No Escape

This taut thriller focuses on an American family that is accidentally caught in geopolitical crossfire after the Prime Minister of an unnamed Southeast Asian country is assassinated. Exhausted after flying from Texas to take on a new corporate job, jet-lagged Jack Dwyer (Owen Wilson), his wife Annie (Lake Bell), and their two young daughters (Sterling Jerins, Claire Geare) cannot find their driver at the airport. They are befriended by Hammond (Pierce Brosnan), a garrulous British ex-pat who is also staying at the posh Imperial Lotus Hotel. Several hours later, armed rebels begin a violent rampage through the city, determined to kill all Americans. Trying to survive amidst a parent's worst nightmare, the family runs to the hotel's rooftop, only to become trapped. A desperate Jack convinces Annie to jump to an adjoining roof, and then literally throws their daughters across a gap for her to catch, after which they are forced to flee through crowded streets where machete-wielding protesters are battling government forces. Directed by John Erick Dowdle, No Escape benefits from a suspenseful, action-packed script, as well as a fine dramatic departure for Wilson, who is best known for his comic work. Recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by writer-director John Erick Dowdle and writer-producer Drew Dowdle, behind-the-scenes featurettes (14 min.), deleted scenes (5 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are bonus DVD and UltraViolet copies of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for an engaging thriller.] (S. Granger)