“Non-Stop” is the latest in a string of thrillers starring Liam Neeson, cementing him as a legitimate action star. Since 2008’s “Taken,” the actor’s breakout role, Neeson appeared in eight action and thriller films.
In the film, viewers meet Federal Air Marshall Bill Marks (Liam Neeson) in his car. Marks is enjoying an Irish
coffee to numb himself to the upcoming flight. Marks then proceeds to enter the airport, viewing potential threats everywhere he looks, before boarding a non-stop flight from New York to London. Next to Marks sits Jen Summers (Julianne Moore), who counters Marks’s fiery determination with her cool, logical demeanor.
After takeoff, Marks receives a series of texts, warning that unless 150 million dollars is wired to a bank account in the next 20 minutes someone will be killed on the flight. The main conflict of the movie is Marks figuring out who sent the texts and how to stop the murders.
Filled with red herrings, hand to hand combat, shoot-outs, poison darts, and deception at every turn, “Non-Stop” is the quintessential thriller flick. Despite all of the exciting action, “Non-Stop’s” major flaw lies in its premise. Without giving anything away, expect to roll your eyes at some of the ridiculous plot twists, which culminate in a grand and thoroughly unbelievable finale.
Neeson and Moore’s chemistry is another highlight of the film. Neeson’s gruff demeanor and Moore’s laid back personality are often at odds, but the pair end up entertainingly coming together to solve the ridiculous caper.
The role of Bill Marks showcases Neeson’s acting chops, who carries the movie from start to finish. Showing an extensive emotional range throughout the film, from extreme compassion to brutal violence, it’s clear that without Neeson this movie would have been a dud.
Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, who had previously worked with Neeson on the 2011 thriller “Unknown,” the sharp cameras, and attention to detail, add a little more intrigue to the film.
Despite a premise that is laden with implausibility, “Non-Stop” is a thoroughly enjoyable thriller.
