“No Escape,” directed by John Erick Dowdle and starring Owen Wilson, Lake Bell and Pierce Brosnan, misses a huge opportunity to become worthy of discussion.

The movie’s problem is its execution. 

An American family moves to a fictional Asian country during a civil war, but it white-washes the main actor. By not hiring a differently-raced actor in a main role, the movie misses opportunities to get past its shallowness. 

The choice to add more diversity to a virtually non-diverse film industry, would draw to racial issues, making a viewer grasp the clash more.

It could also add to the idea of a simple man becoming cold and violent through conflict. It would show the change any human goes through during an extreme struggle.

The biggest accomplishment “No Escape” has is the tone. Dowdle, along with his brother Drew, are horror screenwriters and directors, so the tension built is not surprising.

Even through some of the less intelligent parts, the film haunts you down to the bone.

Bell and Wilson acted terrifically. Bell broke out of her traditional comedic role and convincingly became a mother fighting for survival.

Even this is hindered with a slight misstep though. Bell’s character would be stronger if she was on her own and the male character was killed halfway through.

It would add motivation to the children and make her even stronger.

Stars: 2 out of 5

Jacob Pierce can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @JacobPierce1_DE.