to the unnerving hostility and viciousness against the West by so many nations.

That said, if you can ignore the political subtext against white America, you may find this a thrilling film experience. Certainly, the cast and the director’s proficient use of camera and editing machine make the proceedings gripping, if unsettling entertainment.

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Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Silver Reel