“How do you kill someone in a crowded plane and get away with it?”
That’s what Non-Stop offers audiences, an alluring and intriguing premise that the trailer adequately teased prior to the film’s release. Liam Neeson stars as Bill Marks, a guy whose life hasn’t gone the way he wanted it to. We’re not sure what happened at the outset but as the film progresses we get subtle hints to his past, a past that is ultimately revealed in the latter part of the film.
There are many films that focus on the downfall of others and the redemption stories that follow. Redemption stories are tales that show how far one can fall and despite how terrible life can get, there’s always a chance the light at the end of the tunnel is much larger than the size of a light bulb. Perhaps the light at the end of the tunnel is a giant treasure, a fresh start, a reunion with family and friends, etc. They’re stories no one would want to experience but when you hear one, you admire that person for fighting through all the muck, sludge and filth the world threw at them and yet they still managed to come out on top. They’re stories that leave an imprint on our minds and souls. The point is, redemption stories illustrate lives that no one wants to live, but if they were to live it, they’d want it to end that way, in a way that demonstrated purpose, the utmost resolve and the good of humankind.
Am I saying that Non-Stop is the ideal portrayal of such a story? Absolutely not. I’ve seen plenty of better ones than this, but Non-Stop does take on the figurative plot mold of a redemption story and that’s why I bring the topic up.
Now to Liam Neeson. The guy is great and more often than not he doesn’t disappoint me. He’s easily one of my favorite actors. Among the list of films I’ve seen him in: Schindler’s List, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Batman Begins, Taken, The A-Team, Battleship, Taken 2.. I enjoyed them all. If we include voice acting, we can throw on The Lego Movie and the Narnia films. The only two films I wasn’t wild about that he was in: Unknown and The Grey, which ironically he did back-to-back. Unknown was at best average while The Grey was downright awful. The short version: Liam Neeson is the man.
So like I said a couple of paragraphs ago (got a little sidetracked there), Neeson is Bill Marks, a U.S air marshal on a non-stop flight from New York to London and gets a text message on his phone saying someone is going to die every 20 minutes unless $150 million is transferred into a bank account. I thought it was at least thought-provoking if not more, so I thought, “Why not? I’ll go see it.” The only problem with movies that present an obscure premise is whether or not they can pull that premise off. Can they make it convincing? Most times there isn’t any middle ground with these films.
The film’s main cornerstone is not the action that Neeson is primarily known for although some does occur, but on the apprehension and suspense of the film. You, like Marks, are trying to figure out who the culprit is, putting yourself in the situation and the shoes of the character. Your opinion sways one way and then another as each character becomes more likely to be the killer from Marks’ perspective and your own. It’s not super intense but it does hold your attention and keep you entertained.
Once again, if you’re new to my blog, I’ve always ranked movies on a scale of 0-100 (I don’t know why, I just always have). Here’s the grading scale.
90-100 It’s a great movie and definitely one worth buying. (The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Mission Impossible, Mission Impossible II, Mission Impossible III)
80-89 It was a pretty good movie and definitely one worth seeing, but it doesn’t quite scratch my top ten percentile. (The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Next Three Days, Basic, The Other Guys, The Lego Movie)
70-79 It’s okay but I’ve seen better. It has its moments, but it has its flaws, too. (Escape Plan, Captain America: The First Avenger, Dawn of the Dead, Flyboys, 300)
60-69 It’s got plenty wrong with it but I still got enjoyment out of this one. (Pacific Rim, The Long Kiss Goodnight, Disaster Movie)
50-59 This movie isn’t intolerable but it’s not blowing my mind either. I’m trying really hard to get some sort of enjoyment out of this. (Aliens, Alien Resurrection, Full Metal Jacket, Thor, You’re Next)
40-49 This movie is just mediocre. It’s not doing anything other than the bare minimal, so morbidly boring that sometimes I’m actually angry I watched this. (Pitch Black, Alien, Serendipity, Cowboys and Aliens, 300: Rise of an Empire)
30-39 Definitely worse than mediocre, the 30’s ironically define the 1930’s, full of depression, lack of accomplishments, poverty and just so dumb. (The Contract, Pride and Prejudice, Redemption)
20-29 What did I just watch? Cliches, stupidity, nothingness, did I mention stupidity? Just…wow. (The Sum of All Fears, Thor: The Dark World)
0-19 Watching this movie resulted in one or more of the following: seizure, loss of brain cells, falling asleep/unconsciousness, feel you wasted your time/day, accomplished nothing for you, left the movie knowing less about it then you did going into it, constantly asking yourself why you came to see this movie, or near-death experience. In short, staring at a wall was just as entertaining as watching this movie. This movie deserved a sticker or a label that said, “WARNING: EXTREME AMOUNT OF SUCKAGE.” (Midnight Cowboy, Dark Fury, Alien 3, Open Grave)
My score for Non-Stop: 83.
It’s not Neeson’s best film, but as always he gives audiences something to have fun with in Non-Stop. It’s captivating and while it’s not awesome all the time, it’s still a ride to partake in, so buckle your seat belts.
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