Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tense, formulaic, action-packed thriller set on a plane.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Non-Stop
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 8 parent reviews
Based on 38 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is an intense and entertaining action thriller featuring Liam Neeson. While praised for its suspense and engaging plot, many reviewers noted the graphic violence, strong language, and mature themes, suggesting it is better suited for older teens rather than younger children.
- intense action
- graphic violence
- strong language
- mature themes
- engaging plot
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Bill Marks (Liam Neeson) is an air marshal who's not a great flyer. Sometimes he relies on hard liquor to see him through but this is one flight where he shouldn't be drinking. A terrorist is on the loose, texting Bill with threats and promising a passenger will be killed every 20 minutes if his ransom demands aren't met. Bill's not sure who to trust. A female passenger (Julianne Moore) with seemingly nothing to lose may be the only one who believes that he isn't responsible for the chaos taking place at 30,000 feet.
Is It Any Good?
Liam Neeson is a great actor -- so much so that he elevates what is essentially forgettable material. It doesn't hurt that Julianne Moore's in the cast, too, though it really does feel as if the two are slumming it. You watch them give the movie their all and everyone pales in comparison. It's maddening. Maddening because the film does an excellent job heightening the tension. It feels almost as if the calamity is happening in real time. (If you're at all afraid of flying, prepare to be triggered.)
But although the plane on this NON-STOP flight hurtles at a breakneck pace, the film itself barely makes it to the arrival gate with momentum intact. A better explanation for all the villainy could have made sitting through all the turbulence worthwhile.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the movie's fear factor. How does this film tap into the collective fear about acts of terrorism, especially on planes? Does it have a political agenda?
Does the movie deal with any stereotypes and, if so, how does it handle them? Does it promote them or break them down?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 28, 2014
- On DVD or streaming : June 10, 2014
- Cast : Liam Neeson , Julianne Moore
- Director : Jaume Collet-Serra
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Thriller
- Run time : 107 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : intense sequences of action and violence, some language, sensuality and drug references
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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