What’s It About
Characters from different backgrounds are thrown together when the plane they’re travelling on crashes into the Pacific Ocean. A nightmare fight for survival ensues with the air supply running out and dangers creeping in from all sides.
MOVIESinMO REVIEW
In No Way Up, a seemingly ordinary flight to Cabo turns disastrous when a flock of birds collides with the plane’s engine, plummeting into the ocean depths. This catastrophic beginning marks the start of a survival thriller that, despite its exciting premise, struggles to take off in terms of entertainment and engagement. Out of all the passengers, only seven managed to survive the initial crash, finding themselves trapped in the sinking wreckage surrounded by the vast, shark-infested waters. The survivors, a mixed bag of personalities, include Ava, the determined daughter of California’s governor, her boyfriend Jed, their annoying friend Kyle, the beleaguered flight attendant Danillo, the resilient Nana Mardy, her young granddaughter Rosa, and the tough-as-nails bodyguard Brandon, played by Colm Meaney. Meaney delivers a performance that shines amidst the chaos, bringing depth to his character that the others sorely lack. His portrayal of Brandon, tasked with Ava’s safety by her politically preoccupied father, is a beacon of interest in a sea of otherwise forgettable characters. The film’s foundation is built on a thrilling concept: survivors of a plane crash fighting against the odds in shark-infested waters. However, the execution falters, turning what could have been a gripping tale of survival into a meandering story that struggles to maintain momentum. The plot is peppered with backstories and character arcs that promise intrigue but ultimately lead nowhere, serving more as distractions than as substantive contributions to the narrative. Directorial decisions further muddle the film’s impact. The choice to play the scenario straight, without a hint of self-aware humor or camp, is a misstep. A movie with a premise as outlandish as sharks circling plane crash survivors begs for a lighter touch, a nod to the inherent absurdity of the situation. Instead, No Way Up takes itself too seriously, missing the chance to blend suspense with the thrill that titles like Sharks on a Plane implicitly promise. The film’s technical aspects, notably the underwater cinematography and the convincing portrayal of the sinking plane, stand out as highlights in an otherwise lackluster offering. These moments and a few effective jump scares suggest a potential for greatness that is never fully realized. The performances are a mixed bag, with Colm Meaney and Sophie McIntosh, as Ava, delivering noteworthy efforts in their roles. Their characters bring a semblance of depth to the film, with Ava’s privileged background and subsequent evolution into a plucky survivor offering a glimmer of character development. However, the film’s inability to maintain a sense of urgency or to cohesively tie together its disparate elements results in a viewing experience that feels both prolonged and disjointed. Despite its cast’s promising setup and talents, No Way Up ultimately sinks under the weight of its unfulfilled potential, serving as a reminder that a terrific concept alone cannot buoy a film without solid execution and narrative coherence.
OUR RATING – A SHARK-INFESTED 4
MEDIA
- Genre – Drama
- Street date
- Digital – February 16, 2024
- DVD – May 28, 2024
- Video – 1080p
- Screen size – 1.85:1
- Sound – English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
- Subtitles – English SDH, Spanish
Extras
- Behind The Scenes
- Cast And Filmmakers Interviews
- Theatrical Trailer