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Non-Stop

28 February 2014English1h 50m
Drama
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 8 critic reviews

A taut mid-air thriller that holds its nerve until a shaky, illogical finale.

Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: sustained tension and pacing
  • Criticised: weak, illogical climax

Audience

User score 7.0 out of 10 from 1 rating, not enough ratings for a verdict yet
Read 1 audience review ↓

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Critic consensus

What 7 critics are saying

Critical reception for Non-Stop is mixed, with most reviewers acknowledging it as a watchable if undemanding thriller. Critics most commonly praised the film's relentless pacing and its ability to sustain tension throughout, with Liam Neeson's performance also earning recognition. However, a recurring and pointed criticism is the weak, illogical climax, with multiple reviewers noting that the film's promising build-up collapses in its final act. A minority found the plot twists predictable and the overall exercise too shallow to recommend without significant caveats.

How the 8 scores spread

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 7 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (8)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    If there's a film that is pretty much true to its name, then this one is it. Another variation on the classic theme of a plane hijack, the movie is relentless with not a wasted second.

  2. DNA India

    Film review ·

    Despite its flaws, Non-Stop is highly addictive and will keep you guessing who's the bad guy right till the end!

  3. Desimartini

    Film review ·

    Liam Neeson's gnarly and grizzled performance coupled with a highly enjoyable if entirely superfluous setup makes this an enjoyable watch for much of its running length. Only nose-diving and crash landing in its highly senseless ending more akin to the 'Taken' series than anything Christie or Hitchcock have conjured.

  4. DNA India

    Film review ·

    Oscar worthy this is not, nor might you remember it years later, but for now the movie is a fun way to kill a couple of hours. The movie is a far cry from 'Schindler's List' but it's by no means a bore. The pacing of the movie is fast and crisp, at no time will you be uninterested. The allure of the movie resides with the ability of the script to keep you guessing.

  5. The Navhind Times

    Film review ·

    With a simple plot, the build up is pretty strong but you do get the sense mid way that the final revelation may not live up to the expectation because the hole that is dug is too deep. Nevertheless, if you can ignore the last lap, this flight has sufficient tension to keep you hooked.

  6. The W14

    Film review ·

    A taut screenplay is adeptly handled by director Serra who is supported by good performances by Neeson who is accustomed to playing such parts and Julianne Moore as the enigmatic window passenger. Little Quinn McColgan provides a human touch and all's hunky-dory till the climax —- notwithstanding a few blanks..

  7. Wogma

    Film review ·

    You forsake logic and cinematic craft in favour of quick thrills, which the film has plenty of. You'll either be too busy trying to guess who Neeson is chasing, or you may sit back with the realisation that no matter what, Liam Neeson is having more fun than you are.

  8. BookMyShow

    Film review ·

    If you have 2 hours to kill, and you have left your brain at home, then this movie works. Don't expect great shocks, or plot twists, you can see them from a mile away. Michelle Dockery is pretty to watch. In the end, you can be glad that atleast they got the title right.

From our readers

Audience reviews (1)

1 rating · user score 7.0

  1. Alekhya DasMay 2016
    7/10

    Non-Stop just as the title advocates is strictly an around-the-clock action packed thriller movie. Non-Stop just as the title advocates is strictly an around-the-clock action packed thriller movie. Liam Neeson crews up with the Unknown director, Jaume Collet Serra. I am a huge fan of his action thrillers like Taken series, Unknown, The Grey, The A-team etc. He is in his sixties now but he looks great as always. The movie is set on a plane from New York City to London, when the protagonist being a former NPYD and a current Air Marshall gets coercions on his secured line about transferring $150 million in a bank account or a person deceases every 20 minutes. As time goes by, we get to more about his life and chain of increasingly improbable plot twists. It's truly a rock-hard plot as it is purely innovative and I haven't seen a story in the recent whiles. The opening minutes are firm as the director introduces us to the main characters that we will be spending the majority of our period with including Julianne Moore who was keen and a hostile traveler. The show goes pretty fine as it keeps the audience guessing till the pre-climax where we have some unforeseen twists and turns which was fairly bare. Though I enjoyed the climax but could have been more exciting like the total plot. The action is really incredible especially the climax gun shot. Acting – Neeson as Bill Marks is one of the greatest reasons for such a great victory of the film. He plays a role of bothered man who gets himself in such a situation. He verifies that he is indeed a great performer and an excellent action hero. Moore is more or less okay in her own way. The backup cast has done a pleasant job. Director – He has done a terrific job by generating a silence, nervous atmosphere throughout the whole flick. He preserved the movie's pace; leaving no room with needless plasters that tends to slog the story. There are a few plot holes here and there, but the stout performances relief a lot to keep the movie intense and attractive. Music – Marvelous Exertion! Flawless Soundtrack for such a movie! Largely a great 1 hour 46 mins journey filled with great suspense, thrill, action, tragedy and few gags. It was overall a fascinating experience with the strong acts creating it a must watch for all action- thriller lovers :)

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