Liam Neeson has been in movies for a long time in a number of roles, but ever since Albanians took his daughter in the popular thriller “Taken” (2009), he’s made a name for himself in numerous action thrillers and has become an action hero. “Non-Stop” not only continues this trend for Neeson, but is also his best action offering yet — a picture filled with mystery and suspense that demands you buy the largest bucket of popcorn the theater has to offer. You’re going to need it.

SUSPICION AND SUSPENSE AT 3,000 FEET

“Non-Stop” tells the story of Bill Marks (Neeson), a disgraced, alcoholic Air Marshall who boards an overnight, non-stop flight to London. While on board, somebody begins texting him threats on his phone — a secure server — telling him somebody is going to die every twenty minutes. It’s not a bluff, either, and soon, Marks has to figure out who’s committing the murders and why. Everybody on board is a suspect — including Marks, who is slowly being defamed as the flight becomes more and more turbulent.

ALL STAR CAST SHINES     

As expected, Neeson is excellent as Bill Marks, bringing gravity and subtlety to a roll that could’ve easily become ridiculous. Julianne Moore is also highly likable as Jen, a passenger whom Marks befriends. Moore, much like Neeson, brings something to a role that could easily be a joke. Smaller roles played by Michelle Dockery, Scoot McNairy, Lupita Nyong’o and Corey Stoll are also excellently acted, adding layers to the mystery. After all, everybody’s a suspect, and we need to believe that.
     
Director Jaume-Collet Serra — “Unknown” and “Orphan” — also brings a bit of stylistic flair to the film, which has good cinematography and some very creative shots. The action is strongly choreographed and well filmed and further proves that Neeson can kick some tail. The suspense is palpable, and the mystery is prominent throughout. The final action set piece is breathtakingly suspenseful and it will have viewers checking to see if their seat belts are fastened.

BIG REVEAL LEAVES VIEWERS UNSATISFIED

While there is a lot to praise, a few things hold “Non-Stop” back from being perfect. The big reveal is not as effective as it should be. The person or persons behind the murders makes sense, and the evidence is well set up throughout the movie — so pay attention.  However, the perpetrator’s reasons are a bit muddled and nonsensical. It’s not enough to distract, but it’s definitely some noticeable turbulence in an otherwise smooth flight.

Then again, the story behind “Non-Stop” is nothing particularly new or different, but the film greatly benefits from a quick set-up, some identifiable side characters, a strong main character and almost immediate tension. The air of mystery clings to the film until the big reveal, and the suspense ratchets up constantly. It’s not particularly deep, but it is very satisfying and will keep audiences captivated until the very last frame. That’s all “Non-Stop” really should have to do in the end. By that measure, it succeeds wildly.